Our TIRED Kayson

It's just me tonight...  I had a super long day at work.  I'm tired of the crappy, cold, wet weather.  Ryan is over 8 hours away.  And I'm tired.  It's not a great combination at this point.  :(

I picked up the kiddos a little early... I needed and wanted to see them.  When I got Kayson - again, he looked like he was exhausted, and he was.  He instantly was whiny and talking back.  It makes me so sad to see him this way... and have him not doing well at home.  He is clearly tired.  I knew this whole 'no nap' thing would be tough, but I honestly didn't think it would be THIS bad.  Anyway, we had a rough evening.  Here are some of the things that happened:

• Moping around telling me that he's starving.  I make supper... he asked for mac & cheese and a PB & J sandwich.  Fine.  He didn't eat one bite. 
• Moping continues - he says he's bored and has nothing to do.  I remind him of all the toys, games, worksheets, puzzles, Legos he has.  He's not interested.  
• He tells me I look like I have a small baby in my tummy.  Awesome. 
• He tells me I'm mean and am a bully.  :(
• He then tells me he's tired and wishes he could take a nap.  Right on buddy. 

I explained to him that we'd be going to bed early.  Moping, crying and whining continues.  However, he did get into the bath and ready for bed (without TOO much trouble).  He read two books to me (yes, he's reading more and more words now! - but potentially has some of the books memorized, but whatever!)  And he was asleep by 8:12. 

Kayson Michael - I love you so much.

Expensive Saturday... and Crabby, Droopy Sunday

I don't think I've been a good Mom this weekend!  I was away for nearly a full day on Saturday... and I was crabby today!  

Saturday we were up early...  and kept the kids fairly busy.  Kayson had his Tball pictures taken at 10, then we headed to Lowe's to look for patio furniture.  We found what we wanted, but there wasn't much customer service around, and the kids were out of control, so we left... but we ordered it online Saturday night.  So that's done.  

We had a quick lunch, then I headed out to get Ashley in Ankeny and we headed to Clarion for the afternoon/evening to see Hope at Prom.  It was great having one on one time with Ash...  she's really opened up to me, and I really appreciate that.  Anyway, on our way up north... I got pulled over.  Yes, lovely...  thrilled... irritated...  grr.  :)  Proud moment.  As Ashley laughed at me...  we finally got home and got to see Hope and Logan... and some of their friends.  We had a great time visiting and seeing everyone all dolled up!  It was a quick trip, but totally worth it - even with the expensive ticket.  :)  

Ryan said the kids were great for him... of course.  It's official - when one parent is gone, (mainly me), the kids are good.  The second I got home (which was late), Kayson started acting up.  He was tired (I was glad Ryan kept him up), but also mad cuz he had such trouble listening and going to bed.  BOO.   

Saturday late afternoon, Ryan noticed our water heater wasn't working... no hot water.  We've had problems with it before, but it was fixed then...  figuring we wouldn't have problems again?!?!  We had a service guy come out late Saturday night (like 8:30!!)...  he didn't have the proper part, so he would have to come back Sunday (which an extra charge due to it being a weekend).  UGH.  

That moves us into today...  we were up early again.  Oh Cora Taylor.  6am is not an option.  :)  It was raining and thundering too... so dark and so nice... and she's up.  I could have slept forever!  Kayson was up shortly after as well.  I knew it would be a long day.  and Momma is always right.  :)

We played...  kept fairly busy...  but to be honest, Kayson got so wound up at times and got so naughty, it just wasn't fun.  Ryan's allergies were also terrible.  He was/is miserable, which is not fun either.  AAaaa...  not a fun day!  And to top it off, still no hot water until after 4pm today!!!  I needed and wanted a shower SO BADLY!!  You know when you need a break and the shower is the only place to get that!!!

I finally headed out and got groceries... then a quick supper was had, then bed for the kids.  They were tired (obviously!), and so am I.  Ryan's resting as well...  I know how it feels to have allergy attacks, and it wears a person out.  I hope he's better tomorrow!

Anyway, there's my story for the weekend.  Pretty much blah!!!  I have a super busy week ahead of me... and I'm not prepared.  I'm a little overwhelmed by it, so I'm hoping everything goes well!

Totes adorbs.  :)

Look at Kayson's face.  Hilarious.

Hope Marie.  Beautiful.

Random

• Daycare is officially phasing out naps for Kayson.  Over the past few months, they've been cutting the nap time from 12:30-2:30 to 12:30-1:30.  Fine - I get it...  he did ok with that.  But now they are doing even more - only 'resting our bodies' during this short period of time.  I'm obviously not there, so I don't know exactly how it goes down...  but my guess is that they don't really keep quiet, so the kids really don't fall asleep.  (Which is what the teachers are wanting).  Again, I get it.  But since then - holy moly have we had a TIRED little boy.  Yesterday when I picked him up, he looked like he literally was going to fall over.  He admitted - "Mom, I'm tired."  I could tell!!  Anyway, I've said this before - we are SO lucky to have a 5 year old that has taken naps and wanted to take naps.  So this is definitely an adjustment for Kayson.  
• Kayson's bonked eye is pretty much healed.  Tonight it just looked a little greenish colored - so the bruise is healing and probably isn't even noticeable to others.
• Cora actually played by herself tonight.  This RARELY happens lately.  She's usually whining to be held or just bothering Kayson!  But tonight, she sat on the floor and played with her baby dolls and dollhouse.  I was thrilled, and didn't say a word to her!  :)
• Our lamp in our living room crapped out on us...  after 8 years.  It made me giggle.  We now have a new one!!
• I'm ready for the weekend!  Saturday, Ashley and I are going up to Clarion to see Hope go to her Junior Prom.  I'm excited to spend some time with Ash...  and Ryan gets the kiddos!  :)  Sunday I hope to just hang out!
• Cora's been giving kisses and hugs so nicely lately.  It's by far my favorite thing right now.  So sweet.

T-Ball 2014 (1st Game)

We have our first T-Ball game under our belt!!!  and it was a perfect evening!

Kayson did great!!  He played 3rd base, Short Stop, 1st base and Pitcher position...  he hustled for the ball the entire night (even when he was at 1st base!)  ha.  He batted 4 times as well...  even though he didn't hit the ball hard (as hard as he does at home), he still did great - dropped the bat and ran to 1st!  Success!

So proud of our big boy!!  :)

Patio

We had a patio put in!!!  We love it, and can't wait to use the heck out of it!!  :)

Now we just need some furniture, some more grass, maybe a little landscaping, some lighting... and a BBQ with friends!!

BEFORE!

AFTER!

Easter Weekend

We've had a nice, busy weekend. 
Friday evening we had our friends Colleen & Mike over...  only including two of their 4 girls. We had a great time catching up with them.  Cali and Kayson played really well together and Cora showed off for Shae.  Shae certainly learned some things.  ha.  

Saturday morning we just hung out at home.  It was wonderful having Ryan at home (he didn't have to work), it makes such a difference when he's home on Saturday mornings!  Anyway, we just played and hung out.  I cleaned a little and got some laundry done.  Saturday after lunch we headed to Clarion to spend some time with my family.  We left at 12:30 hoping Cora would sleep instead of scream in the car... she didn't scream, but she sure didn't sleep very long.  Big bummer.  We instantly were outside at the farm and just enjoyed the wonderful weather.  

Saturday evening the adults and big cousins (Ash & Hope) went out for supper...  Eden, Lindsay & lil Ryan stayed with Kayson and Cora.  Cora had a TERRIBLE time watching us leave, which broke my heart...  Apparently it did last quite awhile and eventually ("after a long time" said Eden), she stopped crying, but still didn't want to do anything.  Meanwhile, we did enjoy our supper out.  

This morning we were up and at 'em early.  We went to church (which is a reminder of why we don't go regularly - wow, Cora is busy.  Kayson was great.)  Then back out to the farm for a great lunch and more playing and enjoying the nice weather.  Cora was off today - very whiny, not happy, only wanted to be held.  (Not much fun).  I layed her down around 12:30... but it was a short 45 minute nap.  This didn't help her mood any... :(  We tried to keep her busy...  outside time, etc... but she wasn't having it.  She wouldn't eat anything... blah blah blah.  Of course we thought she was tired... so we hopped in the car around 3:30...  she babbled and danced and talked the ENTIRE time until we were less than a mile from home.  THEN she closed her eyes.  REALLY!??!  Kayson on the other hand, slept for about 45 minutes of the ride - but swore up and down to us that he wasn't tired.  Oh these kiddos!!!  :)

We got home and figured we might as well wear them out more - fresh air!  We played outside for a couple more hours, then bed - and they both went to bed great.  :)

Here are some fun pictures from the weekend.  

Playing at Grandma & Papas - she wouldn't really play on the ground.  Weird child.

Pretty girl.

Such a good picture - except Cora's eyes are closed. :(

Hardy cousins, plus Greg!  Cora wouldn't stand with them.  UGH!  :)

Puzzle/quiet time before heading to Clarion

Dying Easter eggs!

The kids had so much fun doing this!!

My loves.

Ryan and Kayson = BUDDIES!

T-Ball 2014

Last Thursday we had our first (and probably only) TBall practice.  Seems funny, but also seems silly to have more practices... when they are only 5.  ha. 

Anyway, it was a beautiful night... Ryan got home from MN (which worked out perfectly)... so we all went.  Cora and I drove separate, just in case she didn't do well. 

Kayson did really well I thought.  He listened... and did what the coaches asked.  He fielded the ball really well - at least hustling (which I love to see!) and he hit the ball.  I'd say that's a success.  He still needs some practice on the throwing and catching thing, but it'll come.  I'm not worried.  Ryan chatted with the coaches a little and learned that their kids had been playing TBall since age 3.  Kayson did everything, plus more (and better) than those kids who had been playing for two years.  This just validates our decision to wait to put Kayson into extra activities like this.  We feel three is too young.  (Kinda makes me think back to last Spring when Kayson was 4 and we did soccer... it didn't really go that well, so we should have probably waited).  Oh well!  :)

Anyway, here are a few pictures of the practice.  We have 10 games I think... and they are at all random times.  More pictures and stories to come!!  It's gonna be busy!

Fielding the ball.

Cora rooting for Kayson.  ha.

Bonked Heads TWO Times in ONE Day!

When I picked Kayson up today...  the kids were outside, but Kayson wasn't anywhere to be seen.  I instantly knew something was up...  

I got out of my car, and the teacher hollered at me...  telling me that Kayson was having "a lot of fun today... and bonked heads twice today - yes, twice."  As she's telling me, Kayson appears with a cold rag on his head, near his eye.   He was sad...  and took the rag away from his eye.  OUCH.  Oh my goodness.  It's a doozy.  I felt so bad for him.  

We got Cora, and headed home.  He took it easy for awhile, then soon enough, he was back to himself.  He did say it was sore - and "don't touch it Mom".  Ok K.  

I will not be surprised if this one ends up as a black eye... or at least a ginormous ugly bruise.  :(

Right when I picked him up.  (About 30 minutes after the second incident).

Before bed.  We'll see what it's like in a couple days.

Random

• It's a new week...  hoping for a fast one.  :)  Ryan's out of town.
• Cora decided to bathe herself in yogurt tonight at dinner.  Nice.  It's her new thing to (when she's done and yes, I'm cleaning up or tending to something else), to take her yogurt in her hands and watch it smash between her fingers.  She likes it.  So... tonight she went a step further - literally taking the yogurt and rubbing it all over her arms and even her face (and hair of course too).  Yes, I watched it happen...  and I should have taken pictures, but I just stared at her.  In aww.  I was like 'Whatever Cora'.  Then I cleaned her up and she got mad.  :)
• Kayson was good for me tonight... until bedtime.  Oh gosh, when will this get better??!!  He gets instantly wound up when it's time for bath and bed...  running around, hiding under his bed, laughing, asking me to catch him.  Nope, not gonna do it. 
• It's too bad it's cold again... I mean, we had snow on the ground this morning!!!  WHAT?  Only in Iowa!  Let's have Spring STAY!!! (at least for a month!)
• Kayson's room is all painted and perfect.  We love it.  We got the new bedding too... now it's just wall stuff I need.  I have a TON of ideas, thanks to Pinterest!  Now I just need to purchase.  Ryan wants Kayson to pick out a few things, since it is HIS room.  :)  So that's on my list - some weekend, K and I will go shopping.  
• I've been working out...  and have been pretty consistent at it.  I'm pretty proud of myself.  I just hope to see some results soon.
• Off to bed...  early tonight.  G'night all.

Saturday - Spring, Sunday - Spring with Rain!

It's been a really nice weekend... a long one for me!!  I took Friday off to get some Spring/Summer clothes shopping done for the kiddos.  Apparently I found deals for myself as well.  (I'm not complaining!)  Anyway, Nikki and I met up and shopped some together... had a good time, and got lots done for the kids.  It was a great day off!!

Saturday we started the great day off just doing some stuff inside and hanging out.  Soon enough, we were outside for a walk, then playing...  T-ball practice, cleaning up some landscaping, riding bikes, walking, etc.  My sister, Trish, visited around 11am...  more fun for the kiddos!  We had a quick lunch in, then the kids laid down for naps.  Trish and I had errands to do (I had more from Friday!!!), so we were off for about 3 hours.  It was nice to just hang out with her, alone.  Sister time.  :)  

After naps, more time outside!  We took full advantage of the beautiful weather we were having!!  I think Cora even got a little pink on her cheeks!!  Oops.  (Sunscreen in our list!)  It was just a great time being outside.  I was filthy, the kids were filthy...  it was awesome.  :)

And now it's Sunday...  a Sunday of rain, literally, it's been raining all day long.  I actually don't mind it especially when we were prepped for it, and we didn't have anything to do.  The kids have done pretty darn good...  playing some, eating at random times, playing some more and napping.  I cleaned out the kids' closets - wow, they were a mess.  I organized, threw stuff, put stuff in the garage sale pile, and closed the doors.  Much better.  I even enjoyed a nap while the kids napped.  Heaven.  What a great day. 

Kayson's now watching Frozen... Cora's just walking around talking to herself.  

Here are some pictures from yesterday!

with Aunt Trish

Got the water guns out!

On the couch, always... and with her adorable jammies!

Love that girl!

Climbing on the patio pavers.  Not clean at all.  :)

Practicing TBall.  He does really well!

Early Easter Weekend

After the kids' cuts, we headed to Creston for the rest of the weekend.  All the Taylor's were getting together to celebrate Grandma Janis' birthday.  We hadn't seen everyone since Christmas, so it was much needed.  We also were planning a small Easter egg hunt for the kiddos on Sunday.

On our way down, we went the long way, and made a stop at Papa Dick's grave.  We wanted Kayson to see it and of course, us as well.  We miss him so much...  and I'm already looking forward to going back this summer sometime.  

Lunch was had and then we made a quick stop at the Fire station.  It's our ritual lately!  Blair and Martina wanted to see how Tater would do, and he did pretty darn good!  Kids then fought for naps, then everyone arrived.  We all just hung out and the kids played hard (it was great Spring weather on Saturday).  Here are a few pictures from Saturday:

The kids on a Creston Fire Truck!

Martina & the boys

Changing the oil and filling it up with gas

Tate, Kyle, Duke & K

Sunday we just hung out in the morning... let the kiddos play.  The weather was kind of iffy - sprinkles here and there, so we ended up doing the Easter egg hunt inside.  It worked out just fine!  The kids were then spoiled with 'big' gifts.  Kayson got a new bike and Cora got a Princess Cozi Coupe.    We had lunch and stuck around for the kids to take a quick nap... then headed home.  It was a nice weekend!  Thanks to Papa and Grandma for everything as always!

The kids with their Easter stuff.  Yes, Cora has two baskets, one is brothers!

His new bike!!

She loves it!

Shootin' some hoops!!

Cora's Hair (1st 'Real' Cut)

Saturday morning Kayson got his hair buzzed...  and I brought Cora along.  I had asked Lacey if she thought we could do something with it - she said 'of course'!  

Lacey did great - she just cut off the back of Cora's hair... didn't mess with the top or front at all, she said we'd just get it all 'even', kinda.  It looks SO much better!  Cora did ok...  she had to sit on my lap, so therefore I have no pictures of the action, but that's ok.  

I love it - it lays so nicely now.  Just need the sides to thicken up a little...

Random

• Ryan is traveling this week...  south of St. Louis.  Such a long ways away.  We do fine with the traveling...  but when he's 7 hours away, I am a little uneasy from time to time!  
• We are moving forward with Kayson's bedroom make over!!  ... and it's happening fast!  I called the painter Monday (wanting to set something up in the next couple weeks) - he said this Thursday works.  TOMORROW!  So...  This afternoon I picked out paint and bought some new bedding!  I'm excited.  I just now need to add some fun colors to some wall art and we are set! (Pictures to come!!)
• I'm over the windy, rainy weather!!  Hello - what happened to those very few days of 60 plus degree weather?!  Eh. I need sunshine (warm sunshine)!
• Cora tried pulling down her pants tonight while I was pottying...  so what did this Momma do?  I got the little potty out.  ha.  Nothing is going to happen now, but I laughed and figured - what the heck.  
• Ryan gave me the 'ok' to plan a little weekend get away with the kiddos...  we are going to do the Omaha Zoo (probably).  Next on my list is a get away with just my husband (preferably before his busy season starts!)
• I'm looking forward to this weekend... we'll be seeing the Taylor's (all of them) - celebrating Grandma Janis' birthday.  We haven't seen everyone in a long time it seems, so I'm looking forward to it!
• I need my hair done!!!  I have to wait another 2 weeks!  EEK!  It's dark, flat and long.  ha.  What a mix! 
• We are getting a patio put in (hopefully they'll start next week!)  It'll be perfect timing for the (hopefully) warmer weather coming and spending time outside with the kiddos.  I won't have to sit on a blanket in the back yard!!