Our little boy is 3!

It doesnt seem all that long ago that we were sitting in the hospital with a newborn baby boy. We were a little panicked when he came out a nice purple shade, but soon learned that it was just bruising. If you think he looked bad, think how I felt! I had to push him down to the birth canal, which he was obviously afraid of and could never descend on his own. He just wanted to hang out up in the higher life where it was more roomy. Can you blame him? So not only did he have to come out, he had to come down as well. With a few hard pushes he was forced down and out, like being shot out of a cannon. It was so fast (for him anyway), that it left his face bruised from all the pressure. It only took a few days to clear up, and convince Ryan that he wasnt born of another race...it was in fact, his child.
It seemed like a miracle that a boy was actually permitted to come to our family, and we were all so happy to have him, and a little nervous. How can changing a boys diaper really be that much different from a girls? Oh...it was! Not only did I have a little obstacle in the way to clean around, under and in between (too much information, I know), but he also had great aim! Diaper changing was taken to a whole new level with a little boy. It became a war waged between baby and diaper changer. Who dares take on the baby boy!? The first time he beat me, was in the hospital. As soon as I took off the diaper he took his aim and hit a bulls eye. Up his nose, all over his body...all over my body, and all the blankets. Seriously, how can a little guy like that make such a big mess!? Its like he was equipped with his very own super soaker! I swear that was the first time he smiled...if not outwardly, than clearly inside. I didnt know where to start clean-up efforts first. From that point on, I knew. This was not going to be the normal diaper changing baby like I was used to. It was a must to keep guard the entire changing process, and quickly make the exchange from soiled diaper to clean one before he seized the opportunity to soak again.
As he grew, he continued to be full of surprises. He has always been active and curious, and good for a laugh. We have enjoyed the new perspective he brings to our family and the funny things he says every day. He's such a fun little boy...when he's staying out of trouble! He is a good sport when playing with his sisters, and will do anything to join in the fun, from playing the dad, the baby, the pet dog, and yes...even the princess. But my favorite thing about him is that hes such a cuddler, and a total mommy's boy. He loves to just come and sit on my lap, listen to a story and cuddle up next to me when he sleeps. Not lovin that he wants to do it in my bed every morning, but love that he wants to.
So now he's 3, and growing up so fast. No more diapers for him, hes learned the art of going on the potty. He's learned that hes not a girl, or a princess. He's learned what he likes to wear, eat and watch on tv. Its like he's become his own little person all of a sudden...as opposed to one that his sisters have influenced him to be. So what did he want for his birthday? A train cake of course. What else is there? Train toys, train track's made from movie cases, blocks, crackers... pretty much anything you can put in a straight line, gets made into a train. His train cake is all he talked about for a month. And know what else...it had to be red. What did he do when he saw me putting blue frosting on the train...drop down to the floor, and with his best whining voice cry "no mommy I wanted a red train!" He is turning 3 after all. But dont worry, the main parts of it were red, or what I attempted to turn red with food coloring. I think it looked more pink, but thankfully it was close enough. If any of you know how to make frosting completely red...pass it along.
I think he was pretty pleased with the finished train, complete with a circus, wood and coal car, not to mention the engine and caboose. Too bad after hours of work it just got cut into little pieces and demolished. -sigh- But its all about the children, all that matters is their happiness...right? So on with the birthday details...we decided to let Zack have his best friend come over to join us. He was so excited to show him the train, after which we immediately ate it. Following the cake came present time. He was of course the most excited to receive another train for for his Geo Tracks town...Old Rust, or as he affectionately calls it "Ol Radust". But his reaction to all the presents was perfect. After the present unveiling was over, I attempted to add the new train toys and tracks into his old set, which turned out much more complex than I had expected. Are kids toys really supposed to be that complicated!? After much frustration, I left the train set assembly to Ryan who fixed it good enough to let the kids play with it for the time being. Later on, after the kids left it alone for a minute, I finally got it assembled to include more pieces. That was the first thing he went to this morning...after coming down to cuddle with me for a minute of course. (:

Happy Birthday to our special little guy!

The fight is back on!

To all you followers of Team Ryan, you may remember the post I made about 2 months ago. If not, click here . Unfortunately, the cancer has found its ugly way back. We are again asking for prayers, fasting and support on this incredible family's behalf. To join in the fight, and keep updated on whats happening, click the link on the side of the blog. Thanks to everyone who has made a difference this far.

I also cant end without putting in a plug for Ryans cousin Greg as well. He too has been putting forth the fight against cancer for a couple years now, and has yet to have a victory. Cancer is so awful isnt it! Its not fair for anyone who has to endure everything that goes along with it. Please keep these two families in your thoughts and prayers, and lets get a victory for them both! You know you would want the same support if it was happening to you, or one of your loved ones!

You can also follow them both on facebook groups: "Team Ryan Hess" and "Believe in Zebras!"

All we need is Love...and Dancing!

So I lied. Here are some more pictures, and its not even Zacks birthday yet. See how lucky you are!

First up: Valentines Day.

The kids awoke to just a little bucket of love, filled with a flower planting kit, bubbles, toys and of course what every woman needs to feel loved... CHOCOLATE! (Note: not all items included in each bucket...except for the CHOCOLATE of course!) The kids were pretty surprised and of course the next question that came was,

" I wonder who brought the buckets for us?"

A valid question from a 7 year old who has it all figured out, from Santa to the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. So who does that leave for Valentines? Cupid? No, I get the credit for this one! Gotta love that!

Zack was the lucky winner of the bubbles, along with a new bouncy ball, which he was clearly happy about.
And that left the flowers to the girls.

Brylee went straight for the CHOCOLATE. Thats my girl. She also got a frog and some Valentine socks.

Her first experience with bubbles, not quite sure what to think yet...especially when they pop in her face!

After the goodies came some pink heart pancakes, or at least an attempt at hearts. Guess which one they all wanted. It of course turned into an argument which wasnt making me feel so much love. We'll re-think the strategy on that one next year.

Still happy to have the finished product, even if they were a little lop sided!

Eat your heart out!

Following breakfast included another round of bubbles. Ryan continued his attempt to warm Brylee up to them.

It worked!

Finally, we got to enjoy the highlight of the day, my favorite...grocery shopping! Not really, but it couldnt be that bad when it ended with a purchase of not one, but two boxes of CHOCOLATES. Why? They were on sale of course, 1/2 price. Why get one when you could have two for the normal price? I'll let you guess how long it took me to ingest the 2 boxes.

Next up: Daddy Daughter Dance.

This is the second year Madi and Katelin were able to go to their school sponsored dance. Alissa of course, was upset again, but next year she will get to join in. Wont that be fun for Ryan to get to take all three of them!?

Off they go!

They were just as excited as last year, but what Katelin really had her eye on...was a prize! They came so close last time to winning the dance contest, that this year, she was not going to walk away empty...winned? They actually didnt get a prize, but the title is enough to be proud of.

Raise the roof...

and boogie woogie!

But no dancing win this time.

Ryan was down to his last option at pleasing his daughter...the hoola hooping contest.

The problem here is...Ryan cant actually hoola hoop. (Notice how its around his neck?) So instead of winning it the traditional way, he decided to be...creative.

How about letting the hoop hoola you? Run around...and around...and around! Are you picturing this?

Or you can always do it around your arm...

or leg.

Needless to say, after many different forms of hoola hooping...except for the correct way of course, Ryan actually won the contest! Leave it up to a group of young screaming (and chanting) girls! Ryan actually felt bad for the Dads who were actually doing it correctly and didnt get any support. But I think he liked the 2 minutes of fame. And Katelins prize? One sweaty Dad! Enough to make a daughter proud!

A blog fix

It was brought to my attention recently that I havent been blogging as much lately. Actually its been about once a week...hmmm. But there hasnt been any pictures since Christmas, so Im assuming thats what you are really missing (you know who you are). Im going to chalk it up to my mental hibernation I have thrown myself into to get through the winter. And possibly due to the fact that there just isnt as much going on with us during the winter time. So I just ramble on and on, kinda like right now, in hopes to keep you posted on current events. But lets face it...you really just want pictures, not to read my drawn out posts on recent personal discoveries. So here is a little Brylee fix for you!

I was going to wait until she actually took her first independent steps, but I guess she is close enough. It started out as sort of a head stand with what I can only assume was an attempt to stand up, but this is as far as she made it...

Hows the view from down there!?

Anyone up for a little "London Bridges"?

It only took her a month from that point to figure out how to do this...

No, she isnt walking, but as you can see, she can now stand up on her own and remain there un-supported for a good few seconds. Impressive right.
In case you lost track, she is now 14 months old, making her by far the longest one of our kids to take those first steps. Im not complaining the least bit. She already gets into enough stuff just crawling around. Im not looking forward to her being able to reach more things! And after all, if shes happy...

then we are all happy too!

Doesnt she just make you smile?

There, hows that? Hopefully good enough to get you picture addicts by for a few weeks anyway...possibly until Zacks upcoming birthday. But who knows? If Brylee decides to walk before then, you could get lucky!

Happy hibernating!

Angel's among us

If I ever doubted the power of the promptings of the spirit, this week has proven to me how strong that power really can be when acted upon. It started off with me feeling down in the dumps one day. I was missing my friends. I was missing my family. I tried calling a few people to talk to, but with no luck. I was couped up in my house during this freezing period of winter feeling alone and depressed. I think the winter time does that to a lot of people, right? Tell me, Im not the only one.

Anyway, just as I was thinking, I should just sit all day and wallow in my self-pity instead of being productive, came a knock at the door. "Dang, you mean I actually have to answer the door looking and feeling like this? Who could it possibly be, and what are they selling now?" If my kids werent the types to run to the door screaming "Ill get it!" every time they hear a knock and peer out the window, I probably would have ignored it. But by now, they knew I was home. I had to answer. To my surprise, as soon as I answered it, a bouquet of flowers was placed in my hands, with no other explanation than "here...because your special." and off they went. It was a drop and run...literally. I stood looking at her with a bewildered look on my face, wondering what I had done so "special". But as I entered the house, an amazing thing happened.

I smiled.

This person, this neighbor who I know had problems of her own to deal with, took 5 minutes out of her day to make me feel better. I dont know how she knew...she didnt know how I was feeling. Most likely she just felt a prompting to bring something to me with no more reason why than I had, and she followed through. She was an angel.

Not 2 days later, a couple of the kids were sick with fevers, coughs, and runny noses. I mentioned it to a friend as an excuse to cancel something. A couple hours later, there was a pack of Gatorade left on the doorstep from her. I wanted to cry. Twice in one week!? Where are all these helpful people coming from?

A couple more days pass. Brylee was still sick. She hadnt been sleeping well for days. She hadnt been eating. All day long, all I could do was hold her while she cried. Feeling exhausted and frustrated, I managed to pull together something for dinner while listening to Brylee cry the whole time. Still, the kids complained about the food on their plate, and questioned why there wasnt more variety. Unfortunately Ryan had to go back out as soon as we finished eating; to fulfill his yearly opthamologist appointment, taking Madi with him. I had to survive a while longer on my own. When Ryan returned, he came bearing more flowers, this time in the form of a dozen red roses. Im so thankful for my angel of a husband who is receptive to my need for a little extra love, and a show of appreciation.

Oh, Im still not finished, it gets better. Another day passes. 5 days after the first showing of illness, and 6 after my destruction of self-worth. I put it out there in facebook world. People always share their frustrations there...why cant I? More comments than normal came my way, the "Oh I hope you dont get it" to " I know how your feeling" and "I hope your feeling better soon". But one person in particular decided to come to my rescue...again. A couple hours later, I received yet another knock at the door. It was another angel, this time bearing the most awesome care package you could ask for. Complete with a full dinner, boxes of Kleenex (which I happened to be totally out of after all the nose wiping going on), mineral water, popsicles for the kids, and a Take 5 (candy bar) for me. I was so relieved that I didnt have to come up with another dinner through crying children again. Seriously, what did I do to deserve this outpouring of love? Ryan aside, I havent done anything noteworthy for these people, and here they were serving me and my family. 4 different angels, 4 different days all in the same week, and all following promptings to serve. I didnt ask for this. They didnt ask either, they only acted.

So I have had my eyes opened. If I learned anything from all this, it is that I want to be like them. I want to be the kind of person who can pick up on a prompting and follow through with it, even if I dont know why. No questions asked. Just do it. Ill feel better, and I know they will too. I also learned, that even in the winter months, Im not alone. I do have friends here, people who care about me. Silly me, thinking no one cared. How wrong I was! We are never alone. Someone knew what I needed, and showed me His love. His love through the kindness of others.

And if you are wondering, There is still sickness at our house. Im feeling it, Brylee is still feeling it. With the 7 of us, it may be a while before it works its nasty way through us all and goes away. But somehow, now it feels a little bit easier to handle.

Thank you to all my angel's this week!

*Also, if you happen to have your sound muted, take a second to listen to the first song on my playlist at the bottom. Its perfect for this! Love it!*

A Good Day

Just a quick shout out to our friends the Hess'. Maybe you have been following their story (link on the side of the blog), maybe you have helped them out, and maybe you have even prayed for them. If you have, then this is for you. The news as of yesterday is that he has BEATEN cancer! He is now in REMISSION! We are so happy for them and grateful that ours and many others prayers have been answered! This couple is amazing! If you have followed their blog, you know. They have both been through so much and have fought it all with love, determination and faith. The way Margie put together a whole support system and kept it together for him was inspiring. I know their love and faith has grown from this experience, along with all of those who have supported them. We are so blessed to have gotten to know them, only if it was for a short time, and so happy and relieved that they have pulled through this! Thanks to everyone who prayed and helped them even when you didnt know them personally.

WAY TO GO GUYS! TEAM RYAN HESS RULES!

One word

The new year is upon us again, and what does that mean? We all know it...goals, resolutions, expectations, new hopes, dreams and...blah blah blah. Let me just say this: these things have never really worked out the way I plan them to. I hate making resolutions, and putting a time limit on myself. It makes me feel so much pressure! And then what happens when the end of the year comes, and I havent reached my goals? Im a failure! Nobody likes being a failure, right? Well it happens to me almost every December. Im not patient enough to wait a whole year for something to get accomplished. If I dont stay on the right track in that first 3 months, I give up. Every year I set the same goals, like reading the scriptures every day. If I miss a day, well, thats it! The goal is broken. Why even try anymore? Ive already failed. I know, I know...we need to challenge ourselves. But I resolve simply - to improve. Improve on anything and everything. If I just try to read my scriptures more than I have been, than that should count for something, shouldnt it? Any improvement is a step up. And shouldnt we strive for improvement all the time? Not just at the beginning of the new year, and then forget about it by March if things dont go our way? I like to think that "every day is a new day" (Thanks to Chicken Little for the tag line.) I can decide to make a new goal in July if I want to. And what is the deadline? Whenever I reach it, thats when. It might take me 5...or 10 years to lose that extra 20 pounds, but as long as I am constantly trying, then I should in turn be at least improving a little bit. And if I keep improving a little bit at a time, then soon I'll be perfect right?! (hushed laughter)

With that said, I so much like the idea of a new word to exemplify, better than that of a concrete set of resolutions with a deadline. I can have forever to work on characteristic improvements. Im still working on my word from last year (which by the way, was set in February, not January). I dont think I will have it fully mastered for a while, maybe ever; but Im still trying. (To look back click here: http://ryheathtaylor.blogspot.com/2009/02/better-late-than-never.html ) So instead of giving up on my last years new found inspiration, Im going to add to it. I think after trying to cherish and appreciate my children more last year, and worry less...I have lost a lot of my patience. And I need to get it back to be able to look past all those little things that shouldnt matter. So my added word to strive for now is:

PATIENCE

One would think that with 5 kids, you must have gained a lot of patience. But I think with every child I have had, I have lost a little bit more of it, until presently I'm almost completely out. While I tried to come up with all the ways to describe why I need to replenish my patience, I realized there are so many different forms of that word. So I decided to start in the dictionary. Heres what I found:

Main Entry: 1pa·tient
Pronunciation: \ˈpā-shənt\
Function: adjective
1 : bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint

2 : manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain

3 : not hasty or impetuous

4 : steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity

5 a : able or willing to bear —used with of b : susceptible, admitting

— pa·tient·ly adverb

Yep. I need to work on all of em. I dont think Im much of a complainer like in def. 1, but I dont know that I bear my burdens calmly. I hate it when things go wrong. I hate it when my kids do certain things and I end up yelling at them. (Look, I just complained...and Im gonna do more just to prove a point. Just know I dont normally do this, and have PATIENCE with me! ;) ) I need to calm down. Things really arent as bad as I make them. Whats the big deal if Im in a hurry to get out the door and Zack wants to wear his snow boots to church? I can be a sane, rational adult and talk to him calmly about putting his church shoes on, instead of freaking out and ripping the boots off of him and screaming "GET IN THE CAR!" to all the other kids. And if he doesnt listen, then whos really going to care if he's wearing snow boots with his dress pants to church? He's 2!

And if that old lady in front of me is driving 5 miles under the speed limit, do I need to pass her or ride her bumper? No. By the time I get around her I will most likely get stopped at a red light and she will be right back there behind me, stopped with me. It could only possibly shave off an extra minute or two in the end. What difference does that make?

And then theres having to wait for people. I have always been a pretty punctual person, so when Im ready to go, and Im left sitting in the car waiting, it drives me crazy! When Im ready to play a game and people are sitting there talking, Im like"C'mon people! Lets get with the program and do what we came here to do!" When its time to eat...we eat! When its time to play...we play! There just isnt time for anything else but what is on my agenda! Why dont people understand that! Of course Im being sarcastic, and I hope you sensed that. The point is, PATIENCE Heather.

Patience with getting that new job or promotion. Patience with fixing all the little blemishes around the house, or getting the basement done. Patience with reaching that desired, (seemingly impossible) waistline. Patience with my goals. Patience with my family. Patience with myself. Patience in all things.

I love the last definition in the dictionary, where it says "able or willing to bear ". If we are not patient with other people, how can we be sensitive to their needs? How can we help those around us when we are only thinking about the mile long list we need to do for ourselves, or where we need to be in the next 5 hours? How can we understand them? What Ive realized, is that on the rare occasion when I am being patient, at least with my kids...I listen better. They listen better. They behave better, because I listened and didnt get upset right away, or jump to conclusions or place blame. If I honestly sit down with them and listen and talk in a calm voice and try to reason with them the best that I can, eventually they will calm down in return. Its like a fungus...it spreads! Patience spreads like happiness! And if we are all a little happier, then I can cherish my time with them more.