Becky's B-day!

Today is Becky's birthday. It is super easy to remember, as it is exactly one week after mine and one week after my dad's. It's not easy being squished between two Taylor's, so you all already should know that Becky is a trooper.

Becky is Nathan's wife, and has done a wonderful job of civilizing him. Mostly. He has always been a big softy (always stops to help people on the side of the road, always helps out the homeless, always helps out period), but Becky has definitely polished up that diamond in the rough.

And check out their ADORABLE little boy. I mean, talk about the genetic jackpot.

So here is just a small tribute to my SIL. I don't think people hear enough about what is awesome about them:

*She is an amazing homemaker in the sweetest sense of the word. She and Nate were living out here and bought a house, and she managed to make a basement apartment warm, spacious, SUNNY, and inviting. I mean, talk about Martha Stuart-ing it. In their current home, she already put up homemade valances in a cheery tropical print.

*She is constantly improving herself. It seems like she is always refining a new talent. She has become quite an accomplished seamstress (Preston's duck outfit for Halloween was sooo sweet), she is a self-taught gardener, she cooks delicious and HEALTHY food, and her current undertaking is art. I also hear guitar is on the horizon...

*She is very thoughtful and considerate of others. She is also very family-oriented. She is always having friends and family over for dinners and what not.

*She is so tender-hearted! She loves animals, and they have 2 cats (one a stray, the other a rescue) and a delightful (if ditzy) mini Dachshund, Darla.

Anyway, I just want to express my appreciation that Rebecca Ailene Tanner Taylor was born today. I hope that this year is her best yet! Love ya Becky!

Fabulous News!

Okay, so I just wanted to make a quick li'l announcement.

Last month, I flew out to Colorado to take the exam for the Presidential Management Fellowship (see the January 18th post, toward the middle for a description of THAT lovely experience). You can find out about the program here.

Well, I found out just now that I am a finalist! It is a HUGE deal, and I was completely not expecting to have made it. I am absolutely thrilled.

That's all!