Standing in the Crib!!!

Never expected to see this when I walked into his bedroom this morning but here he was! AND so cute, I might add. I'm so glad that we put his crib down when we did because I'm pretty sure that he would have flipped over the side if we hadn't.....but thankfully, he is learning in a very safe environment!

Still hangin' in there...

Well, we're still quarantined. I had to call the kids on our bus route and tell them the bad news - I know that Mike feels really bad about having to cancel Kings Kids but we did remind them all that we would make sure that Brother Matt and Miss Jessica pick them up on Sunday. Matt and Jess are so awesome when it comes to filling in the gaps! They are so willing to help wherever we need them and that truly is a blessing. My brother Deron is now helping with our kids ministry at the North Campus and that too is a big blessing.
Mike is doing much better now that he has pain medication. But he is working from home so there isn't a lot of rest to be had! :)
Oh have I mentioned that Taylor will probably get chicken pox? Still waiting for those to show up - finger are crossed and prayers are being sent heavenward! :)

Quarantined!!!

So Mike has been complaining about his body hurting and then we noticed a rash. Not really thinking anything of it, he scratched it......unfortunately, that made it much worse so I made an appointment for him with our clinic. The minute he started telling the doctor what his symptoms were and revealed the "rash", the doctor just nodded and said that without looking at anything she knew for sure that it was shingles!!!! SHINGLES!
Never in our wildest imagination did we think it would be diagnosed as shingles! I'm still in shock, just slightly. So....that leaves us with being quarantined for the next 7 days. Mike has to work from home, which thankfully is an option, Praise the Lord, but this is still going to be a slight change from the normal. The doctor also warned us that Taylor will probably get chicken pox (that truly is something to look forward to! :))
We were able to get some medication to help shorten the life of the virus but there isn't much more that we can do. Oh, he did get some strong pain medication and life is much better now! Again, wow......we'll see what the world is like these next few days! :)

He's such a cutie!!!

I love these pjs! And had to post a picture of him in them. Well, maybe I just wanted a picture of his adorable smile! Either way, I just love taking pics of him and posting them!

My Guys!

I love my guys so much! Mike is the best dad a wife could ask for. He always wants to be with Taylor, playing with him and just enjoying him. I love when I can get pictures of them together just having fun! They are the cutest boys ever!

Bathtime!

We've had to upgrade the bathtub! Taylor is too big for his baby bathtub and since we don't have a normal bathtub (just a shower) we've had to upgrade to the kitchen sink.....I think someone loved it! :)

Girls' Day!

Today is the day that we girls get together to celebrate our birthdays. Instead of having four separate birthday parties, the four of us just get together and spend the whole day together pampering ourselves and making incredible things to eat. We enjoy this day very much! :)
We started the day at 9am and Mom made breakfast for us. We did a craft and Heather had a facial that we did with eggs. It was amazing how good it worked - our faces were so smooth! It was incredible! The day was as good as it could be and we ended the day by celebrating my mom's birthday since today was her actual birthday. My dad went down to Cosetta's in St. Paul and picked up pizzas that we had ordered and brought them back for us to enjoy at the house. The day was great!

Taylor Claps!

Taylor clapped for the first time tonight!!! I've been doing it with him every day, numerous times a day but of course, he didn't choose to do it until Auntie Jessie was right there doing it with him. Did I mention that she found his first tooth when I had been checking every hour on the hour for a week? So naturally, she would be the one to get him to clap for the first time. :)Jess and Matt came over for dinner and we were in the living room. Jess looked at him and started clapping and he did it with her. The little stinker would ONLY do it with her but it was fun to get it on video!

The Cousins at Church

I got to be in the nursery this morning so Taylor was able to enjoy his cousins. They all looked so cute that I just had to take pictures! Blake is 2 1/2, Keira is 6 months and Taylor is 8 months. I'm posting both pictures of them all together because the one is cute and the other is plain hilarious! :)

Together!

We love being together! I love how Mike always likes to take pictures of us together. And this one turned out as perfect as it could! And it was probably the best idea to get the picture before the shots, not after! (on our way to the doctors for one of those check ups and vaccinations!:) I love our family!

Date Night!

Mike arranged for Mom Henderson to watch Taylor so he could take me to Olive Garden for my birthday. We couldn't go on my birthday day because it landed on a Wednesday this year so we went the next day! I love Olive Garden! Don't know why but I do! :) We totally enjoyed our time together and how much we were able to talk and enjoy that dinner! I always treasure my time alone with My Honey! And he spoils me unbelieveably!

Birthday Dinner!

Tonight, my Mom and Dad had us over to celebrate my birthday with the dinner of my request - my Mom's homemade chicken pot pie! It's amazing and we hardly ever have it. Come to think of it, I only have it once a year......hmmmm....I think I need to change that! :) We went over there and enjoyed a wonderful time with them. It was so thoughtful of Mom and Dad to do that for me and I loved every minute!

Taylor Eating Crackers

Today I tried feeding Taylor some crackers and he was actually able to eat them without choking! Yeah! I get so excited about these little milestones and I just love them! I had to post a little video of him eating them.....so cute!

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!