I blog... solely for myself and my immediate family. It's something that I can look back at (especially the pictures, and my babbles on what we have done, what I'm feeling and how my kiddos drove me crazy at times!) :) It's for us. As much as I know, I don't believe anyone that I don't know reads this... I could be wrong, but I think I have a good idea of who does (and they are friends/family).
I tend to read/follow several blogs of people I do not know. I've found them on Instagram, or just searching (it's not weird, really!) You can see some of my favorites in my blog list on the left side of this page. Anyway, I've followed Leslie Sisti -- http://www.blondeambitionblog.com/ for about 3 years. I loved the way she wrote, she was a southern bell (from Arkansas) and such a huge heart (just reading her words), she had two beautiful daughters and a very handsome hubby. She seemed to have everything together. I enjoyed her posts about her kiddos and life... but also about her fashion and makeup advice.
Over the past 6 months maybe (shortly after having her second little girl), she started explaining she had a heart problem... she never really went into details, but it was enough and serious enough that she was hospitalized for months recently. She was released about a month ago... and then was back in a different hospital about 2 weeks ago.
I just read that she passed away. She was 30. 30 years old.
This makes me sick. My heart hurts for her family, those little girls, her parents, her husband, her friends... and her blog family. Again, I've never met her, but gosh, it sure does shake your world and make you realize you need to be thankful for every darn second.
Please say an extra prayer for the Sisti family. God bless them all.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Basement - Week 9
Drum roll please... ... ...
We have CARPET!! My goodness, what a difference that makes!! and we are getting SOOOOO close to being able to really enjoy this new space and LIVE IN IT! Everything is just coming together... it's meeting all our expectations, and in the end - we'll just have more space and a different environment for our family. I'm thrilled.
The remainder of this week the workers will be back to finish up some trim work, touch up paint and closet (bathroom linen and bedroom closet) shelves will be put in. The plumbers should come as well to nail down all that stuff (faucets, toilet and shower stuff), and the electricians will come back and put dimmers in the main living area. There may be more, but regardless - we are close!
Next steps for US:
We have CARPET!! My goodness, what a difference that makes!! and we are getting SOOOOO close to being able to really enjoy this new space and LIVE IN IT! Everything is just coming together... it's meeting all our expectations, and in the end - we'll just have more space and a different environment for our family. I'm thrilled.
The remainder of this week the workers will be back to finish up some trim work, touch up paint and closet (bathroom linen and bedroom closet) shelves will be put in. The plumbers should come as well to nail down all that stuff (faucets, toilet and shower stuff), and the electricians will come back and put dimmers in the main living area. There may be more, but regardless - we are close!
Next steps for US:
- purchase window coverings - hoping to just do the same white faux blinds like upstairs
- purchase end table(s)
- purchase console table (this is just a 'want' for me, not a need) :)
- purchase wall decor - I have a TON of pins on Pinterest, and things in my Etsy.com cart - just need to click the button and get those up!
- purchase bathroom decor - shower curtain, etc.
Kiddos
I feel like we've been non-stop... but we've had some down time, but I guess with two youngin's - we are just always busy. I don't sit down til nearly 9:00 at night... some most nights it's much later than that.
Ryan is out of town this week - it's the start of his busy season. He'll be gone a lot over the next few months... even though they've adjusted some of his audits/inventories, and he's able to work more from the office, it's still a lot. We get through it... we just have to be really creative around here!!
Anyway, here are a couple new pictures of the kids. I love these two so damn much, it hurts. :)
Kayson will start 1st Grade in about 4 weeks - unbelievable. The things they say are true - times flies and soon the kids will be graduating.
Cora will be turning 3 in about 4 weeks - unbelievable too. She's a pistol and has her own personality, there's no changing it now. :)
Ryan is out of town this week - it's the start of his busy season. He'll be gone a lot over the next few months... even though they've adjusted some of his audits/inventories, and he's able to work more from the office, it's still a lot. We get through it... we just have to be really creative around here!!
Anyway, here are a couple new pictures of the kids. I love these two so damn much, it hurts. :)
Kayson will start 1st Grade in about 4 weeks - unbelievable. The things they say are true - times flies and soon the kids will be graduating.
Cora will be turning 3 in about 4 weeks - unbelievable too. She's a pistol and has her own personality, there's no changing it now. :)
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| Could she be any cuter?? |
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| He seems so big. |
Friday, July 24, 2015
KC Great Wolf Lodge 'Vacation'
About 3 months ago or so, Martina mentioned trying to start a tradition for the eight of us - mostly for the kids - to do a little get away in the summer. We thought it was a great idea (even tho it's totally during Ryan's busy season) but we started planning. We landed on Kansas City - the Great Wolf Lodge water park/resort.
We headed down Wednesday morning - planning on meeting at the hotel around noonish and get pre-checked in, if we could. It worked out almost perfect, we were there within 20 minutes of each other. We were able to get checked into one of our rooms... then we headed off to grab lunch.
From there, it was lots and lots of swimming/water park fun. Wednesday afternoon, we spent the time at the water park, then Wednesday evening the boys went to a Royals baseball game, and us girls attempted to walk around/shop at Legend's (nearby). Landry wasn't really having it - and Cora was a little pistol as well, but we passed the time, and walked as much as we could. It was fine! We returned to our own rooms... and got the girls to bed. The boys enjoyed the game, and made it back to the hotel super late! Our first nights sleep was just ok - Cora was awake for about an hour from 1am to 2am... then again around 5:30. Really restless... not sure about the place, or the bed. (not a surprise to me at all!)
Thursday morning we got up and did more swimming. It was beautiful day too, so we enjoyed the outdoor pool area as well. The whole set up of the resort is really great - lots of pool areas that are just about 3 foot, a few areas are 4 foot deep. Tons of slides for adults and kiddos... and then the outdoor space too. It really was perfect for all of us (from Landry's size to us parents). I wouldn't mind going back at all.
We had lunch on Thursday, just there at the hotel... which was ok food. Then we forced the kiddos to rest. It was a much needed nap for all four of them, even when they fight us tooth and nail. :) They all rested, then we tried out the putt-putt golf area. It ended up being sweltering hot, and Cora and Landry (plus me and Mart) were not having it... so we went inside and just hung out. The boys continued the game... then we met up at the arcade for a bit. More fun for the boys!
Thursday night we decided to stay in and order pizza... the kiddos didn't eat well at all and got pretty obnoxious with bad words and a little attitude, which was a bummer, but we still let them swim more! (Great parenting, right?!) We did the pool a little more that evening, then we crashed. Unfortunately, Landry wasn't feeling well - she got sick, upset tummy, so Martina and her hung out and got her to bed. Our second night of sleeping was a little better - Cora was a little less restless, but still not a great nights sleep.
Friday (this morning) we slept in a little... then Ryan took K and C back down to swim for about an hour before we needed to check out. While they did that, I disinfected the hotel room and everything we touched including the car, etc. I get a little OCD about that - I don't want my kids sick, or us, so I might as well do as much as I can to help that... or at least try! We got packed up, then met Blair's for a quick lunch, and by then we were all ready to head home.
Overall, it was a great little vacation. It was a great place to take the kids, and the adults enjoyed it as well. I'm glad we did this, and know it was great memories for the Taylor cousins... and really, that's all that matters. The kids did great too - sure, we had our meltdowns, and fights, but really - they did well. Here's to next summer of getting something else planned for the cousins!
Now - here are the pics from our trip! Overload! :)
We headed down Wednesday morning - planning on meeting at the hotel around noonish and get pre-checked in, if we could. It worked out almost perfect, we were there within 20 minutes of each other. We were able to get checked into one of our rooms... then we headed off to grab lunch.
From there, it was lots and lots of swimming/water park fun. Wednesday afternoon, we spent the time at the water park, then Wednesday evening the boys went to a Royals baseball game, and us girls attempted to walk around/shop at Legend's (nearby). Landry wasn't really having it - and Cora was a little pistol as well, but we passed the time, and walked as much as we could. It was fine! We returned to our own rooms... and got the girls to bed. The boys enjoyed the game, and made it back to the hotel super late! Our first nights sleep was just ok - Cora was awake for about an hour from 1am to 2am... then again around 5:30. Really restless... not sure about the place, or the bed. (not a surprise to me at all!)
Thursday morning we got up and did more swimming. It was beautiful day too, so we enjoyed the outdoor pool area as well. The whole set up of the resort is really great - lots of pool areas that are just about 3 foot, a few areas are 4 foot deep. Tons of slides for adults and kiddos... and then the outdoor space too. It really was perfect for all of us (from Landry's size to us parents). I wouldn't mind going back at all.
We had lunch on Thursday, just there at the hotel... which was ok food. Then we forced the kiddos to rest. It was a much needed nap for all four of them, even when they fight us tooth and nail. :) They all rested, then we tried out the putt-putt golf area. It ended up being sweltering hot, and Cora and Landry (plus me and Mart) were not having it... so we went inside and just hung out. The boys continued the game... then we met up at the arcade for a bit. More fun for the boys!
Thursday night we decided to stay in and order pizza... the kiddos didn't eat well at all and got pretty obnoxious with bad words and a little attitude, which was a bummer, but we still let them swim more! (Great parenting, right?!) We did the pool a little more that evening, then we crashed. Unfortunately, Landry wasn't feeling well - she got sick, upset tummy, so Martina and her hung out and got her to bed. Our second night of sleeping was a little better - Cora was a little less restless, but still not a great nights sleep.
Friday (this morning) we slept in a little... then Ryan took K and C back down to swim for about an hour before we needed to check out. While they did that, I disinfected the hotel room and everything we touched including the car, etc. I get a little OCD about that - I don't want my kids sick, or us, so I might as well do as much as I can to help that... or at least try! We got packed up, then met Blair's for a quick lunch, and by then we were all ready to head home.
Overall, it was a great little vacation. It was a great place to take the kids, and the adults enjoyed it as well. I'm glad we did this, and know it was great memories for the Taylor cousins... and really, that's all that matters. The kids did great too - sure, we had our meltdowns, and fights, but really - they did well. Here's to next summer of getting something else planned for the cousins!
Now - here are the pics from our trip! Overload! :)
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| First pic of the trip! |
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| The boys! |
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| Lanny and Cora loved the water! |
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| GO ROYALS! |
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| We had to have a girls picture!! |
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| Putt Putt golf - Cora was NOT interested. |
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| Tater and K playing cars. |
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| More pool time!! |
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| K did really well - loved some of the slides!!! |
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| Cora got a build-a-dino -- we've named her "Tops" |
Basement - Week 8
While we were away to KC (separate post on that!) - the basement got some more updates! We have tile floor in the wet bar/desk area and bathroom... and then the glass tiles backsplash in the wet bar. We also have the shelves in that area as well. It's all coming together, and was super great to see it when we got home! Carpet should arrive early next week!
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| Shelves in wet bar |
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| Shelves in desk area |
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| the whole view. LOVE. |
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| 'stone' back splash for wet bar. LOVE again. |
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| Flooring by desk and wet bar |
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| Bathroom tile |
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| Bathroom tile |
Monday, July 20, 2015
Weekend
Yep, it's Monday night already... just sitting down to update the blog. Our weekend was good... no set plans, but we kept busy enough and just had a good one.
Saturday, Ryan did some work in the morning... The kids slept in - Kayson til about 8:40, Cora til about 9:00. Man - that's awesome. They both got about 12 hours of sleep... it was obvious they needed it, and we are fine with that. Cora told me in the morning - "I sleep good in my bed!" She listens to us... cuz we always ask if she slept good in her bed. So sweet.
We did a few errands... looked at TVs for the basement, and also a little mini-fridge. I believe we have an idea of what we'll get - so that'll be next week I'm sure. The basement should be done within 2 weeks or so!!
Saturday afternoon, Cora and I rested... while Ryan took Kayson to "Inside Out". Following Cora's nap, we were invited to her little friend's house to play - they live up the street about 2 blocks away. So her and I walked there - had a very nice time, played about 1.5 hours... then it was time to leave - and she kicked and screamed the entire way home. Awesome. Grr.
Saturday evening we grabbed some pizza at a new pizza place near by... then went over to some friends' house. They were having a little get together, and we decided to stop by. We stayed about an hour and a half... the kids played a little, and we got caught up with the friends.
Sunday we did church, then groceries and then Ashley came to spend the day with us. We played some... Cora took a rest... then we hit the aquatic center! We had such a good time. Kayson did awesome in the pool - doing so well, comfortable, and showing us some of his 'moves'. Cora is not afraid of anything... she literally says "I do it myself" all the time. That girl - man, we have to keep our eyes on her. We had a good time.
We got home... had supper, then bedtime was shortly after. The kids were wiped out... and us adults too! Ashley and I sat at the kitchen table and talked for a long time... and colored. ha. Yes, colored. The coloring books were out... so we talked and colored. Hilarious.
Ashley came to spend the day with Kayson today. I have tomorrow off, and then we go to Kansas City on Wednesday for our little vacation. So we didn't want to send him to BTB for just one day - then we would have had to pay for the full week! It worked out... and Ash and him got to spend the day together. The day started off rough - him being tired and needed to poop. Yes. Eventually, he 'went'... and the day was better according to Ashley. They played at the park, worked on a puzzle and much more.
Ryan is out of town tonight... so I got the kids to bed... and I've just been sitting. Tomorrow Kayson and I will do some errands, and start packing! I can't forget anything!
So, it was a good weekend... and I'm super glad to be on 'vacation' now. :)
Saturday, Ryan did some work in the morning... The kids slept in - Kayson til about 8:40, Cora til about 9:00. Man - that's awesome. They both got about 12 hours of sleep... it was obvious they needed it, and we are fine with that. Cora told me in the morning - "I sleep good in my bed!" She listens to us... cuz we always ask if she slept good in her bed. So sweet.
We did a few errands... looked at TVs for the basement, and also a little mini-fridge. I believe we have an idea of what we'll get - so that'll be next week I'm sure. The basement should be done within 2 weeks or so!!
Saturday afternoon, Cora and I rested... while Ryan took Kayson to "Inside Out". Following Cora's nap, we were invited to her little friend's house to play - they live up the street about 2 blocks away. So her and I walked there - had a very nice time, played about 1.5 hours... then it was time to leave - and she kicked and screamed the entire way home. Awesome. Grr.
Saturday evening we grabbed some pizza at a new pizza place near by... then went over to some friends' house. They were having a little get together, and we decided to stop by. We stayed about an hour and a half... the kids played a little, and we got caught up with the friends.
Sunday we did church, then groceries and then Ashley came to spend the day with us. We played some... Cora took a rest... then we hit the aquatic center! We had such a good time. Kayson did awesome in the pool - doing so well, comfortable, and showing us some of his 'moves'. Cora is not afraid of anything... she literally says "I do it myself" all the time. That girl - man, we have to keep our eyes on her. We had a good time.
We got home... had supper, then bedtime was shortly after. The kids were wiped out... and us adults too! Ashley and I sat at the kitchen table and talked for a long time... and colored. ha. Yes, colored. The coloring books were out... so we talked and colored. Hilarious.
Ashley came to spend the day with Kayson today. I have tomorrow off, and then we go to Kansas City on Wednesday for our little vacation. So we didn't want to send him to BTB for just one day - then we would have had to pay for the full week! It worked out... and Ash and him got to spend the day together. The day started off rough - him being tired and needed to poop. Yes. Eventually, he 'went'... and the day was better according to Ashley. They played at the park, worked on a puzzle and much more.
Ryan is out of town tonight... so I got the kids to bed... and I've just been sitting. Tomorrow Kayson and I will do some errands, and start packing! I can't forget anything!
So, it was a good weekend... and I'm super glad to be on 'vacation' now. :)
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| The kids found an old camera of mine... they fought over it for about a week. Now it's broke. :) |
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| McDonald's picnic (last week) |
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| yep, that's my daughter. |
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| Pizza place - gave the kids dough to play with! So cool! |
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| Pool time... my big girl. |
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| He was so ready! |
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| Helping with the shoe drive at church! |
Mowing - Comparison
The other night, Ryan was mowing. Typically Cora wants NOTHING to do with the mower, weed eater and blower. Something came over her - and she wanted to help! I was shocked... Ryan too. So I had to snap a few pics. While doing that, it reminded me of Kayson always helping Ryan mow. Here is the comparison. Kayson was about 3 1/2 years old... Cora almost 3.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Basement - Week 7
There was a mini break late last week with the basement... but then we got the cabinets and today we got lighting. We love it. There are few minor things they'll need to change already - like, we wanted dimmers, and there aren't any... and we aren't sure if the ceiling fan is really what we want. Solely because the ceilings are much lower down there, and we can't decide if the fan hangs too low and if we truly need it. So... we'll see.
Regardless, it's looks awesome! We hope to have countertops Friday, maybe. Our flooring is on backorder, so that won't be for another week or more. Which is fine.
Regardless, it's looks awesome! We hope to have countertops Friday, maybe. Our flooring is on backorder, so that won't be for another week or more. Which is fine.
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| Sconces by TV - we'll need to use lower wattage. Awful bright! |
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| Ceiling lights look great... walls look really green, they aren't! |
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| Wet bar lights. |
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| Hallway |
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| Bath sconces |
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| Bedroom |
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