the tolan family

My New Ride

2010-08-07T10:28:00.000-07:00

2005 Dodge Durango - 7 Passenger - Moon Roof - DVD player

It's got a little bit of everything I wanted in a SUV

New Addition

2010-04-14T20:56:00.001-07:00

Our Miniature Pinscher Lexi

We're Still Here

2010-03-15T14:55:00.001-07:00

Yes, we're still here. Since our last post Snow Days we have been busy, too busy to even add a new post. Now, finally I have time to sit and write.

Most of you all know we moved back to Orcutt. Yay! I was so excited about moving until I realized how much fun the actual moving is. We had family and friends help with the move and even had a couple friends let borrow their vehicles so we didn't have to rent a moving van.

The boys are so happy in our new home, it's a great neighborhood, kid friendly, quiet and safe!

Cameron is still working for FedEx but for another contractor. He was delivering to the Santa Maria and Orcutt area, now he is delivering to Morro Bay, Los Osos and Cuyucos. The hours are pretty much the same, the pay is more and the package handling is less. He started last week and is really enjoying the new route.

More news to come :)

Snow Day

2010-01-23T19:33:00.001-08:00

Today we decided to take a road trip to the snow! After all the rain we had this past week it was the perfect opportunity. We tried to go to the snow the day after Christmas but got lost and came back home.

We took Highway 166 to the Mt Pinos / Frazier Park turnoff just before you reach Maricopa. We drove up the mountain and stopped for a bit to let the kids have fun, Candace wasn’t impressed but the boys sure seemed to enjoy it. We got back in the car and drove some more… This is the point where there is so much snow it’s covering the road way and we slipped around a few times but finally made it down the other side of the mountain to find lots of people riding down snow covered hills. So we stopped at the local store in the town and picked up a couple snow boards for the kids and Cameron.

We decided to head back towards home before it got dark since the roads were covered with ice and snow. But before we left we threw some snow on the car to see if it would last until we got home, every truck there was shoveling snow into the bed of their truck before they left. We finally left and found that the CHP had the road closed getting back through the mountain due to the road conditions but let us through so we could get back home.

So did the snow make it home? No. But my car has mud smeared all over it from the snow that was thrown at my car.

So Long, Farewell

2010-01-12T07:40:00.000-08:00

WE'RE MOVING BACK TO ORCUTT!

FEBRUARY 1, 2010

Events of the New Year!

2010-01-04T17:58:00.000-08:00

Our New Year was off to a rough start... Zach, Mike, Candace and I were in the process of trying to get over a two week cold. Not fun!

New Years Day we had planned on the boys having a sleepover at Grandma's so they could spend some extra time with their cousin that was here visting from Lake Forest. We ate some lunch earlier in the day and towards the evening Mike was complaining on bad stomach cramps then soon was spending his time in the bathroom and within an hour Zach was too... so much for the sleepover... Once we were home with the kids I got sick too! Candace and Cameron never got sick so we have assumed it to be food poisoning.

Late Saturday afternoon we took Mike and Candace to Grammie and Grandpa's to spend the night... Cameron, Zach, Robert (cousin) and I headed to Ventura for the night so we could go to the San Diego Chargers game on Sunday.

Here are a few pictures from our trip to San Diego...

Tolan Ladies Christmas Brunch

2009-12-20T08:41:00.000-08:00

Aunt Cheryl, Candace, Me, Lisa, Ashely, Mikayla, Grandma Tolan, Aunt Ginger, Shelby & Paula

Candace & Mommy

Happy 1st Birthday

2009-11-09T19:18:00.001-08:00

We love you!

Candace Taylor

November Is...

2009-11-03T22:07:00.001-08:00

Prematurity Awareness Month!

Candace Taylor
"Our Little Miracle"
Born: November 9, 2008 @ 31 weeks
3 pounds 4.5 ounces
16 inches

Montaña de Oro

2009-11-02T15:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Mike and I traveled to Los Osos for a school field trip to Montaña de Oro. Due to the school budgets, Mike's teacher is planning a couple field trips on the weekends where parents can take their children. Unfortunately, siblings are not allowed on these trips so Zach stayed at home with Cameron and Candace.

I've never been but it was worth the view of the coast. The field trip started with a hike to the top of Valencia Peak. It was a very strenuous hike where you need to be physically and mental prepared for (Mike and I made it 3/4 of the way to the top). After the hike mostly everyone got ready for the second hike to the tide pools to explore the little creatures.

It was a very long and exhausting day.... But the scenery is beautiful!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T21:51:00.000-07:00

Celebrating 11 Years of Marriage

2009-10-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our 11 year wedding anniversary and little did I know what Cameron had planned for just the two of us. Later I found out that the kids and my mom had known for quite sometime and I'm still surprised my kids didn't slip up and ruin the surprise. Kids have a very hard time keeping secrets, especially mine.

Cameron finished his softball tournament around 5:00. He came home and we loaded up the kids to take them to grandma's for what I thought would just be a few hours.

We started out the evening with a romantic dinner, just the two of us and no kids. After dinner he drove us north of Santa Maria to Avila Beach where we walked on the beach for awhile, something I love to do. He then made it seem as though we needed to get back home to the kids. So we left Avila Beach and I thought we were heading home... DETOUR! He pulls into Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and left me in the car waiting. I had assumed we were just going to the hot tubs since we were headed in that direction and he wouldn't let me see the map.

After he checked us in we walked up the hill towards the suites. We stopped at a building called, "Harmony" and found our one bedroom suite "Y-not." The suites are very nice with your own private hot tub on the deck of your patio.

The evening we spent together alone reminded me of why I fell in love with him. It was a memorable evening with just the two of us.

Our Wedding Anniversary

2009-10-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

We couldn't possibly have known
when we began our married life
how entwined our lives would become
in our journey as husband and wife.

With every year and each passing day
you manage to say "I Love You"
in so many different ways.

May our Anniversary remind us,
as we start the year anew, that we share
a special happiness life gives to just a few.

Happy Anniversary... I Love You!

October 24, 1998

Why Babies Have Mothers

2009-10-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

For anyone that needs a good laugh!

Weekend Fun!

2009-09-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday was spent doing chores around the house and I got to watch "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" before Cameron and Zach left town.

Cameron had never been to Magic Mountain and he has talked about going so he planned a weekend getaway.

On Sunday... Cameron, Zach, Sam and Lisa spent the day at Magic Mountain and from the pictures they brought home it looked like they all had a great time.

Mike, Candace and I spent Sunday going to the park, Boomers and later we met up with my mom for dinner at McDonald's.

It was nice to spend one on one time with the boys.

I'm still laughing at these pictures, check out Zach's facial expressions! PRICELESS

In Loving Memory

2009-09-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

Wishing you a Happy Birthday!

September 1929 - December 2007

We miss you

**********************************************************

Happy Anniversary!

September 1989

What's New

2009-09-06T22:44:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the delay in getting a new post up, but I've been busy juggling work and family time.

As you all know I started a new job and it's perfect for me! The people are great to work with and the hours are just what I need. Giving me more time to spend with my husband and children.

This weekend we've had a lot going on. Saturday Cameron and Zach went to Mom and Dad Tolan's ranch to help work while Mike, Candace and I stayed home and got some house cleaning done as well as the large pile of laundry. Fun!

Today we started off by celebrating our nephew Christopher's 10th birthday! After the party was over Cameron, the kids and I headed to the ranch for a family BBQ. Cameron's cousin Sarah was down visiting from Washington and the whole Tolan family was there too.

Not much more than that going on right now, but here are some pictures from today.

Back To Work

2009-08-10T20:13:00.000-07:00

It's almost been a full year since I last worked, August 29, 2008 was my last day of work due to pregnancy complications. Seems so long ago! I do admit that I have been truly blessed to be home with my children but it's time for mommy to go back to work. So tomorrow I begin a new job with a locally owned and operated appliance repair business and the work hours will allow me to spend more time with my children. I'm definitely looking forward to this new position.

How Cute Is This?

2009-08-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

Two New Do's

2009-07-31T15:24:00.000-07:00

Since it's almost time for back to school, it was time for Zach and Mike to get their haircut!

It would be nice though if Zach would smile every now and then and don't you just love the expression on Mike's face.

I love my boys!

Milestones

2009-07-31T15:04:00.000-07:00

I think about all the premature babies born and I truly believe that Candace is our miracle baby and how blessed we are to have her here with us. She reminds me everyday how precious life is as I remember the day I held my 3 pound 4.5 ounce baby girl in my arms, born at 31 weeks gestation.

As Candace grows before our eyes and reaches her milestones I feel as though she has accomplished so much at such a very young age.

It's been a few weeks now since Candace has been crawling around. She doesn't crawl on her hands and knees yet, but what she does is "army crawl" by using her arms to pull her forward and her legs to push. This past Sunday I was sitting in the living room with Candace while she played with her toys and out of no where she sat up on her own! I couldn't believe it so I put her down on her tummy to see f she would do it again, and sure enough she did. Today Zach was playing with her then he called me to come hurry and see what Candace did. I walked to the room and saw Candace holding onto the couch standing...

I'm so proud of my preemie!

Candace & Puffs

2009-07-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

NICU Follow Up

2009-07-17T16:11:00.000-07:00

All went well today as Candace returned to Sierra Vista for a Preemie Development Clinic. The Neonatologist and Therapists’ evaluate her to see how she is doing overall and I must say I have one smart cookie!

For her aptitude she received a score of an 8 month old, for her mobility she received a score of a 6 month old and for her verbal/speech she received a score of a 5 month old.

Candace’s actual age is 8 months and her adjusted age is 6 months. She currently weighs 14 pounds 1 ounce and is 24 inches, her birth weight was 3 pounds 4.5 ounces and she was 16 inches. She will have another follow up appointment in September to see how her high muscle tone is and if it’s improving.

Overall she is doing very well for being born at only 31 weeks gestation.

(Note: Date on camera is wrong!)

Summer Vacation - Part 2

2009-07-16T16:19:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the delay in posting Part 2 of our vacation, but here it is…

This part of our vacation started Wednesday, July 8th after a well rested Tuesday. Before we could leave town little Candace needed to be dropped off with Grandma Warren, it had been decided that it would be best that she stay behind so the boys including Cameron could enjoy as much as they could at Disneyland and California Adventure without having to worry about naptime and a possible cranky baby.

Once we finally said our goodbye’s to Candace we headed south. We finally arrived in Anaheim around 6:30 and got settled at our hotel. We had promised the boys that we would take them to the pool once we were there so of course we did just that. After we headed out for a bite to eat but needed to be back at our hotel room by 9:30 to watch the firework show at Disneyland. Did I mention we had a wonderful view of both parks from our hotel room? Once the show was over it was time for bed since Cameron wanted to be at Disneyland by 8:00.

Wednesday morning came and we were up at the crack of dawn. We got our bags packed and headed to “the happiest place on earth”…. sounds cheesy, huh? This time Cameron was going to make sure he was going to finally ride the Matterhorn, Cameron is 32 years old and has NEVER been on this ride! We spent most of the day at Disneyland then “park hopped” over to California Adventure and spent a few hours over there then “park hopped” back over to Disneyland.

By the time our night was over we had been on all the rides we planned to go on and our feet and legs were aching so badly. We still had a long drive home too…

We arrived back home in SM around 2:00am Friday morning and Cameron wanted to pick up Candace first then go home even though Grandma had offered to keep her an extra night. Daddy sure missed his little girl.

This is where our vacation ended. Friday, Saturday and Sunday we just relaxed before Cameron returned to work on Monday. Next year for our vacation we’re hoping to go to Lake Tahoe!

Reason Why You...

2009-07-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

... never, ever leave the baby alone with Grandma Warren while you're out of town on vacation!

Summer Vacation - Part 1

2009-07-11T19:06:00.000-07:00

Our annual summer trip began this past Sunday as we headed north to Monterey, we decided this year we would take the kids to the Aquarium. We were lucky enough to find a hotel in Marina, CA at a reasonable price and that was close to the Wharf and Aquarium.

We arrived in Marina mid-afternoon and had some time to spend an extra day at the Wharf. Once we got settled at the hotel we loaded the kids back up and headed down to Fisherman’s Wharf for some sight-seeing and dinner.

On Monday we packed up and took off to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We spent about 3 hours viewing the exhibits and marine life, then went for a walk down Cannery Row.

This wasn’t the end of our vacation it was just the beginning and there was much more driving to do. We decided to head back home and get some rest before Wednesday.

New Arrival

2009-07-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

Our friends Chris & Ashely Flores welcomed their first child today, a baby girl named Alyssa Bailey Renee Flores.

Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful daughter!

Summer Fun

2009-06-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

It’s been a long time since I was able to spend summer vacation with the boys. Last time I was home with them was when they were small babies. I’ve told the boys that we will try and do as much as we can this summer before I find a job and won’t have this “summer time” with them and Candace too.

Zach and Mike have been out of school for 2 ½ weeks now and the fun has already started.

So far we’ve been to Waller Park where the boys enjoyed playing frisbee golf with Cameron, we went over to Aunt Niki’s to play on the Slip n Slide with Chris and Makayla, then had Chris and Makayla come over to our place to enjoy our community pool.

Our new fun place is the Lompoc Aquatic Center.

Last Thursday, Niki and I took the kids (Zach, Chris, Mike, Makayla & Candace) to the Lompoc Aquatic Center and since Zach and Mike had so much fun Tiffany and I took the kids (Zach, Mike, Austin, Nick & Candace) yesterday. I was brave enough to take my camera in the water with us to capture some pictures since this was Candace’s first time going into a pool.

Our vacation starts this Sunday as we head to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, then on Wednesday we leave for Disneyland and California Adventure.

More posts and pictures to come!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-20T16:23:00.001-07:00

"A dad is someone who wants to catch you before you fall but instead picks you up, brushes you off, and lets you try again. A dad is someone who wants to keep you from making mistakes but instead lets you find your own way, even though his heart breaks in silence when you get hurt. A dad is someone who holds you when you cry, scolds you when you break the rules, shines with pride when you succeed, and has faith in you even when you fail..."

Happy Father's Day Cameron

Before (Original Tattoo)

After

Happy Birthday Lucas!

2009-06-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

Today was not a day we got to sleep in since we needed to be at the Santa Barbara Zoo by 9:45am to celebrate our nephew Lucas' 1st birthday. The boys really enjoyed it and I think everyone else did too. Mike said; "I didnt like it... I loved it!" Candace was a trooper even though she missed out on a couple naps.

Tonight we are heading to a baby shower to help welcome our friend's new arrival due very soon on the 28th of this month. Chris and Ashley will be welcoming a baby girl named Alyssa. Zach and Mike will be joining while Candace sits this one out.

The camera was in hand once again so here are some picture of earlier today at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

Lucas Alexander (aka: Birthday Boy)

Candace on the Carousel Lawn

The Tolan Family

Michael taking a nap

Photo Friday

2009-06-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

What would Friday be without Elvis?

Zachary, Mr. Dana (Principal of Dunlap Elem) and Michael

Afternoon Adventure

2009-06-02T15:46:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be nice to take the kids to the park once they got out of school today. They had no clue what was going on until I parked the car at the park, even though there was a bag full of bread in the front seat.

Zachary and Michael always enjoy feeding the ducks as Mike throws the bread then runs around the pond away from the ducks. This was Candace's first time feeding the ducks and I wasn't too sure how she would react even when the huge goose came right up to us and was wanting to take the bread right out of my hands. Thankfully he didn't think Candace's toes were a snack too!

Of course I captured the event with our camera, so I have included some pictures for you to enjoy.

Laughs & Giggles

2009-05-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

I returned home this evening after getting pampered. I got a manicure and pedicure thanks to my wonderful husband and three amazing children. Mommy needed it!

Zach was helping me take care of Candace this evening as Mike was finishing his homework. As I was changing Candace into her jammies she began to laugh and giggle so I sent Zach to hurry and go get the camera.

Candace is 6 months old (4 months adjusted) and her development ie. laughing, sitting, crawling, standing and walking will hopefully follow with her adjusted age. Needless to say we have been eager to hear her cry, mumble, babble, laugh, etc...

Filmed by: Zachary Tolan

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

“A Mother's love is something that no one can explain

It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain

It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may

For nothing can destroy it or take that love away

It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking

And it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking

It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns

And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems

It is far beyond defining, it defies all explanation

And it still remains a secret like the mysteries of creation

A many splendored miracle man cannot understand

And another wondrous evidence of God's tender guiding hand”

Sleepy Afternoon

2009-05-07T17:53:00.001-07:00

The kids have been relaxing since I picked them up from school this afternoon. Mike said he had a headache when he got home so he took about a 2 hour nap. Zach and Candace have or should I say had been playing.

Zachary called me into the living room just a little bit ago to come see something so of course I grabbed my camera and this is what I saw… Isn't this just precious!

**********************************************************

Come to find out Mike had a fever of 102.6! No other symptoms from what he has told me just only that he has a headache. Doctor says not to worry just give him Tylenol or Motrin and it will go away and should feel better by tomorrow.

Lets hope so since we have Mother's Day plans this weekend.

I'll Always Be...

2009-04-27T16:40:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Cam and I took the kids to Kohl's to get them a couple outfits. Zach and Mike each picked out a shirt and Cam chose Candace's outfit. It says:

"I'll always be... Daddy's little girl"

Celebrate!

2009-04-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

We had lots to celebrate these past two weeks.
The weekend of Easter we traveled to Santa Barbara on Saturday to visit Grandma Tolan since Sunday we wouldn’t be there with the rest of the family. Grandma was delighted to finally meet Candace for the first time.

Easter Sunday morning the boys got up bright and early to see what goodies the Easter bunny had brought them and later that morning Cameron took us out for breakfast.

Sunday afternoon we met up with my sister Niki and her family along with my mom Debbie for dinner.

This past weekend we got together to celebrate Michael’s 9th birthday! And I just can’t believe Zachary is 10 and Michael is 9, they have grown up so fast…

Starting Something New

2009-04-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

Cameron came up with the idea to start a blog so here we are. It's another way to keep our family and friends updated on what's going on. Hopefully we can keep it going. You can also keep informed by going to...

www.myspace.com/dtblugrl
www.myspace.com/ctolan1024
www.facebook.com