Generator Update....

Bring on the next ice storm! :)

Our handy neighbor helped us install this switch that helps us put our house over onto the generator, and with a little common sense we will still be really functional during the next outage!

I had to take pictures, (what can I say, after that crazy ice storm week, its the little things).

It is cute, if Zoey walks into the house and all is dark, several times she has asked "Did we loose our lights again?" :)

Haugsness Christmas

Wednesday morning we got up and got Cadee an appointment with her pediatrician. After we got some medicine for her we stopped at the great Target sales to pick up a few more Christmas decoration items as our house needed a little more Christmas cheer than just our tree (what can I say, we didn't have ANY extra room in our old house for decorations). So we are a little better off for next year.

We went home and put the girls down for naps. They took such good naps that we couldn't justify waking them to take them in early (we wanted to go in early so that we could do some laundry since our washing machine is broke, and they couldn't fit us in for 2 weeks). SO naps won over extra clean laundry, but what can I say.

We got there on time, and Cadee was still feeling a little punky so she slept through most of the celebration, but Zoey didn't mind since that meant that she got to "help" Cadee open her gifts.

Zoey got the COOLEST jacket from her grandparents, and I'm sure we will get great use out of it! :)

The calanders I made of the girls seemed to go over well, so that always makes me happy!

Despite the best of intentions (ours included) Papa Craig ended up with 3 digital frames! :) Guess we need to work on our communcation skills for next year! It was a pretty funny joke though.

Krien Christmas

Early Saturday morning we headed out. We were at the Auburn Animal clinic when they opened to drop off Barney, and off we went. Willie was just crossing his toes and being extra special quiet in the car for fear the his was the next dropoff. :) (just kidding, Barney just needs to work on his house manners before we can take him visiting other homes).

For the last day or so before we left for St. Francis, Zoey kept asking if it was time to celebrate Jesus's birthday yet? She would sing to him, ask who all celebrated, it was so cute!

Jana and Matt had headed west about 1.5 hours before us, so it was nice to be able to call them and find out what we were headed into. The roads and weather really deterioated just before Salina. The snow wasn't sticking so much as it was really blowing accross the roads, we saw 3 cars in the ditches and it was really slow moving, white outs in some points, but as soon as you got west of Hays, it was blue skies and clear roads as if someone had it a switch. Either way it was so nice to get that behind us.

It was nice to go home (St. Francis) for actual Christmas. Hadn't spent the holiday out there sinced the first year that we were marred, mom was so excited to have us all at home again. We got to spend from Saturday morning till Tuesday morning there, so it was nice to have some extra time.

We opted to attend Sunday morning church services in lieu of the candelight service on Christmas eve because of the girls. (the Candlelight service didn't start till 7 and that is about when they need to get to bed, so doing gifts after that would have been out of the question.

We had great times getting to know Matt better and had lots of fun on Christmas Eve afternoon playin Nertz around the table. We had a wonderful dinner that mom had prepareed and did our celebrating on Christmas eve.

Poor Cadee got so sick while we were there. She had coughing spells so bad it would make her throw up, and got a fever of almost 104 on Christmas eve. We thought that it was an ear infection she might have caught from big sister, so we got some medicine for that but it didn't end up helping. We took her to the doctor once we got back home and it was just congestion and wheezing in her lungs, didn't have anything to do with her ears.... oops!

I would have to say that my favorite gift of all this Christmas has to be the built in cabinets / bookshelfs that my dad hs built for the wall in our basment, here is the rough of them done, but I will be sure to post more pictures when he has time to come up and install them. I am so excited about them, they are so beautiful.

Christmas eve we left out cookies, fudge and milk for Santa and boy did Zoey's eyes light up when Santa left "just a crumb" on the plate.

Christmas morning we packed up and Grandpa Dean came down to join us for breakfast. Zoey helped him open his gifts from us and then we got on the road. There was another storm on the way but we just missed. We left about 9ish and mom said by 11 it was almost a white out again (in ws ks it doesn't take much, with the wind they get there). So I was thankful for the good memories we made out there and that we missed both storms.

I had to take this cute picture of Zoey because this is the first time that she used earphones with her DVD player and when she gets so concentrated on what she is watching she starts to frown, so cute!

Also while were in St. Francis we got to go and visit my good friend Kaycee and her little baby Madison. Madison was just adorable and so makes me miss those baby days. Kaycee looked tired, but I think they are doing well.

Our Christmas

Friday evening before we made our journey to western kansas we celebrated our own Christmas at home. We made a trip to our favorite resturant where they "cook on the table" (Kiku's Japanese Steakhouse) and enjoyed a great meal. Zoey loves that place. After they were done cooking, they will go around and toss a shrimp into everyone's mouths that is interested in trying. Zoey watched so intently and the chef could tell she really wanted to try, so they told her to shut her eyes and open her mouth....... he counted and pretended to toss and then I just dropped it in her mouth. She was so excited that she too had caught a shrimp!!

After coming home and giving the girls a bath it was time for opening gifts. Zoey was so giddy. Cadee was a little interested in the gifts but after she got some paper to play with she was more interested in just crawling around, Zoey didn't care, more gifts that she got to open.

For the whole Christmas season, all Zoey would say when she was asked what Santa was going to bring her was a "Dora blanket" So against my better judgement, and common sense (considering how many blankets we already own) I made sure that Santa brought a Dora blanket and she was thrilled. (here she is with her prize!) :)

What a blessed Christmas we had, it is so much fun to watch the excitment in their eyes. (Chris picked up this "popcorn" book for the girls, he remembers reading it so many times as a kid and really enjoyed reading it to Zoey that night)

Bobbie our Babysitter & Kalos Open House

Friday before the holiday weekend was an exciting day for us. Chris had an open house at work, so I took off a little early and picked up the girls so we could all go. Earlier in the season everyone at Kalos had decorated their work spaces in the holiday spirit so it was fun to see what all they had done. Wayne and Cadee have come a long way in their bonding.... :) On their hunting trip back to St. Francis he couldn't even turn around to look at her, now look at them enjoying their time together!

I am trying to put together a binded book for Cadee's first year and part of that book I wanted to include a picture of her daycare provider, so here is a picture of Cadee, Zoey, Bobbie, and her son Caleb.

Jana and Matt are Engaged!!

Jana and Matt came out for a surprise visit last night. It was about 8:30, and goodness knows I usually go to bed about 9. :) But what exciting news to share. Matt proposed to Jana last night at Winter Wonderland. Sounds like they are planning an Oct 09 wedding. It is a beautiful ring!

Congratulations Jana and Matt! Welcome to the family. Love you guys!

Random Cute Pictures

I wanted to get these pictures out here for my mom. I had told her about these pictures and had taken them a few days after Cadee's birthday but couldn't ever find a good post to include them in!

Mom got the girls these matching PJs and I got some great pictures in front of the tree.

Zoey got her big gift from us on Saturday, we moved her from the toddler bed to a twin, and she was SO excited!! Zoey and I came in to do grocery shopping and while we were gone, Chris got it setup. She just loves it, says thank you! thank you! thank you!

Cadee's doing well, seems to be over the eye goop and fevers that kept sending her home last week, thank goodness. I had to cancel a picture appointment that was supposed to be on Saturday because she was so puffed up and just looked a little punky. Hopefully we'll get those 1 year pictures taken soon!

I'm just praying we can all stay healthy through the end of the year. Love to you all!

Taylor Xmas 2007

Sunday came and we started our Christmas celebration with Nana, Papa Dave, Aunt Sarah, and Uncle Brad. Everyone came out to our house Sunday evening to share some chili, sweets, and gifts.

Everyone had a great time. The girls loved their tent/sleepingbag flashlight gifts from Nana. The clothes and play remote were a big hit too!

Even Daddy was having fun playing in the new tents!

Earlier in the day, Willie was trying to be so pitiful while we were preparing for company, I couldn't help but take his picture. (Willie trying to be festive!) Barney is doing good, I just need to get him to sit still long enough to get a picture of him in front of the tree. Maybe with the girls, I see a photo op in my future! :)

After my super stressful week, Chris and I had an afternoon get-

a-way to Kansas City for some shopping on Saturday afternoon, despite the snow that tried to keep us home! It was fun to get away for a few hours, we got the matching overalls and shirts for the girls, and they looked great!

Zoey's 1st Christmas Program

Dress rehersal on Sunday the 2nd, was a little scary. Zoey was a little nervous and it was rubbing off on Mom! :) She wasn't sure about standing up on the platform in the front of the church. As much as she had sang and sang in the car, not a word was coming from her mouth. The quivering of the lip was too much, so after I went up and behind the stage, life was a little better after encouraging wisperings from me and Miss Michelle the teacher would hold her hand a little bit.

After the nerve-racking dress rehersal, I wasn't sure how the cutest "lamb" would do in the Christmas program!

Zoey blew me away! She looked so pretty and did so good standing up on the platform and singing her songs. I was so proud! Despite the nasty icy weather many family members made it out to watch her as well. It was a fun time, and we all went out for lunch for Zoey's success.

Ice Storm.....

I realied how far behind in my blogging I have gotten, so I've decided to catch up on the latest events and then go from there. So things might be a little out of order, but still in good attempt! :)

Chris left really early on Monday morning for some training he was scheduled for at Cal Pauli in San Louis Obispa California. We were worried about the roads from Sunday's ice storm, but he left super early and got there in great time.

All day on Monday everyone was talking about the big ice storm that was going to be moving in. I was a bit nervous, but hurried home after work, got some candles and flashlights together, turned up the heat a little higher than normal, and we all settled in in the morning. Tuesday monring we woke up to still have electricity, what a nice surpise that was! The weather was not so great and was supposed to get worse throughout the day so I decided to stay home with the girls.

We ate breakfast and was playing in the basement around 9 am when the lights went off. Zoey didn't quite understand this! Nothing was connected for her. She wanted to watch TV downstairs when the upstairs was broken, why didn't we use the toaster for our poptart? Why can't we open the fridge? We read books and played with toys we hadn't played with in a long time!

After a peanut butter on bread and chips lunch, we took a nap. I knew that if by dinner I didn't have electricity I better head into town to stay with family for the girls' sake. Naps were over and still no electricity. I was packing things in the jeep. Oh the things required for us all out for a night! PacknPlay, kennels, clothes, diapers, bottles, formula, baby food, doog food, pullups, pjs, special blankets and pillows. Just as I was carrying everything to the car, the lights came back on!!!!! I was SO thankful!

We fixed a warm dinner, and I got everything put away, and got the girls to bed. Just as I was taking the dogs out for the last time and got them back in their kennels, POOF! there went the lights again. So we had electricity from around 4:30 to about 8:45. Everyone was in bed, and it was fairly warm in the house so I knew we would just stick it out. It was a long night.

Zoey didn't like the dark much so she stayed in bed with me. Cadee's not much of a cuddler so she was better off staying in her crib. She didn't care for the dark or the cold bottles, so I left a flashlight in her room until she'd fall asleep and then turn it off again. Zoey was content just touching me even though it was SO dark that you couldn't see a hand in front of your nose. All night long I enviously listened to the neighbors generator.......

6:30 am came and still no lights. I called Bobbie's house and she had electricity! We were packing up and heading to town. I covered the dogs kennels up with blankets, and started some water in the sinks, and prayed for the best. I stuck with main roads and made it to Bobbie's safely.

Chris had called our electric company and heard that it would be 2-3 days before Auburn got electricity again!!! I had called Craig and made arrangements to stay with them tonight. After doing some talking and brainstorming though, I had decided that a generator was a sound investment for our home! :) Calling around, Chris found that they had a prepayment waiting list at Sears so I ran out there and pre-purchased me a generator! At lunch I went and bought some gas cans, gas, and extra electric cords.

Bobbie called around 2:30 to let me know that Cadee had awoken with a fever so I had to come and pick them up. My boss Bill was such an angel and offered to go and pick up the generator and come out and help me get it setup. What a lifesaver!!!!!

I couldn't figure it out, Cadee was happy as a lark, but burning up? After a bottle and an hour nap, she woke up okay. But my co-worker this morning reminded me that when I took her in for her year shots last week, they told me in 10 days that she might have a fever and rash from the vaccinations. I knew then that I would forget, but after this week, I had totally forgotten!

Anway, after going to the store because I figured we'd have another dark evening we got home.

5 MINUTES AFTER WE WALKED IN THE DOOR the electricity turned on! I was mentally prepared for 2-3 more days, but what a blessing, but I felt like such a doof! Bill still came out later and helped me get the generator setup in case we needed it. There is still so much ice on the trees it would only take another one falling. And the night before we had lost electricity about 9 pm, so it was so nice to have that available regardless.

We are so blessed, so many people concerned and checking on us and offering to help. I felt very loved. At the same time, I am so ready for Chris to get home!! There is suppsed to be more snow coming in Friday afternoon, so I just pray he can travel home safely soon.

(Don't mind the oil I dripped while using the funnel to fill it up.) :)

Happy 1st Birthday Cadee!

My baby is one year old (not quite technically, but close enough). Cadee's big schendig was on Saturday, and everyone had a great time.

Grandma Becky, Papa Stan, Nana, Papa Dave, Papa Craig, Grandma Di, Great Grandma H, Great Grandpa H, Great Uncle Sean, Aunt Jana, Aunt Sarah, Uncle Brad, Wayne, Kelly, Lexi, Mommy, Daddy and Zoey all got to be in attendance! :)

We celebrated at Martin Tractor. There was pink balloons, and streamers all around. The theme was very much so pink! (flowers, "one", "Princess") A slideshow of Cadee's past year shown behind the guest of honor as she opened (with Daddy's help) many generous gifts and then after everyone was served, Cadee got sung to and then dug in!

She seemed a little timid, not sure what to think about being the center of attention but once she got a taste of the frosting, everything was alright then. She got though most of her own cake and loved every minute of it.

On the way home from the festivities, she fell asleep in the car and continued to take a nap at home (not the reaction I expected, but it had been such a busy day). I think that it was a great itme had by all, and we were thankful for all who could join us.

It has been an emotional week for me, but I'm glad that the party is over and I know that I have SO SO much to be thankful for. I just pray that I have the ability to appreciate every moment as they fly so quickly by.

Have a great week everyone!

Grandma Becky & Papa Stan

Grandma Becky and Papa Stan came up for Cadee's birthday party weekend, it was great to have them here for her special day.

They came up Friday afternoon and helped prepare for the busy weekend. Grandma Becky got to watch Zoey in her dress rehersal for the Church Christmas Program, since she won't be able to attend the whole thing.

It was great to spend time with family and to have their help.

Weekend Wrapup

Gosh, as I sit here brainstorming what I should write, lots of things are coming to my head about what I WISH I could write.

Christmas tree isn't up yet, still have some pretty major cleaning to do before next weekend when we have company for Cadee's 1st birthday party. Lots of prep for the bday party. Owell, I work best under pressure! :)

We did get most of the goodies shopped for the party, and I do have the Christmas letter written and ready for the most part to send out.

Cadee is making some progress about pivoting and getting around on her feet, walking won't be far off.

Tonight while watching the AWESOME Bears / Broncos game (PS BEARS WON in overtime if you missed it!), I called my good friend Kaycee up during half time, she's expecting her first child with a due date this week. I'm so glad I did, she's going in to be induced tonight!! I am so excited for them and can't wait to hear from them tomorrow. Sounds like we will be able to get together during Christmas time, so I am really looking forward to that. We are making plans to see a Home Bears game hopefully next season!

Willie and Barney are really coming together. We had a rough night or two, but I think that things are falling into place now. Working on the potty training, but crate training is going really well. He's still so little to expect anything yet.

Hope everyone has a good week, will be busy here. Chris will be away training for a couple of days and I will be working on the last minute stuff for company and party planning.