New Years Eve... 2015

Well today, Kayson didn't have 'care', so I took the day off to spend with him.  Ryan had a cold inventory to drive to... left at like 4:45 this morning.  So the kids and I slept in... well, Cora was awake at her normal 'internal clock' time of 6:45...  and K woke up around 7:20.  I took the kids to Dunkin Donuts for a special treat, then K and I dropped Cora off at daycare.  She was less than thrilled that K was spending the day with me, and she wasn't.  Bad mom?  Maybe...  but she's much better off there with the routine and a good rest.  

K and I went home, played a few games, he played on his iPad a little, I cleaned just a little... then we did a Target run, then met up with Lacey and her three kiddos for lunch.  It was really impromptu, and it worked out perfect.  I just love that girl... so thankful for her. 

This afternoon, K wanted to watch a movie...  he chose "Elf", and I took off all the ornaments on the trees, started organizing the storage room to make room for TWO trees... and tossed some crap as well.  It was a really nice afternoon.  

Ryan got home around 2:30... exhausted and saying he didn't feel well.  Awesome.  I got Cora picked up from daycare, then the rest of the afternoon/evening we just hung out.  Played a lot actually... the kids did pretty darn well for me...  yah, Ryan slept nearly 3 hours.  I got the kiddos to bed... and then got myself a drink and started organizing LEGOS.  YUK.  We have so many, and it was time to organize...  I got some more small Rubbermaid tubs and just took the LEGOS apart and put the pieces into baggies.  I'm hoping this works for awhile... we'll see!  It at least looks better! 

Murphy and I are just hanging...  I'm still sipping on my drink, in the quiet... watching a dumb football game.  ha.  Happy freaking New Year.  :)

I'm hoping for another good, blessed year.

Here were my 'goals' for 2015:

• Working out.  I just don't do it anymore, and I need to.  It shows and I'm not happy with my body. -- I just started working out again, in early December.  I'm half-way enjoying it, so I hope to continue.
• Have more patience.  Keeping that on here - and will probably be on there for the rest of my life.  :) -- This will be on the list forever.  I have little patience with Cora actually - really only her.  I try, some days are better than others...  but I think I just need more time away.
• Start on the basement. -- DONE and we love it!  The best investment we made, and the best space we have now in the house.
• Eat better.  Again, I love food that's not the best for you (especially at 9pm!)  And now it shows.  -- Eeeeh...  not worth it.  ha.
• Go on a vacation/weekend away with my family.  Just us. -- We did a mini summer vacation with Blair/Martina... it was great, but wish we would do more with just us. 
• Go on a vacation/weekend away with just Ryan.  Preferably somewhere warm... and beachy.  :) -- Did not happen.  And completely bums me out. It's apparent we need to make more time for each other... 

Christmas 2015 #5 (Taylor Family)

As of this afternoon, Christmas 2015 is officially over for these Taylor's.  It always goes so fast. 

Saturday morning, we slept in... a little.  We headed out the door around 10ish to Creston.  Blair and Martina and their kiddos were on their way as well.  We started our day out with lunch, then we made Cora lay down.  I just can't think of a good reason to skip naps at this point.  :)  She slept about an hour and a half... then the kids were dying to open gifts from Papa and Grandma.  I should have gotten a pic of all of them...  holy moly.  Spoiled rotten!  The kids flew through the gifts, leaving wrapping paper, toys, clothes and memories all over the floor!  They were spoiled with some amazing gifts, as always.  We got the basement somewhat cleaned up... and the kids played.  While they played, we decided (the adults) should just get their gifts out of the way.  And again, spoiled.  I don't even know a better or other word for it.  Thank you Mike and JeanAnn.  

More clean up... then we ordered pizza in, which was perfect.  I think we were all already wiped out - busy with the kiddos, trying to keep things straight with all the gifts and just exhausted from the whole holiday season!  It's tiring!  :)  

Bill and Joni came over after supper... always fun to have them visit.  We just sat and talked for quite awhile, had a nice time.  We even got the kids to bed at a fairly decent time.  Martina and I decided that the 11:00 time at the big Taylor Christmas isn't an option anymore!  After crying by (I think all of four kids), they were all asleep by 9.  Not too bad.  ha.  

We had a good time.  We headed home this afternoon... and then the unloading and attempting to organize started.  We really don't even know where to start actually - we got so much/the kids got so much.  I always think I'm organized, until we are done with Christmas - then I feel like we have nothing organized!!  ha.  It'll all get situated at some point...  my goal is by this coming weekend. 

Merry Christmas to all our friends and family.  

Not a gift from the Taylors, but he loves the cash register we got for Cora.  ha.

K and Dad figuring out OSMO for the iPad - so cool.

Happy birthday kiddo.

Cora beating Papa Mike at CandyLand!

Taylor grandkids, best cousins!!!  Cora, K, Lanny & Tate

Cora playing hair-dresser.  Love it!

Christmas 2015 #3 and #4 (Us & Hardy Family)

Our day started with Kayson coming in around 7:30 - the kids were excited to see that Santa came and that he ate the cookie we left out.  :)

We proceed with our day - opening Santa gifts, which this year was a little different.  (Last year, the kids got 'bigger' gifts from Santa), this year it was basically just stockings 'stuff' and a game.  I guess no real reason for that... just that we (Ryan and I) ended up getting K an iPad, so we really didn't need to spend any more money... and I guess in my eyes - I love that the kids love Santa, but I want them to know how much Ryan and I do for them, and what we get them.  Maybe that's selfish, but that's the way this year was handled...  and it worked out just fine.

Anyway, then we moved downstairs and opened our gifts...  it was nice to do that downstairs. Plenty of room... new Christmas tree lights... and just a new space.  It was nice.  The kids enjoyed it... and then it was over.  Just like that.

The rest of the morning we had breakfast...  I did loads of laundry to get that out of the way...  trying to keep the kiddos happy... (which included Kayson being very impatient about waiting for his new iPad to be 'ready to use')  Yah, probably should have had that done beforehand, but we didn't...  he wasn't happy about it, and showed it.  I finally got cleaned up... and my family started showing up.

This year, we did the Hardy Christmas here!  Over Thanksgiving we talked about how we would handle Christmas, etc... and we ended up delegating our house.  Which was great.  I was nervous, and worried about how my Mom would do... but in the end, it was so nice not having to go anywhere.  Since ya know, I'm such a home-body.  ha.  They started arriving around 1:00/1:30...  and we just started hanging out...  had such a nice time with them.

We had a little birthday celebration for K...  and then did our cousin gift exchange... and Dad had some gifts for us as well.  Ryan made some awesome soups - a Cheeseburger soup and a chili - so good...  so that was nice too.

Everyone started dwindling out around 7:00...  I kind of wish they would have stayed around a little longer, but it's ok.  The kiddos were tired... and it was just time for quiet at our house.

We had a super nice Christmas Day.  Blessed.

a few Santa gifts. 

A Wilson fan.

Santa - big girl spoon and fork.  She's been begging for this!

her own camera!

Trish and Hope

Chase, Ryan and K putting a new Lego together.

Hardy grandkiddos.

With Papa Paul and Grandma Chery

us girls, minus Eden.  Notice Cora.  :)

Playing with the selfie stick.  Cracks me up.

us girls, minus Ash!!

Kayson's 7th Birthday

7 years old... he's 7.  Crazy!
Our Christmas Baby woke us up this morning...  around 7:30.  He had gotten Cora up as well, which I thought was pretty cute.

I kissed and kissed on him... telling him "Happy Birthday" over and over again.  

Kayson has changed since being 6, but has some definite same 'boy' tendencies since last year.  One thing that has changed - the love of the iPad.  It's a tad overwhelming sometimes/ a little addicting???, but I also know that this is completely normal.  

He's doing well in 1st Grade, really likes to be at the Beyond the Bell program.  He tells me he doesn't like the 2 minutes from when I pick him up til when we get home... because Cora is typically naughty and she doesn't like it when him and I talk.  He hates it.  and I feel bad.  

He's officially 'potty' trained.  We did the alarm system over a span of about 6 weeks maybe... and it worked!  He's had a total of 2 accidents.  I'd say that's good!  

Kayson loves movie night and popcorn. When I see him enjoy this time, I feel that he's just such a big kid during those times...  wrapped up in a blanket and totally consumed by a movie.  Love.

I sometimes feel like K isn't always the happiest little boy...  sometimes he gets pretty quiet and 'down'...  I think this is a combination of him not wanting to be bored, and wanting attention.  I know we've never had a 7 year old before...  but I hope this year we can figure that out a little better.  

Regardless of K's ups and downs - he's a lovable kid.  He's funny, and he cares a lot.  He doesn't want to disappoint at.all.  We love him so much.

The kid loves snow!!  He was thrilled to see snow Christmas Eve.

One of his favorite gifts - Russell Wilson jersey.

Christmas 2015 #2 (Taylor Extended)

This weekend was the Taylor Christmas... all the Taylor boys' families.  We all meet up at a hotel in West DSM, which is super... super that we don't have to travel (however, a few others do have to travel quite a ways).  

We got settled...and just started in with game playing, and rowdy boys!  (Tate, K and Duke)!, however they did play pretty darn well.  I'm glad they are all forming a good little cousin relationship.  JeanAnn had some super fun games for all of us to partake in - we had the four 'littles' be the captains of the teams - Duke, K, Tate and Cora.  So fun for them.  

Following games, we at some yummy food... and had a few gifts for the cousins to open.  Some of the kiddos wanted to swim...  which we did that for a bit, then got Cora to bed.  Again, she had a hard time relaxing - she's so darn restless!  (Ryan got the luxury of sleeping with her - and she kicked him all night long!)  This is why we don't co-sleep!  haha.  We let Kayson stay up... he was playing pretty good with Duke and Tate, then they got a little out of hand (super late, super tired), so he was in bed around 11:15.  I know - super late... and we are feeling it today.  He's complaining of his tummy hurting - but I'm praying from the bags under his eyes, that he's just exhausted...  :(  

I would say one of the main special things about yesterday and today, was Great Grandma Ann joined us.  This is so special and brings tears to my eyes.  She's amazing - 99 year old, and she was all in.  She ate great, she sat up with us through all the commotion of the kids and gifts... and played some Pitch (a Taylor favorite card game).  Literally a blessing.  All and all, it was a great afternoon/evening!!!

Like I said, we are feeling it today...  we had breakfast at the hotel, then eventually got all gathered up and headed home.  Ryan and the kids needed to get out to church to practice for our Xmas Even Service skit... I stayed home and got the house a little in order, and started laundry.  The gang (Blair's and parents) stopped by, had a quick lunch... then they were out the door.  Kayson is asleep, Cora is asleep, and so is Ryan...  Why can't I just sit down and close my eyes???  Aaaa!!!

Here are some pics from the fun. Lots of fun and memories.  Merry Christmas Taylor's!!!

Cora and Uncle Bill have a special connection.  She had to teach him how to play Candy Land!

Headbandz!!

Oh these boys!  Duke & K

More fun with Headbandz!  Duke, Kylie, K & Grandma Janis (& Tate's head)

Cora and Landry taking a 2 second break - reading books.

an attempt at a family pic - Cora is totally 3 (and naughty)

Love these Taylor's!

Grandma Janis and her grand kiddos.  (They are all getting so big!!!)

and one with Great Grandma Ann!!

Team Captains!

Since writing this... K has woke up... still complaining of his tummy hurting, and has bad poops.  Gosh this makes me so sad, and nervous.  So many darn germs...  :(  Praying we get through this fast.

This & That - Christmas Style

• Christmas is only 8 days away...  that means my 'baby' will be 7.  Unreal.  
• The Elves have returned (Snowflake and Hawkeye) - and the kids are loving it!!!  Especially Cora - she thinks it's hilarious every morning to find them... and no matter if they are just 'sitting' around, or doing something naughty, it's the best thing to her!  Which I find priceless.
• We are still purchasing last minute gifts... and I anticipate that happening on the 23rd as well.  This irritates me... and makes me think we need to stop purchasing for the adults!!!!  
• From the weather forecast - it appears we will have a dry Christmas.  As much as I love seeing the snow (when we don't have to travel in it!) - it kind of bums me out that we won't have a white Xmas.  However, if I have to choose - dry is good - less troubles with traveling!
• On the 23rd I'll do my Volunteer Time - wrapping gifts at Valley West Mall for the Children's Cancer Connection.  I honestly just can't wait...  Colleen will be with us this year, and it's just so much fun.  Such a great day.
• We are still waiting on one more gift for Kayson...  then he's all done.  He's getting a big gift this year... which both Ryan and I were a little hesitant about, but we bit the bullet.  We hope that Kayson loves it and appreciates it.  
• With all the hustle and bustle - I'm stopping for a minute to think about my Mom and how she has no idea what's happening and that it's Christmas.  5 years ago, we would have been shopping together and prepping for the big day... and I still remember Ryan calling her Christmas morning 7 years ago to tell her she would have a new grandson.  

Happy Holidays.

Our Week

I can't believe it's Saturday night already.  We had a super busy week...  rather exhausting as well. 

Monday - normal work day, Ryan had a meeting out of town.  I started a workout class on Monday's, in which by Tuesday afternoon I couldn't move.  One of those where it was hard to sit on the toilet... and get back up.  

Tuesday - Ryan and I attended Greg's "Step-Dad's" funeral.  We drove the 1.5 hours to be with the family for one hour... then back home.  Back to DSM and I logged in for a bit, but really didn't do much.  Tuesday night Kayson had a 1st Grade Music Concert.  It was nice...  25 minutes... and we were home.  K seemed to enjoy himself and knew it all.  Which makes me happy.  It seemed as though Tuesday flew by. 

Wednesday - another normal day, but seemed to be exhausting.  Like the weekend and the workout and funeral officially caught up to me.  

Thursday - Ryan had another meeting, a night meeting.  So the kids and I fended for ourselves... a super easy supper and early to bed.  I waited for Ryan to come home, but then I crashed nearly 5 minutes after he was home.  

Friday - Ryan and I took Friday off of work, well, I did - and Ryan was able to step away for about 4 and half hours.  I love that guy... and he's proof that his hard work pays off.  Darn over-achiever.  :)  Anyway, I did some stuff around the house in the morning, then Ryan and I did some Christmas shopping.  I think we are 90% done!?!   (Yes, there's a question mark there...)  I'll be doing some more sorting and checking off the lists (for the 100th time tomorrow).  We had a good day together...  
From there, we got the kids, and headed to Creston Friday night to watch cousin Jenna play basketball.  Unfortunately, the refs were TERRIBLE, so we didn't get to watch Jenna much, as they put too many fouls on her early in the game.  Huge bummer...  however, it was a win for the girls.  Following the game, we got jammies on at Mike & JeanAnn's and were on our way back.  Kayson was asleep within minutes of the drive home...  Cora was awake until we were about 15 minutes away from home.  COMPLETE OPPOSITE KIDS!!   We had a nice visit regardless!

It seems like the week just flew by...  so much going on...  and now it's Saturday night.  NIGHT.  I got my hair done this morning...  Kayson got his cut.  We did some stuff around the house and then just played really.  I wrapped a few gifts (which I'm over already!) and tonight we stayed in and watched a movie.  I'm tired.  

Creston Panthers!

Jacob cutting K's hair.  :)

Busy Saturday!

Ryan is in IN for the Big 10 Championship game (Hawks vs. Michigan State Spartans).  He headed out early this morning... back tomorrow afternoon.  Short trip for them (him, Lex, Mike, Lester and another guy)...  and as of now, a very nerve-racking game.  Regardless of the outcome, what an amazing season for the Hawks.  I hope the guys are having fun, however, I hope they are responsible!!!  hint hint.  ha. 

Anyway, the kiddos woke around 7ish...  I lounged around for awhile, longer than I should have.  Finally got my butt in the shower, and started our day.  The kids and I headed up to Ames around 8:30 to watch Hope play in her UNI Club VB league.  It was nice being there, and seeing her.  She did great, given the fact that only 12 hours earlier she found out her Grandpa Corwyn passed away.  Corwyn was Greg's Mom's significant other... not technically a Step Dad to Greg, but definitely a father figure and a Grandpa to Hope and Eden.  Very, very sad news...  

Anyway, we watched for a couple hours, then headed back to DSM.  The kids did pretty good for me...  we got home, and Cora fought nap for awhile, but eventually gave up.  Kayson and I made our Christmas countdown links, which was fun.  I did a little cleaning... then Cora was up already.  Short naps for her lately.  We played and then Cora just wanted to sit.  She asked me to play with her hair... so sweet.  I sat behind her and combed and just 'played' with it.  

Around 3:30, I had a babysitter come...  I needed (well - wanted to just get away for a couple hours).  Lindsay came, I walked out.  I got a few gifts taken care of for Ryan, then went out to Lacey's salon's Holiday Open House.  It wasn't busy, so her and I were able to visit for a bit.  Then back home.  Those 2 hours FLEW BY.  

Shortly after I got home, Jess, Presley and Dax came over.  Lex is with Ryan, and we thought it would be nice to get the kids together for an hour or so.   I ordered pizza... kids didn't eat...  they played pretty well, and then it was time for them to leave.  Another 2 hours that flew by.  

As I was getting Cora in the bath - Hope texted me and asked if her and Logan could stop by!  (Seriously, the sweetest thing ever!)  They were in town eating, so they stopped by...  I got the kids' baths done, got them some popcorn and we were able to sit and visit. Then got the kids to bed, and they stuck around and talked/laughed more with me.  It was so nice having them here... and just passing my night a little bit.  

As I was picking up, I just thought of what a busy day it's been, but such a good one. 

Countdown links!  19 days!

Makes me giggle...  Hope squeezing Cora's face!

My husband taking selfies.  Hilarious.

Seems to be great seats!!