Happy Birthday, Candace!

Happy birthday on Sunday to my sweet, wonderful sister-in-law! I can't believe you're not 14 still. You have so many great and admirable qualities. You are talented, beautiful, hard-working, supportive, dependable, and kind. I hope you have a fabulous day!

Happy Birthday...

Philip on the 22nd



and Reese on the 24th

We love you two and your family so much! You are a wonderful uncle and cousin. We hope you have a very happy day!

A Christmas thought...

In an email I received I read this message. "I wanted to share a quote from an unknown author I read in the paper the other day. 'If, as Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things; if we consider ourselves so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our lives with action, when will we have the time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi? Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds? Or brood over the coming Child as did Mary? For each one of us, there is a desert to travel. A star to discover. And a being within ourselves to bring to life.'"

Happy Birthday, Cory!

We hope you have a wonderful, restful day--after your all-night flight from Hawaii! You are one of the most caring, giving, non-judgemental people we know. Thanks for your example and for being an amazing brother, in-law, and uncle to our family!

Some pictures

Happy 3rd Birthday, Hayes and Olivia!

Happy birthday yesterday, sweet babies! We hope you are having a great Hawaiian getaway.
These babies are our family's miracles. They were born at 26 weeks, weighed a little more than a pound, and spent more than three months in the hospital. After such a rough start no one knew how they'd grow. They are PERFECT! They are just like other three year olds--except a little smaller. They are so sweet and fun to be around. Having two babies is terrific!
(I am on the wrong computer to have more pictues of Hayes!)

Early December

We finally have our tree up and decorated and the village set up. I still have to lay the "snow" for the village, but that's not a fun job. Shea and I are going on a hunt to find a better alternative to batting. I'll let you know what I find.
We had to wait to get our tree and to decorate because the painters came on Tuesday to paint the crown moulding we had hung in our family room. They crawled on top of the fireplace and everything. I was glad I hadn't decorated yet when I saw the work they had to do.
In basement news...the carpet is in! It looks so good; we love it. Yeah, I know. You want pictures. I'll work on it. The cleaning crew came yesterday and we should be finished today. We're waiting on three light fixtures and a chip in the tub to be repaired. It really has been a good experience. I only got frustrated a few times when nothing happened for a week or so. Also, they came to me last week and said they were having trouble finding the light fixture I picked for Shea's office. Hmmmm...they could have told me that when I picked them out in October, and I could have chosen something else. Now, I just want them to do a little work and find it.
We have had a good week. We've been healthy, which is such a blessing. I am thankful for happy kids! We made gingerbread houses last Saturday at my parents' and then again on Monday with all the small Hansen cousins. (I'm ready to throw away the houses with all the coconut snow though!) Tuesday was the day the painters came. Wednesday I took the kids to Hayes and Olivia's 3rd birthday party at Kangaroo Zoo. It was so fun! My kids love that place. Lucy dragged me up the big slide about 20 times, and she was happy the rest of the time just playing on the smaller slide and running after the kids.
Yesterday while the boys were at school, Lucy and I went to Salt Lake with Grandma. We didn't find much, but it was a fun outing. Meanwhile, the boys had Polar Express day at KE. They wore their p.j.s and had hot chocolate while their teacher read them the book. Of course they didn't want to wear their cute, wintry pajamas. They wanted to wear their hand-me-down holey t shirts from the fire my dad flew on years ago. The shirts used to belong to Matt and Marc. They paired them with their "grandpa" flannel jammie pants, and we're happy to be in public. Crazy boys.
Tonight we have a Utah Flash basketball game, thanks to Cory. The boys also have a soccer game. Anyway...
Pictures to follow.

Which Disney Princess Are You?
	You are Cinderella. You are hard-working and never complain, however, your trust is sometimes misplaced and people sometimes take advantage of you. Still, you are beautiful inside and out, and one day you will realize it and find true love.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

Me too, Jerianne. At least I'm not Pocahontas.

HaPpY BiRthDaY BrOOkiE

Happy birthday (yesterday) to one of the sweetest, most loving nieces in the world. This little girl is so happy, creative, fun, helpful, kind, generous, and wonderful! We hope you had a great day, Sugar Cookie!

Thankful

My last post focused on too many negatives. Although we are still battling sickness and infection in this house, I do have so much to be thankful for.
1. Generally healthy children--when they are sick, I really can see what great kids I have almost every day of my life. They make me smile, laugh, and they love me no matter what I look like.
2. A positive and adoring husband--I realized after my post that so many of my friends have husbands who are gone all day and into some nights. Those women are superheroes. I have a husband who is home, can give Priesthood blessings at a moment's notice, and is so helpful and loving with our kids.
3. Caring friends--I have been surrounded by people who care about us and are willing to help when I ask. I don't know how two of my dear friends knew, but they called me in the past few days. I didn't think I sounded desperate on the phone, but they both listened with more than their ears and offered to bring in dinners. I would have never asked, but I am grateful for their Christ-like service and concern for me and my family. We could have eaten take-out or made sandwiches; I could have even cooked dinner. It was just one more thing to think about that has been draining on my energy and emotions. Their dinners were so delicious. I could never adequately thank you both for you just knowing when I needed you.
4. Doctors and medicine--Four bottles of Motrin, three of Amoxycillin, one of antibiotic eye drops, Sudafed, Triaminic strips...what would I have done? Hopefully after a visit to the doctor today, we're on our way to getting better.

Sickies

Holiday time again. Must mean time for sick Taylor kids. Why is it that we always get sick when a holiday rolls around? We were sick (when I say "we" I mean the kids) for Halloween. Cam was getting better by Thanksgiving last week, but still had 4 rough days. Now Lucy and Cooper have it. We've had two very miserable nights.
Fevers, crying, feeling miserable, no school, not eating, and goopy eyes. At least my body isn't sick. It's tired and my emotions are spread thin, but I'm healthy.
I can't say the same for Shea. He's great on the inside. He gets me through every day by being so positive and helpful. He's amazing. BUT...he's lame. I mean, he can't walk very well. He pulled or tore something in his knee during the second Turkey Bowl last Friday. Since then he's been limping around trying to lead a normal life. Limping is great until it leaves me to carry up three sleeping kids from the car, or to get the mail, or to get a diaper, or to drive anywhere. Wonderful husband + bum knee = wonderful husband who can't really help and feels guilty as I run around like a chicken with no head.
Can you tell I don't have a head right now? Seriously, read this post. R a n d o m.
We will get through this, and things have been worse. I just need some sleep.

Happy Birthday Nana!

Happy birthday (a day late since Sundays are crazy for us) to the most wonderful, loving, supportive, devoted and beautiful mother-in-law in the world! Shea and I are so blessed to have your example and influence in our lives and in the lives of our children. Everyone you meet knows how much you love your kids and grandkids.
You are always fun, smiling, and willing to serve! Thank you for being so wonderful. We hope your day was great.
XoxOxoXOxoXXoxOo

Heather EXPOSED!

Heather was "tagged" a while ago, but never listed her deep, dark, qualities (and some advice for any who wish to hang out with her for more than 5 minutes).

1. Never use the hand towels hanging in the bathroom. They are for looks only.
2. Never splash water or toothpaste/saliva mixture on the bathroom mirror. If you do, quickly find a towel (not the hand towel hanging right by you) and wipe it off.
3. There is only one pillow in the house you should let your greasy head touch. Keep in mind, it may require you to dig through 20 other pillows to find it. No, the throw pillows on the couch are not for your head either.
4. There will be no eating in the kitchen after it has been cleaned.
5. Pee on the toilet rim and on the floor is her favorite, especially if she steps in a cool pool around 2am and the bathroom is filled with the fine odor similar to a public restroom.
6. Never play the card game, "Nerts" with Heather because she will work you over.
7. Never go bowling with Heather because she will work you over.
8. Never play Mario Kart with Heather because she will work you over.
9. Never try to get her to take a bite of a hot dog because you will get worked over.
10. Last but not least, never ever ever miss the opportunity to hang out with Heather. She makes me feel like I am always on vacation in the tropics (which is why I always wear flip-flops). It is impossible to stay mad at her (the only reason you get mad is because you got busted for not cleaning up your toothbrush splatter on the mirror). She loves me and my kids with a pure, Christ-like love. She serves with no thought of recompense and without reservation or judgement. She will make our family eternal and I love her for that (not to mention she is the hottest hottie to ever walk the earth)!

29 years...and holding...really

I had a great birthday weekend thanks to my wonderful husband, thoughtful kids, and sweet family and friends.
I started the celebration Saturday morning with seven friends at Kneaders for breakfast. My good friend Jenna planned and coordinated the whole event. Thank you, Jenna! It was nice to spend time with the girls and eat some yummy French toast! I haven't enjoyed breakfast like that in a long time.
After breakfast I came home and Shea and I cleaned both cars. After watching the BYU game, Shannon came and picked up my boys and took them to watch Boston play his indoor soccer game. Shea and I got ready, dropped Lucy off at Candy and Jerry's, and headed to La Caille for a delicious dinner. I only found out where we were going right before we left. I was holding out hope that Shea had planned something fabulous, and he did not dissapoint! It was a perfect evening with the hottest man on the planet. Thanks, babe!

We enjoyed (and these details are for Jane and Kelly, who enjoy hearing them) vegetable napoleon and French onion soup for appetizers, halibut and lamb with mint jelly for our entrees, and the best dessert I've ever had. We ordered a puffed pastry that was shaken in powdered sugar at our table served with a cream dipping sauce and fresh fruit. The best way to explain it is that it kind of tasted like a home made powdered doughnut. Yum! I was surprised with chocolate dipped strawberries and a cool sparkler candle at my table.
During dinner, Shea surprised me with my gift. I guess it could be my mother's ring since it was a three emeralds and diamond band. It is beautiful! What a sweet husband I have. He knows I LOVE jewelry. He doesn't pretend to know why I always want more of it, but he gets it for me anyway. He is the greatest husband ever.
Sunday the boys woke up super early to wrap my present before Shea left for his 8 a.m. bishopric meeting. Camden wasn't feeling well, but his waking thoughts were of my birthday. Shea had taken them birthday shopping on Friday, and it was all they could do to keep my present a secret. With their own money, they bought me a crown, a princess sash, clip on earrings, and a wand. I was the birthday princess all day.
While opening my present, my good friend, Jerianne sent her kids down with a huge platter of warm sticky buns for breakfast. It was so thoughtful of her, and so loved by all of us! We ate the entire thing yesterday. Thanks, Jerianne! Camden made his bed as a gift, and Cooper made my bed for me! Lucy decided it was too much of a gift for her to actually stay longer than 10 minutes in nursery, so she helped me do sharing time in primary.
After church we went to my mom and dad's for dinner. Ben and Wia, Matt and Marc, Cam and Tiara, and my parents were there. My Grandma Burr had stopped by earlier; my Grandpa Burr brought a gift, and my Grandpa and Grandma DeWolf brought a gift and came to visit. My aunt Lara and her kids are here for Thanksgiving and staying with my aunt Sharon, so they both brought their families over for cake and ice cream. I got phone calls from so many family and friends and so many people remembered me. Thank you for making my 29th birthday special!

my life...

has been filled with Primary responsibilities, meetings, decisions, sharing time planning, the kindergarten Thanksgiving party planning, and everything else in my job description. I love it though. Busyness makes me feel productive.

Happy Birthday Brynn!

Happy Birthday to the cutest, funniest, most loving four-year-old ever! Jane's phone called mine today--I was going to call her to talk to Brynn. When I did talk to Brynn she informed me, "Aunt Heather, today is my birthday. I'm four-years-old."
We have Brynn's present; now we have to make it to the post office to mail it. Cam and Coop keep saying that they're going to give it to Brynn at her birthday party. Um, that may be a little hard since it's 10 hours away in Mesa! The present is coming though, Brynn.
I hope you had a fun day, Brynn E.! We love you!

P.S. My patience has paid off. Ben and Olivia have again joined the blogging world. You can check out what's happening in their lives, or whatever random thoughts Ben has running through his head by clicking on their link.

Halloween

is finally over. Thank heavens. I had a friend murder mystery party that I planned. I helped this year with Shea's Hansen family party, and I was in charge of Cam and Coop's school party. I love this time of year, but I'm tired of parties! We also had our 4th annual Taylor Webb pumpkin carving/dinner event. I'm surprised at how quick and efficient we've become at carving those pumpkins. We had four hollowed out, carved, colored, and glowing in about 30 minutes! Thanks again Webbs!

Starting on the day before Halloween I had two sick kids. Lucy is still a pretty sick little girl. She's been wheezing and coughing and croupy for too many days. Cooper got over his sickness pretty fast. It's so nice that my boys are old enough to tell me when they feel sick, and I can give them medicine to help their symptoms. With babies, it's a different story. Not much choice in medicine and no advanced warning of aches and pains.

We've also started painting the basement! We spent the whole day painting the main family room. We'll finish tomorrow with Shea's office. Thanks, Candy, for taking such good care of Lucy so Shea and I could be productive! We love you!