Our Christmas!

This Christmas was our first Christmas as a family and it was so special! I was so excited to see Taylor open his presents from Mommy and Daddy! Especially the talking Cookie Monster! That one's my favorite! It was amazing to see him try to rip off the wrapping paper and see what was inside. And of course, the wrapping was just about as cool as the presents! :) That figures.....we should have just wrapped wrapping paper! Can you imagine? :) It truly was a very special Christmas! I loved every minute! After Taylor opened his presents, Mike and I opened ours while he played with his new toys. We both love him so much and loved that precious time together!

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Merry Christmas!

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself,

and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him,

and given Him a Name which is above every Name:

That at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow,

of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Merry Christmas Eve!!!

Today was Christmas Eve!!! It was a different Christmas Eve because it landed on a Wednesday and the day got broken up into quite a few sections!!! We all got to my mom and dad's at 11 to have a fabulous brunch that my mom prepared - egg bake, monkey bread, baked fruit and punch....I ate way too much! We played games and hung out, Jess got into a tennis tournament with Steven and Deron and I ate way too much! :) We girls were in charge of dinner and the appetizers afterwards. At around 3:30 we started getting the Chicken Parmesan ready. Heather and Jess did a wonderful job while I worked on getting the appetizers ready for after the church service. We ate at 5 just like we planned and then everyone scampered to get into their church clothes because we all piled in the blue van to ride to church together - all 17 of us!!! It was the best time! The service at the South Campus perfect - we three girls were able to sing together for the special and our old youth pastor was in town for Christmas so he brought the message. Mike and I were able to sit together for the service and that was something that we haven't been able to do in a very long time......I really enjoyed it.....
After the service, we stayed around til the "place closed" and then we all jumped back in that big blue van and took the trip home!!! When we all got home, I don't think that I have seen 17 people change faster into pj's!!! We prepped the food and got the buffet ready and then we all opened presents.....it was as magical as it could be! The food was awesome and after, we all played games. We didn't get home until 3 this morning but it was wonderful! Merry Christmas Eve!!!

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Birthday Party!

Tonight we celebrated Mike and Mom Henderson's birthday by reserving the party room at the Olive Garden in Coon Rapids. Both sides of the family were invited but as life would have it, Andy and Angie and their kids, and Mark and Amy and their kids were sick and couldn't make it. Then Heather and Donald, at the last minute, got tickets to Disney on Ice so they took Ryan and Trevor to see that which I don't blame them for that at all! ;) If I were three and had a choice between Disney on Ice, popcorn and fun or a dinner at Olive Garden with a bunch of adults, I know what I would pick! :)
But my parents, Garrett and Matt and Jess were able to make it so it ended up being a cozy wonderful night! And I love Olive Garden no matter what! It was so nice though, that everyone took the time out of their schedule to come and celebrate these birthdays! We love our family!

Christmas Shopping with Erica!!!

We went Christmas shopping with Erica today. We didn't have any shopping left to do (most of my presents are already wrapped) but Erica had hers left to do and it was a great excuse to get out and have some coffee and spend a ton of time gabbing! We met at Caribou and then headed over to the Rosedale Mall. I had to post these pictures because Taylor is so cute and they look so precious together! :) She's such a good "auntie" to him!

Celebrating!!!

Today we were able to celebrate Mike's birthday as we normally do - we go downtown after getting breakfast somewhere and end up at Macy's. We walk through the floors and do some window shopping then end up at the holiday exhibit on the 8th floor. This year was really cute and I was glad that Taylor was able to see that one for the first time. There's been a few in the past that have gone a little on the weird side but this one was original and cute! We headed over to Target after that to look at the toys together and see which ones we wanted to get for Taylor. We picked out some that he will be able to use in the next year as he grows. I'm going to pick them up from the Target near our house since we can't haul them all the way back through the skyway to our car...:) It was an awesome day! We ended up back at the house with Taco Bell and a movie - what a fabulous way to end the day!

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Joy to the World!

The Childrens Choir Christmas play is finally here and gone! I can't believe that we got through it tonight and it's already over!!! Each year, it amazes me how much you can prepare for one hour in time and how quickly that one hour can go. This year, the children did a reading and singing program. There wasn't any acting or specific story but each child had a reading part and all the children either sang in groups or as a big choir and it turned out really well! And each one did so well! They memorized their parts and songs so well and I was so proud! Afterwards, Mike and I gave them their Christmas presents and we all went downstairs to enjoy cookies. I'm so proud of each child and how well they did and how commited they are to Christ and church each week!

Mike's Birthday!!!

It was Mike's birthday today!!! Because it's Wednesday, he had to work and we had church tonight, but because I'm not working any more, I was able to plan a surprise birthday party for him at church! I baked a cake and Mom Henderson picked up balloons and it all just came together. I had to tell Dad Henderson to let out a little early and that almost gave it away because he was so excited about it but we were able to keep it a secret until Mike came downstairs. The kids loved surprising him like that and I know that he enjoyed it! When we finally got to surprise him, he was totally shocked! It worked out so well! I love that I was able to do that for him! I love him so much!

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Campbell's Birthday!

Tonight, we went to Chucky Cheese to celebrate Campbell's 2nd birthday! Angie did a Curious George theme and it was so cute! It was such a great idea to have it there because she was able to have the cake and icecream in a private room and all the kids could play games and not just the kids, but the adults too! :) Campbell is a cutie in every way and we were so happy that we were able to share it with him!

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Christmas Tree Time!

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It's time to get the Christmas Tree! I love this tradition! Each year, the day after Thanksgiving, Mike and I go to Menards (of all places) and pick out our REAL Christmas tree. We've always had a real Christmas tree and we talked about getting a fake one this year since Taylor is now here but we want him to enjoy a real tree and we didn't want to change the tradition so instead we have a fire extinguisher right next to the tree which in turn creates an even more magical feeling! :)
This year was more special because we got to share it with Taylor and I know that he enjoyed it because he loved smiling for the camera! I love when we can capture those moments! It wasn't too cold either and Mike loved that because he didn't freeze to death while he was tying the tree to the roof of the truck. And we were able to set up the camera to get a picture of all of us together! I can't wait to decorate it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just wanted to let everyone know how thankful we are for each and every one of you

and the important and precious role you play in our daily lives.

We wouldn't be the characters that we are :) if it weren't for you all!

I especially am thankful for my sisters and Mom.....

they are important to me in more ways than one

and I can't begin to think of all the ways that they continually bless and encourage me. Especially with me being a new mom and needing all the advice and help I can get!

They are always so willing to encourage and support and I am so very thankful for them!

I love you, Mom, Heather and Jess!

Chocolate Covered Cherries

The Christmas traditions are already here! I can't believe it's already that time of year!

Today we went to my Grandma's to make chocolate covered cherries......yes, making them in the middle of November for Christmas seems to be a little ahead of schedule but we always make them at this time because the close to Christmas the more hectic the schedule and also, they need time for the insides to soften......so.......we start now!!! ;)

The day started early since it takes quite a while for all the steps and this year we are going to try to make almost 600. Our first step is to make all the nougat that surrounds each cherry so I worked on that while my sisters took all the stems off the cherries. My Grandma is really just there to "supervise", taste test, :) and wrap a few cherries......

The nougat has to harden before we can start wrapping it around the cherries

so we try to get at least one going and then go in stages.

Once the first batch of cherries is wrapped they go into the cold garage to harden in order for us to be able to dip them in chocolate. Once the dipping starts, we are close to being done. But today, the dipping didn't start until around 4pm which got us home later than we expected.

It was a good day though - 560 cherries wrapped and dipped and ready to eat!

My favorite way? FROZEN!!! :)

Happy Halloween!

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Payten Grace...

was born on October 29th! We went up to the hospital to see the new baby and tired mom! They both looked great when we got there and Ang looked really happy that it was all over! :) Mom and Dad Henderson were visiting Tim, Kim and the kids in TN so they weren't able to visit them in the hospital but Mom had me bring all the presents up to the hospital to have Angie enjoy them. I should have taken pictures of that but I didn't.....I think Mike had the camera and I was holding Payten. :) Steve and Melissa were there when we got there and it was really nice to see them - Melissa looks really well and the baby is doing really well. Payten is so beautiful and precious and we can't wait to see her again!

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Harvest Party!

Each year, we have a harvest party at church. The kids dress up in costumes and we have a contest. This year, I was able to decorate really cute and everyone had a great time! We had hotdogs, chips and brownies and played some awesome games. I believe everyone enjoyed themselves.....no, I know everyone enjoyed themselves, especially me!

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The Cold is Here!

The windy cold weather is finally here and we got to put Taylor in his first hat! I just love him in any kind of hat but these are the cutest!!! He didn't know what to do at first but he doesn't seem to mind them now. I just love all the "firsts" and getting to document each one.

Family Party '08

I can't remember the exact year that this tradition started but it was a few years ago when Mike and I decided to have my family over for a get-together. Each year, everyone comes over to our house and we provide all the food and drinks and we just hang out all day and play yard games and then enjoy a bonfire......it's really fun and we always have a great time. This year we didn't get as many pictures as we normally do so there isn't much to see but we still had a great time. Steven couldn't make it because he had to work and Deron wasn't there because of school but everyone else made it! The older boy cousins always have a fun time together :) and this year we gave them these balls to play with so they had a fun time throwing them around the yard and running to catch them. I got some awesome recipes online from Food Network and from what everyone said, everything turned out great! I love these times together and I love that we have made this a tradition. I know that I look forward to it every year!

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Family Picture

We were able to take a family picture today. A first! And it turned out really well! Not sure when this will happen again so I had to post it!

Another Day at the Fair!!!

We went to the Fair again today! Where else would we go and what else would we do? :)
This time we met my parents because we always spend at least one day with them at the Fair. This year though, Dad and I did not split one of those 5 foot hotdogs which I think my stomach is much better this year because of that!
The day was so beautiful and we just leisurely walked around enjoying the weather and food. Again with the food but it's so much fun! I'm sure that I will gain back some of that baby weight! ;)
We are hoping to go again a couple more times and I can't wait!!!

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The State Fair is Here!!!

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The Fair is finally here! It's one of our most favorite times of year!!! And now that Taylor is here, he can share it with us!
Yesterday, we went to the fair with the Henderson Family!!! Since Tim and Kim just moved to Tennessee, we weren't able to go with them this year but Tim was able to fly in for the afternoon before he went back to South Dakota for the weekend so we were able to spend it with him which was awesome!!!

We were able to see a lot and eat a lot! But that's what the fair is for - eating!!! It was so awesome to be there and we loved every minute!!!

Fishin' with Mom and Dad

We finally planned a night with my parents! We've been trying all summer to get together and enjoy the boat but it hasn't worked out until now. But we had a beautiful night! So last night, we met Mom and Dad at 'Za, this awesome pizzeria in Forest Lake right off the lake and enjoyed some great food. Dad was a little eager to get out before the sun set so we had to eat fast! :)

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The lake was so calm and the sky was unbelievably clear - just a beautiful night! We went over to the channel near my Grandma's house and the guys started fishing. Mom and I played Scrabble (I have a travel set) and enjoyed the weather. Taylor slept the whole time! We made this little bed for him on the floor of the boat and bundled him all up. The weirdest thing though........we passed this one inlet where all these white cranes were up in the trees roosting for the night. There was about fifty to sixty cranes just sitting in the trees......it was so creepy. After that, we headed back to my parent's house to enjoy coffee malts. My dad makes the best malts! The night was so relaxing and wonderful, just a great Friday night!

Baby Kyle is Here!

Baby Kyle is finally here! Mom and baby are doing great! Again, another very easy delivery and handsome little boy! He is 8 lbs 11 oz and 22 inches long! Almost as big as Taylor, just 4 oz shy......but Heather had a much better delivery, which I am so happy for her and thankful that everything went so well! He's just the cutest little thing - lots of blond hair! I know, blonde hair on brand new baby, but it's true.......and its adorable. Again, Taylor stayed with Daddy while I was at the hospital and it was a very quick time at the hospital. Just had to let everyone know that he's here!

Wow! VBT is here! We went out to eat with everyone tonight just because we don't have to work this week. Oh wait, Mike doesn't have to work but I do........since I just got back from maternity leave a week ago, there wasn't any way that I could take another week off. We'll have to see how this works out. :) We went over to Applebees because they have their appetizers 1/2 off after 9pm and we take advantage of that deal! It was a great time and we got to brain storm about VBT and make sure we had the bases covered. It was awesome! We should make it a tradition!

Baby Keira is Here!

Baby Keira was born early early this morning! Mom and Baby are doing great. Jess had such a great delivery and everything went so well - Praise the Lord! She is absolutely adorable! She has a lot of dark hair and she's 7 lbs 6 oz and 20 inches long. Just a tiny little thing! Taylor was never that little so I don't know what that feels like! ;) Taylor stayed with Daddy while Mommy was at the hospital. I don't have any pictures because I forgot my camera and had to take pictures with my phone. I don't know how to upload those so I'll have to put a picture on here later. Had to let everyone know right away that she's here!

Trip to Tim and Kim's

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We just got back from Tim and Kim's - our last time out there since they are moving in August to Tennessee! I can't believe that they won't be out in SD anymore! We are going to miss them so much! They are such a neat family and so special to us in every way! We got out there on the 4th just in time to eat a wonderful dinner (Kim is such a great cook) and then head over to Brookings for fireworks. Taylor and I had to stay in the car because they were so close and loud and I got the fireworks of his spitup - it went everywhere! All over the door, all over me, all over him, really all over everything! I had to open the door and ask Mike to come over and help me. Saturday, Mike went golfing with Tim and the boys and then they went to the pool while Kim, Ash and I went shopping. We went to Hobby Lobby - my first time ever - and I fell in love. Since our car was already packed going out there, I had to limit myself to what I could buy and that was really hard because everything was so amazing! Kim really helped me pick out some good stuff - she's so good at that, you should see her house! Sunday was church with an afternoon picnic and softball game. Tim asked Mike to preach and he did such a good job - I was so proud! :) We just relaxed the rest of the night and then relaxed on Monday and drove back leisurely! It was such an awesome weekend!

Taste of MN

Mike and I were able to go on a date to Taste of MN tonight. Mom and Dad Henderson offered to watch Taylor so that we could spend some time together. Mike and I didn't want to take Taylor to Taste because it's so loud and there are so many people there plus he's still so young. So it was the perfect opportunity to go on a date! We stopped at Arby's first for dinner so we could save our money for treats! :)

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We always park at the Science Museum so we can watch the fireworks from the parking ramp and beat the traffic. This year though, there was a family sitting right behind our car so we had to move down a little bit from our car but we still beat the traffic. It was such a fun night! So relaxing and a wonderful time alone!

Taylor's First Bath

Taylor got his first bath this morning! He loves getting his hair washed! Its amazing how he settles down when I start massaging his head! And he's so cute when he's just sitting there waiting for me to finish washing him up - I just love giving him a bath!

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Back to the 50's Car Show

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Back to the 50's Car Show has been a tradition since Mike took me on a date there in 2001. We go every year and enjoy all the cars. Mike and Dad take so many pictures and they seem to all look the same from year to year. :) This year was Taylor's first time and since he was so little, we had to protect his ears from the cars but he seemed to enjoy it by sleeping through it all! Is there any other way to tell? He even helped us carry all the hotdogs! This is always the first taste of the Fair and just makes us long for those Fair days - but they will come soon enough. The night was beautiful and we enjoyed every minute! It's always such a memory!

First Sunday Outfit

Today was Taylor's first church service and Auntie Kim bought him the cutest outfit! We, of course, took pictures to mark this very special occasion! He looks so adorable! The outfit is a little big but that makes it even more cute. He did so well. When the kids got on the bus, they just loved seeing him. They are so good with him, they kept telling each other to be quiet since he was sleeping. Kakuru just sat in the seat behind him and stared. It was so cute! And in church, he just slept in Grandma's arms while Mike and I served. We are so proud of him and what a good boy he is! Church is so much more fun now!

Keys Cafe Breakfast

We love Keys Cafe - it's the perfect place for breakfast! Their cinnamon bread french toast is amazing! Anyways, this morning, since I'm on maternity leave, we decided that we would meet Mom and Dad Henderson at Keys for breakfast. It was fun to take Taylor out even though he slept the entire time except for when he was eating! :) It's so much fun to have him with us all the time!

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