Life

The last few weeks have seemed difficult...  probably for my kids, but mostly for me.  I've been watching my kids grow up, so dang fast...  that's hard.  I've been watching Cora struggle with her confidence with tumbling and her arm.  I've been hearing Cora cry and be sad and scared about her arm and tumbling.  I've been told that Cora is being bullied at school.  I've been watching Kayson not talk much...  and not seem to care much...  specifically to us, but he's happy around his friends.  That's a hard pill to swallow sometimes. 

All of this has been hard.  I'm tired.  I'm tired of crying.  I'm tired of worrying.  

With all of this, there are things we can try. 

Cora will start physical therapy this week.  This will be PT for her arm, but mostly for her mental state.  I've talked with the PT and their office and explained what's going on...  in hopes that they can help her build that confidence, get some TLC and re-learn that her arm is strong.  I know this is going to be hard, but it's worth a shot.  My fear is we should have done this 3 months ago...  so it may take awhile. 

The bullying. Cora expressed some concern with a group of boys bullying her and her friends at recess.  She's said it a few times, but last week she really said it to me.  She gave me more details, names, what they are doing, etc.  I contacted the Principal.  I don't have time for this... and I need my daughter to feel safe and happy at school - especially at recess.  Dr. Jones was great - he talked to the group of boys, he contacted their parents, he expressed concern to the group of teachers that are outside at recess, etc.  I was pleased.  I pray that this has been handled... I really just want Cora to not have to worry about that. 

And Kayson - The 14 year old boy thing.  He just doesn't say much.  I worry that he's not happy.  I worry that he doesn't try and give his potential.  I'm just worried.  

Things are not easy lately.  I'm trying really hard to give it to God, and just continue to pray. 

Kayson - basketball AIA tournament

I've lost count of the number of tournaments we've had...  some have been successful, some not.  It's definitely been an up and down experience this year. 

This weekend, the team was in Ames.  Saturday, I was able to get up there and watch one game.  Jill was able to bring Dad down to one game too, which was so nice.  I think he enjoyed himself.  And we got to go for lunch, so that was nice.  Unfortunately the game wasn't a win, but K did well.  

The rest of the weekend was loses, unfortunately.  BUT I'm being told Kayson had this best game on Sunday afternoon.  Thinking 12 or 13 points... and just had good defense too.  I love hearing that.  I just want him to improve and have fun... honestly, that's all I care about.  

So some downs this weekend, but we just keep trucking along!!  

2023 Barefoot Theater

This weekend was the famous Barefoot Theater - the start of competition season.  The true practice - the getting all the kinks out.  And man it's a long weekend for those kids (and parents). 

Friday night was the longest rehearsal night - I think we were there about 3 hours.  Cora danced all her dances except Production.  From what I understand, everything went well - except SpongeBob.  That needs some work!

Saturday morning, she practiced Production...  just an hour, so not too bad. 

Then Sunday was the big day - she and the group had to be there about 9:30.  They did a warm up, and ABT, had a quick lunch, then started the show (1:00).  Cora and her group did great in my opinion.  She danced her 6 dances, and she looked good.  I know she was nervous for a few dances, but she did well - her facials were great, and she was 'on'.  Very proud of her, and that long day.  

It was a long day for us parents too - sitting in folding chairs for over 5 hours.  Man, I'm sore!!  

WEPA

LIME AND THE COCONUT

LET'S GO CRAZY

SPONGEBOB

CHOO CHOO CH BOOGIE

911 - WHAT'S YOUR EMERGENCY

Cora - Arm - Tumbling = Scared

Well, it's been a long time since Cora got that last cast off... and we were very cautious with it, and told her it was 'ok' to go slow.  Well, we definitely went slow with it.  And now it's time to get back into things - especially tumbling.  Now, we know Cora is not a big tumbler - it's not her favorite (never has been), and now with the arm situation, she's just nervous.  Which I don't blame her.  

Unfortunately, we can't really 'baby' her and it for much longer... we need her to try.  She had a solid 4 weeks over winter break where she did no tumbling and it caught up to her.  Once we were back into the swing of things, she panicked.  She started saying her stomach hurt anytime she needed to go to dance, especially tumbling.  She would get herself so worked up, crying, mad at me, and all the things. 

Last Wednesday, was honestly a terrible day.  She woke up and was instantly off... and she mentioned something about dance. She was off to school, and then when I picked her up, she was upset.  Saying her stomach hurt and she babbled and cried off and on for about 20 minutes.  I tried explaining to her that it was nerves, and that it's ok to be nervous, and Charlee won't push her today... she just needs to try.  This went on for minutes...  getting to the fact that we were going to be late.  She was so mad at me, I made her go.  

We got to dance... and she was still so mad, had tears in her eyes and wouldn't talk to me.  I went in the studio in hopes to talk with Charlee. 

Unfortunately, I had a meltdown.  I think it was the collaboration of Cora being upset and I trying to be strong and teach her life lessons...  and it all came crashing down into tears for me!!  I did end up talking with Charlee - she was very understanding and listened.  She promised she would keep Cora safe and just push her to try... that's really all we need here.  I felt awful leaving there... I was so upset, and I know Cora was too. 

In the end, she did the tumbling class, and tried to get out of some things, but Charlee pushed her and spotted her the whole time.  I know Cora was nervous, but she did it.  We have a very long road ahead of us when it comes to tumbling... 

Kayson - braces update!!

Last week, Kayson had another ortho appointment...  one to get a few more brackets on two bottom teeth.  Those bottom teeth have been very crowded, and honestly haven't moved at all since he got the braces in August!  We just figured it was 'slow going'.  Well, last week - the two brackets were put on and a new wire... and nearly 8 hours later, his bottom teeth were straight!!  It's crazy!   His mouth and head hurt so bad that day... which I don't blame him for hating that!! 

Look at that difference!!

Long weekend

The kids had a long weekend...  Friday - Teacher work day and Monday - MLK Jr Day.  Honestly, it was a nice weekend... I think we (the kids) needed to slow down a little. 

Friday, I worked and the kids chilled.  Cora ended up having her friend, CiCi over for awhile.  That kept them busy and happy, they were fun.  They talked me into doing a Target run with them... so funny.  It was a good way to end my Friday afternoon. 

Saturday - Kayson had basketball near by in Grimes.  The team did great on Saturday - winning both games.  It was a quick morning there and then the rest of the day was free.  Ryan and I did a Costco run, then he met up with some guys to watch football/basketball.  I stayed home and chilled with the kids, it was so nice!!!

Sunday - two more games for Kayson - and they were wins!  His team ended up winning their bracket, so that was so fun for them!  Of course no one took pictures of the team, cuz I wasn't there.  So frustrating!  But it was good - a good confidence builder for those boys.  Cora had dance, and I just ended up staying home and getting stuff done. 

Monday - free day again.  I didn't have to work, so that was super nice.  We did some stuff around the house, did a few errands while the cleaners came, and just relaxed.  It honestly was great. 

Now it's back to reality!!  Back to basketball daily, back to dance full time and prepping for Barefoot Theater, and just life!  

Waukee 8th Grade Basketball!

Last night, Kayson and his Waukee basketball team started their season.  For one time, I was actually pretty excited (and a little nervous) about this!  As many know, I'm NOT a basketball fan, but for yesterday I was excited...  it's a big deal.  K is now old enough to play school ball, and he made the A team.  I think that's a pretty big deal.  :)

Unfortunately, the team lost, by just 3 points I believe.  It was close, and it was a good game.  Kayson did well, and played the majority of the game!!  Which was exciting!

I was pleased, and it was fun to see some of those boys play.

Weekend - Dance Garment Tags & Losing at Basketball

It's been a crazy week... last week Ryan was in Missouri all week, kids were busy, Cora's ear infection sprung up, and I feel like we were just trying to get back into a routine. 

All is well with Cora's ear now - about 5 days of meds, and we are good.  

Kayson's been good - he doesn't say much, but we are excited to say that he made the A team for 8th grade basketball!  I was excited, and proud of him... sure wish he would show some excitement! :)  Regardless, excited to see how this short season plays out. 

On another note of basketball - Kayson and Ryan headed to Lincoln, NE Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon for All Iowa Attack tournament.  Unfortunately, his team didn't win any games.  Very frustrating, and yes, we want to play tough teams, but we aren't winning much, and I know that's tough on the kids... and parents.  We are finding out that many parents are pretty disappointed in the AIA system.  Which stinks.  Regardless, it was a long trip for no wins. 

While Ryan and K were away, Cora and I hung out at home.  We did some stuff around the house.  Saturday afternoon, we had Michelle and Cora over and we worked on dance garment bag tags.  Sounds interesting!  We had a good time...  got all crafty and got all 6 competition dances done.  It was fun. 

The girls tried on the costumes they have, and worked through their dances too, so that was nice. 

Sunday Cora had dance in the morning, then we just hung out.  I took a nap, which was amazing...  maybe not fun for Cora, but she just chilled on her iPad!

Wepa - large group jazz

Choo Choo Ch'Boogie - tap trio

Let's Go Crazy - large group jazz

Cora - ear infection

Well, we didn't make it too far into the year 2023 without a sickness.  I know an ear infection isn't a huge deal, but man... I'm tired of going to a doctor, tired of having my kids not feel 100%.  

Cora complained of her ear hurting...  and I was able to get her into the doctor the very next day.  Confirmed - ear infection, in both actually.  Stinks for her, and I know it can be painful.  

Antibiotics are in her, and I hope to see improvement by tomorrow. 

Poor kid. 

PRAYER FOR HEALTH:

Touch me now with your healing hands, for I believe that your will is for me to be well in mind, body, soul and spirit. Cover me with the most precious blood of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ from the top of my head to the soles of my feet.

Taylor Christmas!

We celebrated a couple times in Creston - the week before Christmas, we were able to see Scott's family, which was fun.  Then New Years weekend was the official immediate Taylor Christmas. 

We headed to Creston Saturday morning...  watched the Iowa Hawkeyes win their bowl game, which was fun!  Then opened gifts...  played games...  did a puzzle... ate all day...  It was a good, busy day!

Sunday we celebrated a little more - Grandma Janis joined us, along with Todd's family and Joni, and Jimmy and Diana came too, which was fun.  We hadn't seen them in years!