2014 Goals/Resolutions

It's the end of the year...  unbelievable.  Tonight we have just stayed in.  We didn't make any plans, never really thought about it actually.  Of course, Ryan got home tonight and asked what we were doing.  Um... nothing.  ha.  Maybe next year we'll plan something fun - I'd actually like to do that Embassy Suites thing again...  or maybe just going out for dinner/drinks with friends.  Either way, it's fine - it honestly just seems like another day to me!  I'm so flippin' tired, I can't imagine me staying up til midnight tonight!!!

Anyway, I do want to write down a few things I'd like to do/accomplish in 2014.  They seem silly, but maybe if I write them down - I'll actually do them!  :)

• Go away for a weekend with Ryan... and maybe with some friends/couples.  We seriously don't spend enough time just us (or even with friends), so I'd really like to do that.
• Read "50 Shades of Grey" - just because.  I am intrigued by it, and it would get me to read something... ha.
• Have more patience.  Not sure how this will be measured, but I'm going to really try.  Hard.
• Send birthday cards to all of our family members and close friends.  (Ryan actually just brought that up tonight - so it's on my list!)
• Actually do some of the Pinterest items that I've pinned.  I'd like to produce at least 6 of them - whether it's a recipe or an art/DIY thing. 
• Keep Kayson in swimming lessons throughout the year.  It's important and I want him to succeed and not be scared.
• Floss every night.  (I've been flossing the last 6 months every night, and it made a huge difference at my dentist appointment - so I'm keeping it up!)
• Start something in the basement - whether it's the bathroom, or just putting up framing.  Start something... (this is more Ryan, but I will help!)

 Here's to a new year.  We are blessed, happy and healthy - I guess we can't ask for much more!!

Taylor Chistmas 2013 - Round 2

Ryan and I took Thursday off from work... just to be home.  It was a nice day at home... we got out to the mall just to get 'out' and just hung out the rest of the day.  Friday we worked - which was kind of nice.  I was ready to get out and to a routine for the kids.  Even if it was only for a day!  

Saturday morning we headed to Creston for the immediate Taylor Christmas.  Blair, Martina and Tate were there... so the kids were excited to see each other, and instantly started to play.  We had a nice lunch and got to see Grandma Janis too, so that was great.  I'm glad she is getting out and keeping herself busy... and I think she enjoys seeing the kiddos be so busy.  ha. 

We made the kids take a nap - they struggled, but they did rest for a bit.  Following that - it was time for the kiddos to open their gifts from Grandma and Papa.  As always, they were spoiled and got some great things...  tons to play with and some nice clothes too.  Very blessed.  We then just let the kids play.  Tate got a big kitchen set, so him and Kayson played with that quite a bit.  They played with Hot Wheels a lot and played some hoops too.  Cora was just all over... playing with whatever she can get her hands on.  She found the motorized Lightning, tried that out.  She got a little dollhouse, so she played with that... and got a nice chair just for her.  (She's used it quite a bit here at home).  Tate and K played hard... then of course, we made them stop for supper.  ha.  

More played... then more struggling for bed.  :(  They just get so excited!!!  Finally they were asleep by 10ish... and the grown ups opened their gifts.  And again, us adults were spoiled... some great gifts.  Us and Blair and Martina are going to the Blue Man Group in February, so that'll be fun!  I got new bedding set...  needed to spruce up our bedroom!  Plus some other great things.  Martina and I bought each other the exact same thing (hot pink top)... which was hilarious, plus JeanAnn got us somewhat matching Nike tops!  :)  We had a really nice time hanging out with B & M and Mike and JeanAnn.  It was fun... and relaxing too!  

Papa and kiddos! (Best pic I could get!)

Yep - this is what it's like with Tate & Kayson!

Broncos gear!

Checking out her new dollhouse

Mart & I

The Christmas' are over!  It's always so busy and so exhausting, but we had fun and were very blessed (as always).  It's crazy to think we are moving into a new year already...  time just goes so fast!! 

Our Christmas 2013

We got home late Christmas Eve night... around 10pm.  The kids went to bed well... and we got Santa stuff out.  I was exhausted, so it was quick and I crashed.  Cora woke up around 7:15 Christmas morning... not too terrible!  So her and I just cuddled for awhile... trying my hardest to keep her away from the Santa stuff.  Which wasn't too hard - I kept it dark in the living room, and she really likes to sit on my lap!  Finally around 8:30, Ryan woke Kayson up...  I was getting antsy!  

First words out of our mouths were - "Happy Birthday buddy!!!"  He smiled, and said - "Santa came!"  It makes me excited that he was excited about Santa... but also makes me so sad that he doesn't even seem to care about his birthday.  Man, poor kid.  If I could change his birthday, I really would.  :(  Anyway, we tackled into the Santa gifts and a few birthday gifts... which then just blends right in with Christmas gifts.  Cora was overwhelmed... and Kayson was bummed when it was over!!!  ha.  They, of course, got plenty of gifts... and I think Kayson liked everything.  They are lucky kids.  

Anyway, after gifts and starting to play, Kayson had said that his tummy hurt... (see previous post).  So Kayson really took it really quietly most of the day on Wednesday.  He didn't eat anything, and took nearly a 3 1/2 hour nap that afternoon.  He perked up a little that evening - wanting to play with toys and try all the games and other things out... but it didn't last too long.  He didn't have trouble going to bed... so I knew he was either really exhausted, or sick.  By Thursday, he seemed better... and finally ate.  

So we had a nice day together...  I do need to do a better job of planning for that day.  Meaning - food.  We didn't eat very well on Christmas Day, so next year, I'll do better at having a 'nicer' meal planned for us (something Kayson likes!) and we'll make it a little better day.  I kind of feel bad that the day is already here and gone, especially when Kayson didn't really feel the best. 

I took lots of pictures... of course...  here's our day together.

Cora got a stroller for her baby doll!

and she used the baby dolls milk and juice as her own!

K asked for a Bow & Arrow - he got it!

Our 5 year old!

My boys.

Hardy Christmas 2013

Christmas Eve was spent with my side of the family...  we headed to Clarion Monday evening after work.  A drive thru McDonald's and we were on our way.  Another long drive, thanks to Cora.  :)  [enter sarcasm here]

Christmas Eve we were up early, again, thanks to Cora... and we just hung out at the farm.  We ordered Casey's breakfast pizza, which totally hit the spot!  Kayson got bored by 10 am, so it was going to be a long couple more hours before his cousins got there!  We got by.  ha.  Early afternoon, my sisters and their families came out... we played, ate, and opened gifts.  My parents kept things very 'small' this year - the kids don't need a lot and with Mom just not keeping things straight, we decided that the easier, the better.  Each kid got one gift (from my parents).  Literally.  Our kids got luggage from Pottery Barn.  It's perfect (maybe a little big for their age - I picked it out, probably should have done the smaller ones, but oh well!)... it works... and I know we'll use them.  

Anyway, we played some more... then attended Christmas Eve service at church.  Cora was a peach.  That girl does.not.sit.still.  She's a lot of work.  ha.  Then we had some snacks at Tricia's... which was nice.  By that time, Cora had had enough, she was tired...  and hungry.  (Cuz she doesn't eat anything we give her)...  so we packed our stuff up and headed home.

Here are pics from the Hardy side.  

Reading with Aunt Trish.  Notice her mittens.

Cora got a baby doll with bouncer, crib and car seat.

Luggage.  Cute huh?

Playing "Operation" with Papa Paul

Kayson with the big kids - Hope, Logan & Eden

Hardy cousins

Kayson's 5th Birthday

Happy Birthday to our Kayson Michael.  I say it every year, I can't believe it's been another year...  so much has happened, so much has changed.  It honestly feels just like yesterday having his 4th birthday party (with Cora being here).  

K has grown up a lot - he's definitely a 'big' kid now, not very much baby stuff about him anymore.  He's just becoming a kid.  It's amazing.  He loves us, but also challenges us every day.  My New Years resolution is going to be ---> have more patience with him and get down to his level to talk.  We tend to end up 'talking' back to him.. which is what he does to us all the time!  He's learning a lot of stuff from us and others around him (friends) and I want him to be a good, respectful kid.  He's for sure challenging all of that!  But on the bright side, he knows how to get me to smile... and he just wants to be with us all the time.  I shouldn't find that annoying, I should take that as being loved.  

As for today, I don't think he feels all that great... he hasn't ate anything since yesterday morning...  and just has said his tummy hurts.  (He hasn't gone #2 for 3 days now, so I'm sure that's more than half of the problem).  So...  he's slept a lot - Ryan actually woke him up this morning around 8:40.  He seemed excited about Santa coming... and the gifts that we got him.  He played some, but didn't want breakfast...  and no lunch.  Then around 1:00, he asked to lay down.  Poor kid.  

Anyway, he got some great gifts - spoiled rotten, of course.  :)  I just hope that he sits down tonight and tomorrow (we have tomorrow off too), and plays and enjoys it all!

We love you Kayson!!!  ... see how he's changed:

1st Birthday

2nd Birthday

3rd Birthday

4th Birthday

5th Birthday - Today!

Kayson's 5th Birthday Party

After a very busy Saturday (with the Taylor Christmas - and being up late, playing hard), we celebrated Kayson's 5th birthday by having a family AND friends birthday party this year.  Unfortunately, with the weather, my family wasn't able to make it down...  but Blair, Tate, Papa Mike, Grandma JeanAnn and Grandma Janis got to be with us...  plus 10 of Kayson's little friends!  I was pleased!

We decided to have his party at Pump It Up - the inflatables place.  We had been there once before and that was what K wanted to do.  It ended up being great (sure, pricey), but no clean up for me, no real prep for me, and Ryan and I got to sit/stand back and watch K and his friends play!  They had a great time...  running, jumping, sliding, everything... it's awesome!

We had pizza (again), and then gift opening.  My goodness, Kayson was completely spoiled by his friends!  It's amazing!  He got a TON of stuff  - mostly Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stuff.  And some Iron Man stuff...  all of it is great and he's totally been playing with all of it tonight!  ha.  I was shocked that he didn't get any duplicates!

We got home around 1pm... Cora crashed, hard...  and Kayson did finally rest around 2:30.  The rest of the day has been laundry, and prepping for being gone for another night (heading out tomorrow night to Clarion).  Such a busy time of the year, but it'll be nice to be home late Tuesday night... through at least Friday.  Ryan and I have some time off of work too, so I just hope we can enjoy our time at home with the kids... and let them play!  I'm hoping we might have a somewhat warm day, so we can get outside a little...  but that might be a reach!!

Anyway, the party was a success... and I just hope Kayson is thankful.  (Tough age!)  Again, I took a million pictures, so here are a few!

Cora had a blast too!

Friends - Ella, K & Riley

Friends - Grant, K & Ella

Cyclone!!

Lucky little boy - all his friends!!

Happy birthday buddy!

Uncle Blair & Aunt Tina got K a Betta Fish - we've named him 'Spud'

Taylor Christmas 2013

Christmas has officially started!  Saturday afternoon was our annual Taylor Christmas - the extended Taylor's (Mike's brothers and families).  We do this at a hotel in West DSM, and it's fantastic.  Usually we just stay late and head home, but this year we decided to spend the night.  It worked out, and gave the kids a chance to sleep (maybe a little more).  K was up late (nearly 10:45), but he did great - slept hard.  Cora, again - didn't sleep the best (not like being in her own bed, that's for sure).  This girl moans and groans... it's so weird!  She's so loud... so Ryan and I didn't sleep well, but oh well!

Anyway, we all met up in the afternoon... started snacking and just hanging out right away.  Kids played well and the adults had a great time.  Pizza was ordered in this year...  and then we dug into gifts.  Everyone got some nice things, as always...  Grandma Janis and her boys all received a beautiful painted picture of the farm with a picture of Grandma and Papa in the clouds... it was awesome and all made us stop for a minute and think of Papa Dick.  He would be so proud of all of us... and I'm sure he was watching us that evening.  Then some of the kids played in the pool too.  The older cousins are SO good with Kayson and Cora, so that's very helpful!!  We did end up putting Cora to bed around her normal time...  she was ready.  Kayson got to stay up, but played well.  Meanwhile, the adults started the annual card game of Pitch.  I've never played before... I think previous years, I've just watched, or just hung out...  last year, I think I was nervous about Cora... anyway, I learned how to play...  well - I kinda learned.  ha.  I played, and participated and Grandma Janis said "that's all that matters!"  :)  I made some dumb plays, but good ones too...  ha.  So it was fun!!!

Martina wasn't able to be with us this year.  Her Dad, Tim, had a massive stroke Friday morning and was in critical condition through Saturday.  Martina made the wise decision to stay with her Mom and Dad (and other family members) while Tim went through a lot in 48 hours.  It was very scary there for several hours for her family, but with the power of prayer and amazing doctors, Tim is doing amazingly well given having a massive stroke.  Prayers continue and we can only hope that things go up from here... and Tim will be home soon and get healthy fast.  We are thinking of him.

I took a ton of pictures...  but here are some of the fun, main ones!

Such a cute outfit...

K & Duke

Great Grandbabies...  plus one to come (Martina & Blair are expecting!)

Grandma and all her Grandkids.  So awesome. (and K's finger in his nose!)

K doing some swimming.

Cora - 16 Months

Miss 'thang' is 16 months old today.  I feel like she's changed a ton over the past month or so, even few weeks, but when I look back at her 15 month post, it's nearly the same!  There is one thing that's really different... her talking.  She's gotten more vocal (but of course, won't do her 'tricks' in front of many people yet - just us!)

• Size 4 diapers
• 7 teeth - getting her 8th one... we noticed it tonight just showing it's white top
• Clothes - 24 month.  She's got short limbs, especially legs, so I have to roll some of the pants.  Target brand (CHICO) - I have bought 2T tops.  Seems crazy, but they just run small.
• Signing more and more.  It's amazing what she learns at daycare...  I'm so thankful for that!  Each day, if we say something new - she's doing the sign, it's awesome!  
• Talking more - really saying:  Momma, Dada, Brother, Papa, woof, more, please, ball.  I love this stage!!
• Shakes her head 'no' and 'yes'... and of course, laughs when she shakes 'no'.  :)
• Giving kisses again... she went through a stage of not doing them at all, but she's back at it.  
• Knows all her body parts
• Eating is the same as last month - no improvements!  But she's not any smaller!  ha.
• Still is not a fan of car rides...  it has gotten better, but definately not 'smooth'!
• Loves music... and dancing.  

Cora's a good little girl, but definately has a little temper and her own little personality.  She still hates to be changed and dressed - she just doesn't want to sit still (for that!).  She plays really well most of the time...  with her own toys, and brothers.  

She had an ENT checkup this afternoon... and everything looks good.  She has some drainage in her right ear, but that's ok - the tube is doing exactly what it should.  Doc was pleased - back in 6 months!

I love seeing her grow and learn new things...  it's amazing, even the second time around!  Love her that Sugar Bear.

Trying to teach Kayson... and Gifts

Our Kayson is sure giving me a run for my money this week...  He's emotional, he's dis-respectful and fully pushing my buttons.  I know this is the first time Ryan's been out of town for a long time...  but Kayson typically gives me a hard time no matter what (it's worse when it's just me at home).  We've said that he's always 'good' for everyone else (or just one parent at a time - mainly Ryan), but the second I walk in the door - he starts acting up, talking back, etc.  (I know this is common, but it truly sucks).

Last night we were getting ready for bed, and he wanted a snack.  This has become a routine lately, and we probably need to get out of that routine, due to some other things...  and the fact that he didn't eat supper for me.  Anyway, he wanted a bar (like a Nutri-Grain bar)...  when I was opening it, it broke in half.  You would have thought the world was coming to an end.  He threw an absolute fit, bawling and kicking saying he didn't want a broken one.  It took over 20 minutes for him to calm down and me to stop bribing him.  (Yah, Mom of the year right here).

Tonight we had a pretty good night - no meltdowns.  He did bath well, and we had some quiet time.  When it was time for reading books, he did ok, then we always call Ryan after the first book.  Well, he pulled the "I don't want to talk to Daddy" thing.  Man, this really gets under my skin and completely hurts Ryan's feelings.  Phone was hung up, second book was read, and Kayson started jacking around, laughing and thinking it was funny that he didn't talk with Daddy.  I lose my patience at stuff like this...  it's so hurtful, and dis-respectful.  I ended up breaking down in tears...  and that seems to be the only way that Kayson will stop and listen.  (Not something I really want to do every night... but sometimes I FEEL like doing it).  

How in the world do we teach him that this stuff is not right?  

Are we expecting way too much out of him?  (As I'm writing, I am pretty sure I had a similar post about this same stuff before... )  Oh Kayson. 

And moving onto something else that has me stressed out --- Kayson's birthday party is this Sunday and I've been getting the phone calls for RSVP from some of his friends' parents...  and they are asking for gift ideas.  OH MY GOODNESS.  Of course I've thought about this, but being put on the spot to give ideas for him is SO hard.  He's getting everything under the sun!  ha. I'm so out of ideas! I'm sure there will be a lot of duplicates for the next 2 weeks...  :)

Weekend

Saturday
Cora made Saturday morning early... I think she started causing 'problems' with our sleep around 4:45.  Ugh.  For the next couple hours, she was awake off and on...  such a bummer.   It sure makes for a long day... for us all!  :)
Anyway, we hung around the house during the day... and it was great!  I don't think I got much accomplished, but it was a good day to just stay in.  Kayson and Ryan did an errand, but Lil Miss and I stayed put... until evening.  I wanted to get more Christmas stuff done...  wrapping, but I didn't touch it.  I guess I'll just wait til the last minute.  ha.  I'm just not really in the mood!  That whole hustle and bustle thing is catching up with me...  and it's not even exciting.  I sure hope I get out of that soon...  K's birthday is really what's important right now.  Poor kid. 

Saturday evening we got out and went to Ankeny for a surprise birthday gathering for Blair.  Martina planned for some friends and family to get together for Blair's 30th birthday.  I'm getting the impression that he had an idea about it, but I think either way - he had a great turnout and we all had fun.  The kids ran and ran in the little room for over 2 hours...  so they were worn out.  It was fun. 

Sunday
Cora was up early again...  man oh man.  That gets old.  :)  Since we were up... I got ready and Cora and I ran to WalMart to get groceries and a few other things.  We had a quick lunch out... and we have realized that Cora is a pain to take out!  She's so at that age... or just our kid!  She doesn't like the high chair... won't eat a darn thing... and just isn't all that happy out in public.  Even at WalMart, she hates being in the cart.  I thought it would be good for her to get out, look around, etc...  ha.  More work than it's worth.  I know Kayson did the same stuff...  but I'm ready for it to be over!  :)

Anyway, I kept busy this afternoon...  K had his last swim lesson.  He has done so well, I'm so proud of him.  He still has a lot to learn and get more comfortable with, but he's doing it - he's not completely freaked out by water - and he wants to go!  I am thrilled.  So we'll be signing him up for the next round in January, I think.  While the kids napped, I did some cleaning and organizing.   It was a nice afternoon and evening...  

Ryan has to travel this week... huge bummer.  All I'm hoping for is a quick week... my kids will eat... and sleep!  :) 

Some Pictures

If you don't follow me on Facebook, then here are a few more pictures of the kiddos.  If you follow me, here are duplicates!  :)

We had the first real snow last week...  and we did get the kids out in it - at like 5:30 pm!  It was dark, but wasn't TOO cold.  Kayson of course wanted to shovel, so him and Ryan were out... and I figured I'd get Cora out in her 'first' snow experience.  She wasn't a fan - mostly scared to death of the snow-blower.  I did squeeze her and tell her it was ok, but before that, I did have to take her picture.  :)  

First reaction to the snow-blower.  Poor thing.

Snow babies!

All bundled up!

Some random pictures from the last few days.  

Kids being wild.

She's constantly crawling under the chairs... and getting stuck.

More shoveling!

She loves to tackle.  :)

Thursday Thoughts

Outside my window... it's cold and dark - nighttime.
Today I feel... sneezy.  I've actually been sneezing for a couple days and I'm super annoyed.  I honestly can't tell if it's a cold or allergies.  I can't imagine having allergies now...?  Seems weird.   
I am thinking... if Kayson is going to give me a fit for bath and bedtime tonight.  I imagine he will.  
I am thankful... for my warm house.
Tomorrow I am going... to work... but it's Friday and that's exciting to me.  I may scoot out early to get a Christmas gift for Ryan, depends on my day.
I wish... I worked out... so I wouldn't be so flabby!
This weekend... we have a few things planned, but I do hope to wrap up Christmas gifts and do some organizing in Kayson's closet/room.  It needs it!
I am reading... nothing.  Not even any magazines!
I am working on... mentally preparing for Kayson's birthday party!
Yesterday I... took Kayson to get his hair buzzed (finally!) and Lacey cut some of Cora's mullet off.  :)  Just a little off the back.  I'm hoping it will now grow a little more even.
I am hoping... for a safe and happy holiday season.
I am hearing... football on TV, my sniffling, Kayson playing a game.
One of my favorite things... hearing my kids laugh.

This & That

• It's snowing... our first 'real' big snow of the year!  It's really pretty... and I'm thankful we didn't have to get out in it 'much' today.  (Just a grocery run, and Kayson to swim lessons).  Good day to stay in!
• I wrapped a few gifts this afternoon... it's such a production!  Getting everything out, sorted, etc... then putting it away, cuz I don't want it all sitting out!  
• Friday evening, I went to Jim's memorial service with my co-workers.  It's such a sad thing... it was a goodbye and for some of us, meeting his family for the first time.  It's so heartbreaking to have his daughter and son here...  tying up loose-ends at Jim's apartment and other things.  I can't imagine how exhausted they probably are.  
• Kayson has been struggling lately.  Few things - he has a mouth on him... meaning, he talks back a lot, and it's SO hard to get him to not do that.  I know we aren't perfect parents, but gosh I do want my kids to have respect and not be sassy/talk back.  I just hope we can get through this and have him learn.  He also has a really hard time listening.  I know it's the age, I understand that.  But it's still very frustrating... and dis-heartening.  
• The "Elves" are here...  (they are not helping the previous situations!)  Hawkeye and Snowflake have arrived at our house...  not doing many 'fun' things yet.  I told Kayson they are just trying to figure him out - cuz he's been so whiny and naughty.  ha.  Cora likes them... she'll find them and point/smile.  Pretty sweet.
• We've decided to have Kayson's birthday party at Pump It Up.  Oh gosh, I hope it wasn't a mistake!  We'll be inviting a few of his friends and then the rest will just be family...  I'm anxious to have it here and done, and hope it goes well.  
• Cora's been sleeping better for us (night time).  Which has been great...  however, she's got a little cold (snotty nose and a hoarse throat/cough). Ryan has a sore throat too.  I'm hoping these just stay as regular colds!

Taylor Family

I promised it.  
It's a very nice picture of us.  :)