16 Years

16 years ago today I was blessed with a baby brother. It’s funny to me how many things have changed, like how he is a whole head taller than I am and he can carry me around when I used to do the same to him. But then I think about all the things that have stayed the same, like how (as much as I hate to admit it) I am still overly protective of him and he is still, and always will be, one of my best friends.

I love each of my siblings an incredible amount, but Liam and I have a different relationship that can’t be explained. He was my first baby brother, my first friend; he was my world when we were younger.

I am happy to say that he has grown to be an amazing person and I am so incredibly lucky to call him my baby brother

Happy 16th Birthday Liam!

Surprise Visit

This weekend I received a lovely surprise visit from my mom and 2 youngest brothers, Jackson & Darby. While I was home for Fall Break 2 weeks ago I told myself that I wouldn’t go back home until Thanksgiving- which I knew was unfortunately a long, five weeks away.

Seeing my mom and the little boys truly made my day! I knew it would be a struggle to make it that long without seeing my family, but their visit will help me make it through the next few weeks before I am finally home again.

Here is a picture of the sign mom and the boys used to surprise me:

What a wonderful surprise!!

Blessings

This is a photo that I took at my Senior Class Retreat just a few days before graduation last year. Considering all that has been going on the past few weeks I thought it would be perfect to share.

If it weren’t for my incredibly faithful friends I don’t know that I would have made it through the weeks leading up to fall break. My grandpa has been in the hospital and it was a struggle for me to be away from home and my family as they dealt with everything.

I had a friend who turned to me in the middle of class and said, “I’m going to say a prayer for you” and right then she bowed her head to pray- in the middle of Psychology. A few days later as I was getting ready for bed a friend came over to see how I was doing. We sat in my room and he told me about different Bible verses to read that would help me through these difficult times. He reassured me that God would help me and my family through it all. How wonderful are they?? I can’t even begin to describe how much they mean to me.

It is times like this that I am reminded of how truly blessed and fortunate I am to be surrounded my such wonderful people. Thank you to everyone who has been a blessing in my life these past 19 years- I am thankful for each and every one of you!!

Fall

Fall is finally here! I am so excited for the change of season and the beauty that comes with it. There are so many things that I love about fall; the crisp air, bundling up, warm drinks and time spent with my family at the pumpkin patch.

I took this picture when I was out exploring the parks of Lincoln. It is one of many beautiful views I came across today. I can’t wait to be home over fall break and see all of the colorful trees in Kearney! There will be plenty more photos to share!

Football

Last weekend I went home to visit my family and while my brothers were outside playing football I went out to watch for a while. I wasn’t going to share these pictures until I talked to my brother Liam just a few minutes ago.

He told me that our grandparents are coming over for the football game this afternoon and Mom & Dad were making Chili for everyone. All of a sudden I got incredibly home sick. It’s days similar to this one that I miss my family the most. I have nothing going on but piles of homework and books in front of me and that doesn’t exactly take my mind off of home. I decided to take a short study break and ended up sifting through pictures of home and my family which is what led me to share these.

I know that it won’t be long before I see everyone again but regardless I miss them all like crazy!

Brothers

Over Labor Day weekend, while we were at the zoo, I took a picture of Liam with little Darby on his shoulders and I was taking it I started to realize that I have so many other pictures just like it.

No matter where we go, whether it’s ice skating in Omaha, hiking in Wisconsin, decorating the Christmas tree or running a 5K, those two are like a gravitational pull. It never fails that somehow Liam always ends up carrying little Darby.

I’ve shared most of these pictures before but I wanted to share them again because I think it portrays so well the love my family has for one another. No matter the age difference between these two they are best buds and that goes for all of us. My siblings are my best friends and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

My Two Favorite Guys

It has been almost a week since I moved back to Lincoln for school and already I miss these two little guys immensely. I miss their smiles and giggles, the funny faces they make and their oddly, super strong hugs.

Two more days until I get to see my sweet little brothers, along with the rest of my family, and I couldn’t be more excited! My heart hurts to not see them everyday but it just makes it more special when I do have time with them.

Love you boys!

Away From Home

I’m writing this as I sit in my new dorm room wondering what this year will be like. Liam, Payton and my mom just left after helping me unpack and get settled.

I am excited to be back on campus but I am definitely going to miss my time at home. Things like morning coffee and watching the Today Show with mom, the sound of my little brothers laughing and playing, watching golf with dad and goofing off with Liam and Payton are always on my mind.

I know I will enjoy sophomore year but I always look forward to my weekends at my beautiful home; I already look forward to a short trip back!

Mile by Mile

It was the perfect morning for a run; not too hot and not too cold with the sun’s rays shining through the clouds. There couldn’t have been a more perfect view to remind you of God’s grace and presence.

This was the 6th year of the Annual Lizzie Stratton Memorial Run and the second year that I ran the 5k. I’m not much of a runner so my head was filled with worry leading up to that day, but as soon as the race started I felt blessed. The trail was lined with quotes and pictures to remind us of why we are running and I know that if it weren’t for that and the incredible amount of support from everyone around, those 3 short miles would feel like an eternity.

Me and my running buddy, Kaylie Stratton. I am so proud of her and how strong she finished!

I finished the run with my mom and youngest brother, Darby.

I look forward to years ahead  and the wonderful experiences I know I will continue to have at each Memorial Run. A HUGE “Thank you” to all those involved in making this event truly special and helping us remember and honor sweet Elizabeth Stratton!

Daisies

I was sitting in the living room the other day and could see the light from the sunset pouring in the the front door. It was so beautiful so I grabbed my camera and headed outside.

As I was turning back to head in the front door I walked past my mom’s Gerber Daisies. I was about to ignore them but then stopped to admire their beauty. I intended to share a picture or two of the setting sun but I couldn’t resist sharing this picture instead!

Along with her Hydrangeas my mom absolutely loves her Daisies and is thrilled whenever she finds a new bud. There couldn’t be a more beautiful to sight to see as you walk up to our front door.

new new new

I finally got my NEW camera today and I couldn’t be more excited about it! I spent the evening experimenting with the different elements and features.

I went over to our neighbors garden to test it out and see what shots I could get and these are just a few of my favorites that I took.

I’m sure this camera will be attached to my hip so there will be plenty more to come!

Life Lessons

I took this picture a few years ago and it has always been a favorite of mine. I’m not usually one for staged pictures but this one I had to take. In the winter, each morning before school, I would walk by this door outside my room and draw something on it. After drawing the heart and seeing the light shining behind it, I knew it would be a beautiful picture.

Each time I look at it I think of love, but not the typical kind that we see in movies. Something much bigger than that; a love in faith, a love for one another-even those we have never met.

Friday was my last day as a nanny for the summer and when I got there Halli, the 6 year old, asked me if I heard about what happened in Colorado. She looked at me with such confusion yet sincerity and said, “I don’t know why anyone would do something bad like that. People are precious and that was wrong.” Hearing her say that made me stop and think. I wish everyone could have that outlook on life- that people are precious and everyone deserves our love and acceptance.  I hope that everyone can someday live their lives with that attitude and state of mind.

Although my job was to look after these 3 little girls and maybe teach them a thing or two, in the end, they ended up teaching me not only about myself but about life. I am so blessed to have had such a wonderful experience as a nanny this summer.

 

wildflowers

Every summer, in late July, wildflowers begin to line the road to my house. This last week they started to slowly pop up and everyday I drive by them and think how beautiful they are.

Last night after dinner my mom and I walked down the road so I could get a few shots. They turned out to be exactly what I had pictured in my head- with the sun shining on them and the endless fields of corn rolling over the hills behind.

It won’t be long before the entire road is lined with these beautiful flowers, just adding to the beautiful drive to our home in the country.

New Neighbors

 

A few months ago a Robin started building her nest in our small herb garden. Before she was finished creating her new home we moved our plants to make room for her and her soon to be babies.

A few weeks ago her 4 eggs hatched but only 3 of the babies made it. The are constantly poking their heads around asking for food. Today when I cam home one had even managed to climb out of the nest to rest against the railing. I cannot believe how big they are already.

~Taylor

Summer

 

So far my summer has been anything but boring, that’s for sure! The kids I nanny definitely keep me busy but it has been a lot of fun.

      

Most of my days are spent at the park, library and occasionally the waterpark in town.

  

I can’t wait to see what other adventures we have ahead of us this summer!

Addison Mae

A few weeks ago a family friend had me take some pictures of her youngest for her 2nd birthday. It was so much fun taking pictures with Addie and I am lucky enough to spend everyday with her and her two sisters that I nanny for.

I was really anxious to see how the pictures would turn out. I am still experimenting and learning everyday and I love it more and more every time.

These are just a few of my favorites that I took

~Taylor