Friday, December 28, 2018
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Christmas 2018 #5
After our morning at home... we got on the road about 11:00 and headed to Dad's farm. We arrived... had some yummy soups, and just visited. We did gifts, and played a few games... and literally just hung out. It was a quiet afternoon, and quite uneventful really. I was glad to be there, but I felt like it wasn't the same as it normally is... we weren't as silly and happy. I don't know what was different, but it was different.
We did celebrate K's birthday so that was good... I had made a cake, so we decorated that up there, and a few of us ate it.
The kids were blessed and enjoyed themselves, so that's good. But it was a super quick trip, and we were home by 8:00 tonight.
We did celebrate K's birthday so that was good... I had made a cake, so we decorated that up there, and a few of us ate it.
The kids were blessed and enjoyed themselves, so that's good. But it was a super quick trip, and we were home by 8:00 tonight.
Kayson's 10th Birthday
Who can believe it?!!? 10 years ago... TEN years ago, we welcomed our first born into this crazy world on Christmas Day!!? Oh my gosh, it is amazing, and scary, and so bittersweet.
Kayson is seriously such a good kid. We are so damn lucky with this one! Yes, he's got an attitude, and has started to talk back (while walking away, and under his breath) - but I can still hear him! But he's smart, he cares, he's got a big heart, he loves his friends and his family, he's good in school and makes good decisions. I'd say we are the lucky ones and pray that all of that continues through his wonderful life.
Some things I want to write down to not forget:
Kayson is seriously such a good kid. We are so damn lucky with this one! Yes, he's got an attitude, and has started to talk back (while walking away, and under his breath) - but I can still hear him! But he's smart, he cares, he's got a big heart, he loves his friends and his family, he's good in school and makes good decisions. I'd say we are the lucky ones and pray that all of that continues through his wonderful life.
Some things I want to write down to not forget:
- K is addicted to the PS4 game Fortnite. Literally - addicted. (I'm sure I won't forget this... but ya never know).
- LOVES blankets. Mostly super soft ones (but who doesn't!). He covers up with several blankets at bedtime... and stays covered up the entire night. It's crazy! He's got to be sweltering! ha.
- He's learned to eat well... and does good at eating quite a bit especially if he likes it! He likes a good plain hamburger, but most recently, Ryan has gotten him to try cheese on the hamburger. He's been 'ok' with that!
- He's such a people-pleaser... always wondering what Dad is going to say and wants to agree with him. It's pretty interesting to watch him/them - Kayson so badly wants that approval from his Dad.
Happy birthday Kayson - double digits!!!
Christmas 2018 #4 - US
Merry Christmas - 2018, unbelievable.
Once again (like the past several Christmas'), I woke early... and emotional. Like crazy emotional. Kayson was up earlier than I expected... so him and I snuggled on the couch for a bit, in the dark with tears in my eyes... attempting to keep him from seeing what Santa brought. So many emotions rolling through my mind... he's 10 now. I miss Mom. I worry about freaking everything. Just so much.
Soon enough, Cora was awake... she ran out... K and her turned on the Christmas tree lights... and I hurried and told them to wake their Dad. Within moments Ryan was out in the living room... kids were looking through stuff, and unfortunately Ryan was upset that they didn't technically wait for him. That brought more and more tears, cuz I knew he was upset. Totally bummed.
But we moved on... and the kids were excited to see the things Santa brought. Cora got a new iPad... and Kayson got a gaming chair. Those were their 'big' gifts. We then had a little breakfast... and then moved onto our gifts to the kids and each other. and wow - the kids got great things, and Ryan got me some amazing things as well. (Seems like he always does... so nice). We enjoyed that time... and then pretty much the kids were on their electronics and we were getting ready for the day.
Everything was good... I think the kids were happy, and they were ready to go see their other cousins.
A few pics from our little Christmas:
Once again (like the past several Christmas'), I woke early... and emotional. Like crazy emotional. Kayson was up earlier than I expected... so him and I snuggled on the couch for a bit, in the dark with tears in my eyes... attempting to keep him from seeing what Santa brought. So many emotions rolling through my mind... he's 10 now. I miss Mom. I worry about freaking everything. Just so much.
Soon enough, Cora was awake... she ran out... K and her turned on the Christmas tree lights... and I hurried and told them to wake their Dad. Within moments Ryan was out in the living room... kids were looking through stuff, and unfortunately Ryan was upset that they didn't technically wait for him. That brought more and more tears, cuz I knew he was upset. Totally bummed.
But we moved on... and the kids were excited to see the things Santa brought. Cora got a new iPad... and Kayson got a gaming chair. Those were their 'big' gifts. We then had a little breakfast... and then moved onto our gifts to the kids and each other. and wow - the kids got great things, and Ryan got me some amazing things as well. (Seems like he always does... so nice). We enjoyed that time... and then pretty much the kids were on their electronics and we were getting ready for the day.
Everything was good... I think the kids were happy, and they were ready to go see their other cousins.
A few pics from our little Christmas:
Monday, December 24, 2018
Christmas 2018 #2 & #3
This year we did the Taylor Christmas' a little different. Last year we did the hotel (like we have for the past 9 years - I think), then we hosted in DSM. (and Cora had the stomach flu). YUK. But this year, Grandma Janis expressed wanting to host at the farm, and have Grandma Ann join us. That worked out great!
Saturday:
We headed down to Creston Saturday morning... and celebrated with the immediate Taylor's - Mike, JeanAnn, Blair's and us. We pretty much just hung out... kids played, the girls went shopping a little (cuz why not, right?!) Creston has a few little boutiques that are great. Then FINALLY (according to the kids), we opened gifts! The kids were spoiled like crazy... but honestly feel like our kids were thankful for once! ha. It was a pretty good day...
Sunday:
Kids slept well... I slept on the floor in their room cuz Ryan snored and coughed a ton. My sleep was limited, but oh well. We were up and hung out and got ready for the day. We headed down to Grandma Janis' around 10:30... but first we went to the cemetery to visit Papa Dick. We haven't visited in a long time it seems.
Then we went to the farm... and soon enough everyone was there. We had everyone there, including Great Grandma Ann. It was great. She just sat in her chair and soaked all our craziness in... I think she enjoyed herself, but she was tired soon!
The kids did great most of the day... the weather was amazing for December 23, so the boys played outside quite a bit. So lucky! We did gifts from Grandma, and a fun 'grab gift' time. Then some of the families started heading out (the ones with long drives). We stuck around til about 7:30... just visiting and Ryan helping Grandma with a new gift he got. It was nice.
Here are a bunch of pictures.
Saturday:
We headed down to Creston Saturday morning... and celebrated with the immediate Taylor's - Mike, JeanAnn, Blair's and us. We pretty much just hung out... kids played, the girls went shopping a little (cuz why not, right?!) Creston has a few little boutiques that are great. Then FINALLY (according to the kids), we opened gifts! The kids were spoiled like crazy... but honestly feel like our kids were thankful for once! ha. It was a pretty good day...
Sunday:
Kids slept well... I slept on the floor in their room cuz Ryan snored and coughed a ton. My sleep was limited, but oh well. We were up and hung out and got ready for the day. We headed down to Grandma Janis' around 10:30... but first we went to the cemetery to visit Papa Dick. We haven't visited in a long time it seems.
Then we went to the farm... and soon enough everyone was there. We had everyone there, including Great Grandma Ann. It was great. She just sat in her chair and soaked all our craziness in... I think she enjoyed herself, but she was tired soon!
The kids did great most of the day... the weather was amazing for December 23, so the boys played outside quite a bit. So lucky! We did gifts from Grandma, and a fun 'grab gift' time. Then some of the families started heading out (the ones with long drives). We stuck around til about 7:30... just visiting and Ryan helping Grandma with a new gift he got. It was nice.
Here are a bunch of pictures.
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| The five kiddos. |
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| K and Tate - twins fans for KU Jayhawks! |
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| with Katie and Landry |
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| Kyle, K, Tate and Matt |
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| K's favorite (he says) - Duke |
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| Love that we got to see Great Grandma Ann! |
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| Cora and Brittlyn were buddies! |
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| All of us!!! |
Friday, December 21, 2018
Another year of wrapping gifts!
Yesterday, Colleen, Renee, Nikki, Kelly, Lezlie and I met again at Valley West Mall to do our volunteer duties for the year. We wrapped gifts all day long... well - maybe not all day! This year we weren't as busy as years past... more than likely because people do a lot of shopping online, and Valley West Mall just isn't as busy as it used to be. There's rumors of the mall closing... which makes us super sad. Hopefully that's not the case!!!
Anyway, we had a very nice day... busy enough, but quiet enough that we could sit for a bit, do any last minute shopping, etc.
I always enjoy this day...
Anyway, we had a very nice day... busy enough, but quiet enough that we could sit for a bit, do any last minute shopping, etc.
I always enjoy this day...
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Weekend
Another weekend has passed... we are in the middle of December already. It's almost sickening how fast the year has gone.
Friday:
I had my work holiday party in the afternoon... I actually woke Friday morning feeling weird. I had terrible stomach cramping, almost felt like I had done 100 sit-ups and that definitely did not happen! I stayed home and just worked from home... took it easy... put oils on... and hoped for the best. By 11, I seemed ok... no cramping and was hungry. It was so weird. I attended the holiday party - which was at SmashPark (so fun, and a cool place). I enjoyed myself... and headed home about 3:30. I honestly felt fine the rest of the day and night... weird.
Anyway, Friday night we stayed in. I wrapped a few more gifts, and we just layed low. Pretty boring evening.
Saturday:
Kayson had basketball practice. Sis slept til 8:30. I cleaned like crazy and did some laundry. We grabbed lunch out and did an errand... and again, that was about it. We didn't have plans, so it was nice to just sit. And I actually did for a bit. Cora and I watched a movie. We ended up doing an errand... along with everyone else in the DSM area!! Super busy at Target... should have known, but it was ok.
Saturday night - pizza ordered and we just hung out.
Sunday:
Church...
Beautiful weather day here... was beautiful Saturday too. We've been so lucky - and I hope it stays like this for the next 12 days! ha. No travel issues to worry about. Anyway, the kids played outside for a little bit... practically had to force them outside! Then we worked on our gingerbread houses. They decorated, and did a nice job. I attempted to help Cora - but she said I wasn't good at it. Kind of a fair statement... but I was a least trying! Ryan helped Kayson (and he's really good at it!)... both turned out good. It was a good little activity.
And now it's Sunday late afternoon... a quiet evening getting ready for our week. It's a short week for me - wrapping gifts Thursday and planning to be off Friday (we'll see). Ryan will be out of town most of the week. Kids have school all week, but they are excited for Christmas being here so soon!
Friday:
I had my work holiday party in the afternoon... I actually woke Friday morning feeling weird. I had terrible stomach cramping, almost felt like I had done 100 sit-ups and that definitely did not happen! I stayed home and just worked from home... took it easy... put oils on... and hoped for the best. By 11, I seemed ok... no cramping and was hungry. It was so weird. I attended the holiday party - which was at SmashPark (so fun, and a cool place). I enjoyed myself... and headed home about 3:30. I honestly felt fine the rest of the day and night... weird.
Anyway, Friday night we stayed in. I wrapped a few more gifts, and we just layed low. Pretty boring evening.
Saturday:
Kayson had basketball practice. Sis slept til 8:30. I cleaned like crazy and did some laundry. We grabbed lunch out and did an errand... and again, that was about it. We didn't have plans, so it was nice to just sit. And I actually did for a bit. Cora and I watched a movie. We ended up doing an errand... along with everyone else in the DSM area!! Super busy at Target... should have known, but it was ok.
Saturday night - pizza ordered and we just hung out.
Sunday:
Church...
Beautiful weather day here... was beautiful Saturday too. We've been so lucky - and I hope it stays like this for the next 12 days! ha. No travel issues to worry about. Anyway, the kids played outside for a little bit... practically had to force them outside! Then we worked on our gingerbread houses. They decorated, and did a nice job. I attempted to help Cora - but she said I wasn't good at it. Kind of a fair statement... but I was a least trying! Ryan helped Kayson (and he's really good at it!)... both turned out good. It was a good little activity.
And now it's Sunday late afternoon... a quiet evening getting ready for our week. It's a short week for me - wrapping gifts Thursday and planning to be off Friday (we'll see). Ryan will be out of town most of the week. Kids have school all week, but they are excited for Christmas being here so soon!
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| We bought fake nails for Cora. Hysterical. They lasted about 20 hours before she realized she can't do much with them! ha. |
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| weird outfit she put together... (3 tu-tus) she wouldn't let me take a picture of her. |
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| Working hard! |
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| Finished 2018 Gingerbread house - Kayson |
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| Finished 2018 Gingerbread house - Cora |
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
For my kids... and others... and myself
I think I'm going to (after Christmas... and after we've spent a million dollars), have this made in a frame or something to put in the kids' rooms...?
SOME KIDS ARE
SMARTER THAN YOU.
SOME KIDS HAVE COOLER
CLOTHES THAN YOU.
SOME KIDS ARE BETTER
AT SPORTS THAN YOU.
IT DOESN'T MATTER.
YOU HAVE YOUR THING TOO.
BE THE KID WHO CAN
GET ALONG. BE THE KID
WHO IS GENEROUS.
BE THE KID WHO IS HAPPY
FOR OTHER PEOPLE.
BE THE KID WHO DOES THE RIGHT THING.
BE THE NICE KID.
Love this...
Sunday, December 9, 2018
Weekend & Church Christmas program
Friday:
We went out for supper... Applebee's chosen by the kids. The rest of the night was picking up, cleaning this and that... and laundry.
Saturday:
Kayson started basketball... we didn't do a league this year (haven't done that, ever), so we decided last minute to do the month long program through Waukee HS. We have done this for several years now... still gets him some activity and a some learning too. Ryan took him to that... Cora and I hung at home and did more of this and that. (I swear that's been never ending lately.) Once K was home - then the kids and I did a couple errands, trying to get some more shopping done. UGH. I'm over the shopping thing!!! We did get the teachers done - school teachers and dance teachers. So that's good. But I still need to get a few more things from us... from Santa... from my Dad... from Ryan's grandma. Ugh!
Saturday afternoon was quiet at home... but of course I was non stop. I don't think I sat down at all (unless I was driving or eating!), and man, that gets old. It seems like this weekend (or at least THIS Saturday) was just one of those days that it drove me crazy to sit... or watch others sit! Like my husband.
Kayson had a birthday party to go to Saturday night - Mr. Hudsen. They had a good time... and stayed up way too late. Imagine that - almost 10 year olds. Ryan and I attended Colleen and Julie's 40th birthday party that they held at a bar downtown. Like a true bar. ha. We are old. Anyway... it was fine... got to see a few people I haven't seen in awhile... Ryan had a few drinks... and we were on our way home by 9:30. Again, old. Cora stayed home with Zoey.
Sunday:
Picked K up at 8am... and I could tell he was tired. Oh boy. But it was a big day at church, so we had to be awake!! The kids Christmas program! Kayson played Joseph; and Cora was one of the Shepherds. They both did awesome... and so did the other kids. It was really sweet... and so good. Very proud of the kids.
Sunday afternoon, Kayson went to the park with a friend for a bit, then back to Carter's house to hang for a little bit. Cora and I went to the grocery store - along with everyone else in West DSM! Ryan had meetings at church. But the rest of the afternoon was laundry and relaxing. I did sit. :)
We went out for supper... Applebee's chosen by the kids. The rest of the night was picking up, cleaning this and that... and laundry.
Saturday:
Kayson started basketball... we didn't do a league this year (haven't done that, ever), so we decided last minute to do the month long program through Waukee HS. We have done this for several years now... still gets him some activity and a some learning too. Ryan took him to that... Cora and I hung at home and did more of this and that. (I swear that's been never ending lately.) Once K was home - then the kids and I did a couple errands, trying to get some more shopping done. UGH. I'm over the shopping thing!!! We did get the teachers done - school teachers and dance teachers. So that's good. But I still need to get a few more things from us... from Santa... from my Dad... from Ryan's grandma. Ugh!
Saturday afternoon was quiet at home... but of course I was non stop. I don't think I sat down at all (unless I was driving or eating!), and man, that gets old. It seems like this weekend (or at least THIS Saturday) was just one of those days that it drove me crazy to sit... or watch others sit! Like my husband.
Kayson had a birthday party to go to Saturday night - Mr. Hudsen. They had a good time... and stayed up way too late. Imagine that - almost 10 year olds. Ryan and I attended Colleen and Julie's 40th birthday party that they held at a bar downtown. Like a true bar. ha. We are old. Anyway... it was fine... got to see a few people I haven't seen in awhile... Ryan had a few drinks... and we were on our way home by 9:30. Again, old. Cora stayed home with Zoey.
Sunday:
Picked K up at 8am... and I could tell he was tired. Oh boy. But it was a big day at church, so we had to be awake!! The kids Christmas program! Kayson played Joseph; and Cora was one of the Shepherds. They both did awesome... and so did the other kids. It was really sweet... and so good. Very proud of the kids.
Sunday afternoon, Kayson went to the park with a friend for a bit, then back to Carter's house to hang for a little bit. Cora and I went to the grocery store - along with everyone else in West DSM! Ryan had meetings at church. But the rest of the afternoon was laundry and relaxing. I did sit. :)
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| Easton & Cora - Shepherds |
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| Cora - Shepherd; Kayson - Joseph |
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