Thanksgiving 2013

The food, the games, the laughter is over already.  We had a nice Thanksgiving Day with my family.  We headed to Clarion Wednesday afternoon... picked up the kids after their snack at school, and we were on the road.  

Cora kept Ryan and I up several times Wednesday night...  she just doesn't sleep well lately.  I don't know if it's necessarily at other places, cuz she is restless and up at home too.  But either way - it was frustrating and tiring!  

Thursday we got all the fixin's ready for lunch...  Dad did the turkey and taters, my sisters and I filled in with the extra stuff.  I would say we did pretty good.  No one went hungry!  :)  We just hung out at the farm all day...  kids played, the adults played a board game, which was fun. It seems like it was a short day, but really nice too.  

We ended up coming home Thursday night.  I didn't want a repeat of a terrible night again, so we headed home.  It worked out...  kids fell asleep on the way home, and stayed asleep.  We got a better nights sleep at home, so at least I feel better today!

Now... it's Friday.  I'm thrilled to have an extra day at home.  By 9:00 this morning, all of our Christmas stuff was out and up...  I love it.  :)  We were concerned Cora would be 'in' the tree, but she's done pretty good so far.  :)  We'll see how she is when there's gifts under it.  

Anyway, we've just been enjoying home today...  looks like a huge Hawkeye football win is underway, which is awesome!  I've gotten a ton of laundry done... I'm going to order Holiday cards...  and sit while the kids are resting.  

Hope, K & Ash

Watne kids with Kayson... taking the dogs out.

Our craft for today - count-down to Christmas

Cora with Cocoa - she talked and talked to her!

Yes - that's Cora!  Dressed as a football player!

My babies!  Best pic I could get.

Sad Monday

Yesterday morning at work, we were informed that a co-worker and great guy had passed away Thursday evening/early Friday.  Jim Thomas was his name.  I have worked with him for about 3 years or so... actually worked closely with him on several big projects over the past year.  He was a very nice guy...  full of a positive attitude and was a talker!

Jim was diagnosed with cancer about 2 years ago.  He fought it and he fought it hard...  being out for months (nearly my entire pregnancy with Cora), and then was able to come back to work last summer.  Cancer 'free'.  He was still weak and his system had taken a toll, but he fought.  He came to work and worked hard.  It was amazing actually.  

He's had some random complications over the past 4 to 5 months, but the doctors took care of things and Jim always bounced back.  Two weeks ago, he wasn't feeling well (he was pretty open with all of us, as we were his 'family' here in Iowa - as his daughter is in Ohio and his son in Denver).  After some tests and some other things, he was scheduled for a colonoscopy.  We were told by him it was because he was having some blood in his stools... but the doctors weren't too concerned.  Last Wednesday he had his procedure... and went home.  Thursday he didn't show to work... no call, no email, nothing.  This was not like him. Another co-worker and Jim's leader called him - no answer.  Finally Thursday afternoon Jim answered his phone.  He explained he was cold and must have passed out.  The conversation went well...  asking questions, etc., and we felt he was doing ok.  He said he would call in the morning (Friday) if he still wasn't up for work.  

Friday morning came... no Jim, no nothing.  After many worries and phone calls...  we got our HR Security and Police involved, and Jim was found in his apartment Friday afternoon.  

We are being told Jim passed from 'natural causes'.  I personally find that hard to believe...  but an autopsy is being done, and I can only hope that his family will have answers soon.  We don't need to know, but his family needs to understand.  

Our department is grieving, just as his family is.  Jim was a great guy, and it makes me sick that he was alone when he passed and I can only hope that he didn't suffer.  I pray that he's feeling well now and watching over his kids and four grandbabies.  

When death happens, it really throws me off.  With Ryan's Grandpa passing, it tore us up.  I still think about Papa Dick everyday.  I get sad, I smile, I worry about Grandma Janis.   My emotions don't really know how to handle it all.  I think about Jim's family during this time of year...  knowing they were going to be able to see him this Thanksgiving and Christmas.  That makes me sad.  I get angry, I get quiet, I think, I stare...  it's just so amazing how your mind and body deal.  

This & That

A nice weekend thus far...  Saturday the guys (Ryan, Mike & Blair) headed to the last home football game over in Iowa City... and by far, it was the coldest game!!!  Holy cow, I was so glad I was able to stay home in our nice, warm house!

JeanAnn spent the day with us...  and Martina & Tate joined us too.  It was nice to have them here...  the day went pretty quickly too.  JeanAnn kept Kayson (and us big girls) busy in the morning making sugar cookies.  :)  Tate didn't want to decorate - he wanted to just play.  He LOVES Kayson's house & toys!!!  We did have fun doing the cookies!  Kayson played outside a little - shoveling.  Now that we have a little snow, he's all over it!  Saturday afternoon, Martina and I did a Target run.  I got a few more Christmas gifts, so that was great!  We just kind of took our time and browsed, it was nice.  The guys rolled in around 5:30 - just getting thawed out!  We did a dinner out, then literally crashed.  Tired family!

Today we are just hanging... doing this and that.  K is at swim lessons with Ryan.  Cora just layed down.  So it's quiet.  :)  

Not much else going on.  

Here are some pics!

She LOVES to sit in chairs!  Good thing she's getting her own special chair for Xmas!

Our little snow buddy!  Loves it!

Kayson took the big girls' picture!  So cute!!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Over the past week, our little family has been dealing with some decisions.

Here's the background:
Ryan was approached by a Co-Op that he audits to have a conversation about a potential job at the Co-Op.  This was about 5 weeks ago???  He did meet with them... getting more information, etc.  He came home and we kind of thought it was the end of it.  A couple weeks passed and they wanted to meet with him again, bringing in some other 'workers' to get to know Ryan, etc.  After this meeting - Ryan liked to call that - "It was an interview."  That was last Wednesday afternoon...  Friday morning, Ryan had a job offer.  

Yes, a job offer at a Co-Op in Fort Dodge.

Our minds starting spinning.  We talked and talked... and stressed and stressed.  More thinking, more talking, more spinning.  

Since last Friday, we have breathed, lived and thought about this job offer, and how this would/could change our lives.  The things we had to think about - moving/housing, schools, daycare, community, family, friends, job (my job), picking up our entire lives, the opportunities we could have... the list goes on and on.  

Ryan's current employer knew about this job offer...  and wanted to talk.  He wanted to talk to us about Ryan's future with the firm and basically keeping him!  We met them Saturday evening for our 'dinner date for business' (from one of my previous posts)... we talked about his job, his future, the firm, the values/morale, etc. of the firm.  The dinner was great to be honest.  They are such amazing people.  

From there, more thinking and more talking was done.  We made a Pros/Cons list, hoping that would clear it all up, and we'd have an answer Saturday night!  No.  Even though, the Pros outplayed the Cons (Pros were leaning us to stay here) - we were still confused.  Do we take this amazing opportunity?  Do we move our family for a job that may not come up again? 

I don't think I've ever been so confused... So torn...  Ryan too.  I feel bad for him.  It's a big deal. 

The thing is - Ryan wasn't looking for a new job.  We decided a couple years ago (we were used to the traveling, and it was working ok for us), that he didn't need to look for a new job.  We were getting through it, we were adjusting and doing well.  Even after having Cora - we were good!  So...  basically, he's happy (has been very happy) with his current job.  He's never came home once (in the 8 years I've known him) and tell me he wasn't happy.  He's always enjoyed what he does, and really likes the firm.  (You don't get that very often!)

So with that...  after thinking, pondering, talking with family/some friends, and more thinking...  we decided today that staying in Des Moines is the best thing for us/for our family.  

I think we feel relieved?  I think!  ha.  It was just so much for us... for one week and just being overwhelmed.  But deep down, I believe we've made the best decision.  

So we aren't going anywhere!  (and I know a lot of people that are happy to hear that!)  ha.  :)

Cora - 15 Months

Miss Cora is 15 months old today.  Crazy!!
We had her 15 month well check visit this morning...  such a happy girl going in, but coming out - she was upset!!!  :(

Here are her stats:
Weight - 26 lbs. 5 oz. (96%)
Height - 30.5" (49%)
Head Cir - 18.5" (83%)
(Kayson comparison - 26 lbs)

Results - Short and chunky!  Tee hee.  So funny.  Even the doctor threw in - "She's a big girl."  Yes, nice - she is.  :)  I wouldn't have her any other way!!!  Kayson was chunky too!

Anyway, she's doing well.  Here are some of the random things she's doing daily:

• Signing - More, Milk, Please and Ball (just did that tonight)
• Talking/Says - Dada, Momma, More, Broder (Brother) (just did that tonight)
• Sounds out - Woof Woof, Mooo
• Knows where these things are: her nose, her hair, her ears, her eyes, her toes/feet.  Also loves to play with her eyes/eyelashes when she's sleepy.  
• She runs.  She gets to walking so fast, that her right arm moves faster than her left arm, it's hysterical.
• Helps clean up so well.  Even daycare said she's the only one the cleans up, puts things away, helps. I hope that keeps up!
• Eating - Will not eat fruits or veggies.  Period.  So we give her the squeezable fruits/veggies.  She'll eat the main meal pretty well - chicken nuggets, hot dogs (sometimes), mac and cheese, tater tots, mashed taters, hamburger (tacos), eggs... that's about it.  Pretty normal, but would love her to try more stuff!  As for snacks - the norm - crackers, pop tarts, nutri grain bars, muffins, yogurt, pudding.
• Loves, LOVES books.  My goodness...  she reads through books all the time.  It's the only thing I can give her to actually sit (and sit/not arch her back when getting into the car).  ha.
• Sleeping - Naps are good (both at daycare and weekends).  Night time has been iffy lately.  She'll go to bed just fine (typically around 7:15/7:30), then like clock-work, she's been waking between 4 and 4:20 am, then is awake for the day at 5:20 am.  NOT FUN!  I'm not sure what's going on... but I liked it when I had to wake her at 6:40 am!!
• Doctor thinks her molars may be bothering her (could be our sleeping issue).
• She has 7 teeth - 4 top, 3 bottom
• Wears size 4 diapers
• Shoes - size 4 or 5
• Clothes - mostly 24 month (pants are typically long - hence her shortness!)
• Likes to turn off lights... and basically helping with anything!

Photos!

Wearing his Santa jammies already.  Such a handsome boy.

Playing with Tate - and sporting their Bronco gear/colors!

A 1 minute break by Cora - she watched Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon!

Oh my sweet girl.

SMILE!  :)

Riding Tate's little horsey.

All cleaned up and ready for bed.  She was peaking around the corner at Aunt Tina.  So sweet.

Weekend Wrapup

We've had a pretty nice weekend.  Friday evening we were supposed to get together with our neighbors for pizza and just letting the kids play.  Unfortunately, one of their kids wasn't feeling well, so we cancelled...  but in the same breath, the 'girls' decided to go out for dinner.  It worked out, and we had a nice time.  

Saturday, my parents came for a visit.  The kids were hilarious with them... really getting them to play and I think they all enjoyed themselves.  Kayson is really starting to use his imagination (finally!) and he was 'doctor' taking care of Papa Paul and 'fire chief' too.  I think Mom enjoyed the time here... and watching the kids play.  Cora is a little show-off now, so she's just plain funny.  We had lunch out, then they headed home early afternoon.  The kids took a nap, and I did an errand (dog food - yippee!).  

Saturday evening we had my niece, Ashley, come babysit the kids.  Ryan and I had a dinner date for some business (that I'll get into later - probably mid-week).  A nice dinner out and Ash had a great time with the kids.  It's such a nice thing having her close.  

Today has been good too.  Cora hasn't been sleeping well (Saturday - we were up from 3am til about 6 am)... and then this morning she was up right around 5 am.  Too early.  Ryan got up with her, thankfully, and I slept a little longer...  actually a lot longer (til about 7:40).  I was shocked!  Kayson got up about 10 minutes after me.  So it was a nice morning...  well, for me!  ha.  Ryan said Cora was happy, and he was able to get her to rest a little longer...  I'm thinking it's her teeth bothering her, but it's so hard to tell!

Anyway, so we just hung out this morning... I cleaned some.  But boy - I have more to do.  I did bathrooms, and some dusting, but I haven't touched that kitchen floor.  YUK.  There's just a lot that I would like to 'deep clean' and I can't get it done...  lazy?  I don't know, maybe!!!  

After lunch, Kayson had his first swimming lessons.  For the past 3 days, we've been mentioning it, and he's been crying and telling us he didn't want to go.  So I figured today would be terrible.  He seemed excited, and was ready to go early.  Ryan stayed home (cuz him and Ryan kinda butt heads sometimes when it comes to stuff like this!!!), so I took him.  And really (in a nut shell), K did great.  He soaked it all in since we were there a little early.  He met his teacher/lifeguard and introduced himself.  He listened, followed directions, and did what she asked him to.  I would say that was HUGE!!!  So I was very pleased.  Kayson says next week Daddy is taking him.  ha.  

After lessons, we got home... and waited for Cora to wake... then we headed to Blair & Martina's.  We hadn't been to there house in forever, so it was our turn.  Tate and Kayson have so much fun together!!  They played well, I love it.  Cora just walked around playing with everything... and played with the boys too.  I love it!!!!  It was a great visit, I'm so blessed to be a part of this family.

I've got tons of random pictures that I need to upload... I'll try to do that tomorrow night.   But it was a good weekend, and as always, bummed that it's Sunday night!

This and That

Well, it's Wednesday night...  2 more days closer to the weekend (a busy weekend ahead).  

I took yesterday off to shop with my sisters.  We try to do this each year (for Christmas).  This year, we went to Williamsburg for something different.  First - we chose the coldest day of the year.  Really.  Second - we had fun, BUT - we didn't get much done.  I was pretty disappointed.  So on the way back, we decided to stop at a Target and see if we can get one thing off our lists.  And we each did!  ha.  We decided we'll not do Williamsburg again (for Christmas anyway)... so since we didn't finish (not even close) - we'll be meeting up again in early December to finish - and have Mom join us.  But either way - we did have a fun time.  

Back to work today.  I've been busy, which is good...  sure does make the days go fast!  Tomorrow we have a team outing.  Each year (typically the end of the year), we do something fun, offsite, and it's no cost to us, which is great.  We are going to do lunch out and then see a movie.  Kind of weird, but fun too - I haven't been to a movie forever it seems.  So I'm looking forward to that.

The kids are doing well.  Kayson's been tired.  He told me today he didn't nap - he talked.  Imagine that.  So tonight we had some troubles listening.  After some 'fighting', he was asleep by 8:25, so that was good.   He starts swim lessons this Sunday... and he's already complaining that he doesn't want to go.  Oh boy, this will be interesting!  I'm praying it goes well, and he doesn't have a complete fit.  :)

Cora is good...  she's really changing and growing.  She's signing more and more - and starting to say some words (well kinda!)  She also just knows a lot.  When she's got a dirty diaper, she'll go to her room to be changed - she still HATES to be changed, but she'll go there.  She'll go to the stairs to get the puppies out each night.  (And gets SOOOO excited to see them!)  There's lots of things she does, and it's amazing to me to see her grow and learn.  

This afternoon I got a call from Bank of the West Fraud Department...  yeah, at first, I thought it was a scam.  The gal proceeded to ask me about some transactions that were on my account - in which I did not make.  Then my stomach sank.  She asked questions, provided me some information, I asked questions... and in the end, she said "Cut up your card."  I hung up and just stared at my computer.  I logged on to my account... and saw 14 transactions from the same place, same amount, all today.  My stomach sank even more.  I then called the main branch that we typically go to... explained everything and the same end result - "cut up your card".  What a mess!!  But I am SO thankful that we have that fraud protection and I was contacted.  This could have been much worse!  Now I just wait for a new card.  

So... that's been my week so far!  Again, we have a busy weekend ahead, but that's ok.  We get to see some friends and my parents...  it'll go fast and I'll be mad, but that's ok too!  ha. :)

Good Weekend

We've had a great weekend... and we needed it.  We didn't have plans, which worked out well.  I think both Ryan and I were just getting back into the swing of things by Friday - and not being SO exhausted.  So it was nice to just be able to be home and do whatever. 

Saturday we did just that...  a lot of nothing.  Ryan went into work for a bit, the kids and I just hung out - played a little, did some art, and read lots and lots of books.  Normally on a Saturday afternoon, I'm cleaning and messing around the house, but I actually sat down and watched some football.  It was a great afternoon.  I got groceries for the week... then we just enjoyed an evening at home.  

Today we got up and at em early - well, Cora was up at 6:08 to be exact.  :(  I got up with her and we just snuggled, it was pretty nice actually!  Kayson slept in til about 8:00, which was awesome for him.  We got dressed and 'dolled' up (not really), and headed to Winterset for our family photos.  I follow a lot of photographers on Facebook, and thought I'd try this gal out...  I really liked her (we liked her), she was great with the kids... and quick!  I'm all about that!  So now we wait, and hopefully I'll actually like the images!  :)

We've just been hanging out now...  Kids took awesome naps, I did a quick errand... and now waiting for our yummy chili to be ready!  

Here are a few pics from the last couple days.  The kids seem to be growing so fast.  I mean, Cora does art now!  And loves it.  So sweet.

 

Tuesday Thoughts (The last 4 days)

We've had a whirl-wind of a weekend... and couple week days.  Ryan's grandpa passing was tough on us... all of us.  He obviously was a great man, and loved by us and many others...  

Saturday evening we visited Grandma Janis and her sons' (Mike, Bill, Scott & Todd) families...  it was a short trip, but we felt it was needed.  Sunday we stuck around home.  Ryan was tired already, just thinking and worrying about Grandma and lots of other random things.  My mind was very heavy wondering how Kayson was going to handle all of this and worrying about Ryan.  This is the first close death of our families, so we learned a lot from each other.  So Sunday was a day at home with just us.  

Monday we took the kids to school...  going to work...  I had every intention to work til noon, but I unexpectadely started getting sick.  To be brutally honest, I was in the bathroom 5 times within the first 30 minutes of being at work.  Not fun.  And not the place I wanted to be doing 'that'.  I tried really hard to stick around, but by 9:15, I had had enough... and I came home.  My stomach was turning, I was sweating, I was just feeling icky.  I slept for about an hour... and started to feel a little better.  Ryan got home around noon... and we just layed low for a bit, then started packing up.  By 2ish, I was feeling better... (no more bathroom stops!), but was wiped out already. 

We got the kids from school... and headed to Diagonal.  We spent the afternoon and evening at the funearl home for the visitation of Papa Dick.  It was so hard to see Grandpa, but also peaceful too.  It's amazing how much emotions and thoughts roll through you during this time.  Kayson did pretty well - asking several (LOTS) of questions, but all questions that made sense and needed answers for an almost 5 year old.  I feel we did 'ok' with our answers, but I'm sure it's still not completely clear.  We tried and we can only hope that he knows how much Papa loved him and that he'll really always be with us.  

The sweetest part of the night was each time we would walk by Papa's casket to stop to glance or talk or reminiscence, typically one of us was holding Cora - and she would blow kisses to Papa each time.  That was the best part of the whole evening... and we know Papa was catching those kisses with his hands.  

Today was the day for our final goodbyes... and I tear up as I write this.  These last four days have been so emotional... and when it's finally time to say goodbye, it's terrible.  It's the last time we will see Grandpa, and it truly broke all of our hearts today.  With the rain pouring down, it fit well with all the tears.  Those raindrops are for sure Grandpas tears falling down...  I already know he misses us, but he's at peace and he can breathe and feels well - and that's all that matters. 

Papa Dick

Richard Allen Taylor passed away early Saturday morning... at his home, in his chair, on his farm.  Ryan's Grandpa was a great man.  I remember vividly meeting him for the first time - over 8 years ago.  He teased me about my ankle biters of dogs and gave me a hard time, no matter what.  He had such a great sense of humor.  He also had a very serious side - you would sometimes see a tear fall from time to time, as that was a sign that he cared and loved his family more than anything.  

Ryan and I were lucky enough to give him his first great grandchild, Kayson.  I always thought that was the neatest thing!  I remember Grandma Janis thinking it was crazy she had a great grand baby!  It's because they are so young!  :)  

Papa was 76 when he passed Saturday morning.  He's been suffering from several lung and breathing issues for years, unfortunately.  And I believe he was tired of fighting it.  I feel he was ready... and he didn't suffer, which makes all of us much more at ease.   He had given us a big scare a couple years ago, and I knew then that he wouldn't 'go' that way - it would be somewhat unexpected...  even though we all knew deep down, he wasn't healthy, I know Ryan and I are thankful that he was at peace when he left us.  He made a huge impact on a lot of people, and I think that's so neat.  The Taylor family truly is great.   I'm more than blessed to have known Papa Dick and be a part of this family. 

Papa and Grandma celebrating their 50th Anniversary (I think 3 years ago).