king of the wii

Happy New Year everybody, tonight Beck and I played Wii with our friends Shannon and Kristi and I’ve got to say, I rocked the joint.  I haven’t played a lot yet, and honestly I haven’t played many video games since college, but I think I’m addicted. So I’m thinking that’ll be the next big purchase for the Taylor home.  In Wii world I am 38 according to my fitness score… which is not great, but its better than Shannon’s 73 (sorry man).  Leaving tonight Beck said she would only allow us to get one if we put boundaries on it because she’s worried I’ll be obsessed “like I am with my iPhone.”  Ahhh women, they just don’t get it. 

my little van goop

Here’s some shots of Bella’s first masterpiece… and it is beautiful.  

budget madness

About 3 weeks ago our staff started going through Dave Ramsay’s Financial Peace University together and while its been good its also been so tough. Last night Beck and I sat down and spent about 10 minutes budgeting and 30 minutes fighting about the budget… what is that all about. Why is it that money is the main thing couples fight over and ultimately get divorced over. However during this fight we realized that we were arguing for the same thing we just were communicating it terribly. It’s true that men and women think differently but its even more true that we find security in different ways, especially when it comes down to money. Ultimately we found out that we were both wanting the same things, to have healthy finances, to give Bella what she needs, and to have a very healthy relationship which means not being stressed about money. I love how Dave puts it, he said

“As you learn to discuss major purchases and budgets and come to agreement, you are agreeing on your value system. When this happens, you will reach a unity in your marriage that you can experience no other way.”

Even though its only been a few weeks, I feel like this class is helping us more than just in our finances but in our relationship.

bella’s big day

I can’t believe that a year ago today my life was changed forever by a 6 pound 7 ounce, pooping, crying, and sleeping ball of joy.  Today is my Bella’s first birthday, she is truly the sweetest little girl in the world.  I love that little girl more than anything.    ”Lord, allow me to love her the way you love her, help me to be the good dad that you are, strengthen me to live everyday to the fullest so that this little sweet angel will see you as you truly are through me.”

5 amazing years

5 years ago today I was lucky enough to marry the most beautiful women in the world. So today we are spending the day together, which means sleeping late, eating a lot, a walk on the beach, and probably some shopping. Oh yea… its gonna be great. I can’t believe its already been 5 years.

I love you Becky… you’re my princess.

my morning with bella

Bella and I got to hang out a little while this morning while mommy slept in… it’s always the hightlight of my day. She got a backpack just like Dora, and she loves it… here are the pics.

this weekend

Coming into this weekend I had very low expectations — my birthday was yesterday. The big 29, or as my friend Shannon says, “30 minus 1.” Thats just not right. Anyway back to the weekend… Friday night we started it off by hanging out with friends and seeing 3:10 to Yuma. Which turned out to be a really great movie, you should check it out.

Most of Saturday was spent hangin’ around the house, mowing the lawn, and taking a power nap. That afternoon we packed up and went to Fairhope Pier for a photo shoot with Bella.

Which brings the count of Bella pics to 47 million! We got some really good ones. To finish the day off right, Beck made me my favorite, carrot cake. It was flippin’ amazing.

Today at church, we had Chuck Quinley visiting from the Phillippines. Right now he is a pastor there and the president of a local Bible college, but God is moving them in January to Thailand. He is a fellow media junkie doing some pretty rad stuff on the other side of the world. He invited me to come over there next year to teach at a media conference… now that’s sounds amazing. I’ll let you know how that unfolds.

To finish the weekend off I went to the Union, which is a student church that my friend Ovie started. It was really cool. They are in between venues right now, but they are totally making it work. It was so good to see a bunch of old friends.

So this was a great weekend, lets just hope the week that follows is even better.