The Tantalizing Tales of the Taylor's: February 2013

Sunday, February 24, 2013

A Bit of This and That

Here's a quick update on Adam's pastry life.

A week of entremets.

A week of chocolates (all pictures won't upload).

And a week of cookies and petit fours.

Only one week left! Technically 6 days, 5 if you don't count today.

Now a quick update from our favorite winter storm Nemo.
A few weeks back it began snowing Friday afternoon, and picked up Friday night...

... and lasted until Saturday morning.

We measured 27 inches on the driveway. Sadly, there was no Adam to help with the shoveling, so landlords and I had to go at it alone.

After struggling for several hours with two of us, I thankfully have a wonderful friend who text me to see if I needed help, which I did. She and her family helped landlord and I shovel the rest of the driveway.

After 3.5 hours we were done! After several weeks it's beginning to melt and hopefully Spring will be on its way sooner than later.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

All About Julie

In case you were all getting bored hearing about how awesome Adam is, I will relieve you briefly with updates from my life.

Because I'm basically a genius, I convinced my parents to buy me a plane ticket for a combined Christmas and birthday present. This way I could break up the time while Adam was in France. They obliged, and I was schedule to fly to Utah January 25 (take note, this trip was planned back in September).

I had planned many adventures for myself while I was in Utah, most specifically spending time with family and friends. Well, my plans changed while I was there.

Sunday, I went to see my grandma Dodie at her assisted living. She wasn't too alert, but was still able to say, "I love you honey". Which is what she was saying to most people at this point. Nonetheless, she still talked to me.

Monday, my dad called to report grandma was not doing very well. After 12 pm that day, grandma was no longer responsive. The family gathered in grandma's tiny room to see her and say their goodbyes. After many hours of keeping vigil, grandma did not seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Everyone headed home for the evening.

Tuesday I headed back to be with grandma again. We continued to keep vigil. Still, no changes. Around 5 pm, grandma's breathing changed. Within 15 minutes, she had very peacefully taken her last breath. We cried and laughed! She had finally "graduated" and was with grandpa Keith and all her family again.

I share this because, time and again, I am amazed at God's tender mercies in my life. Although my original plans for returning to Utah weren't exactly met, I was able to be present for the final days of my grandma's life (and utilize my hospice knowledge and training). I honestly didn't expect to be at her funeral or even see her before she passed. I feel truly blessed to have the Lord's hand in my life, continually guiding and directing my path.

I was still fortunate enough to squeeze in a few friend hang outs in between all the madness. Also, I got more than my share of family time! And I was lucky enough to see all of my cousins. That hasn't happened in more years than I can count.

And now a quick photo synopsis of my time in Utah.