The kiddos.... stop growing!

Cala - age 12

Chelsea - age 8

Connor - age 5

I LOVE watching my little man in action. This time, the preschool Mother's Day Tea. He was adorable and agreed to wear the outfit of my choice. (crazy I know but I get tired of seeing him in superhero shirts.) I must have gotten 5 comments from other moms about how cute his sweater and shorts were. Pretty confident he'll not be happy about this fact one day but I'm rolling/running with it for now. Connor was a perfect gentleman despite some initial shyness. And... here is Connor's self portrait. It is actually pretty true to life... he does wear his hair like that and likes it with blue gel in it...

Mother's Day was uneventful but I did snap a shot with my 3 favourite C's. I also made them put actual thought and time into my card... even made one child go back and improve it a few times. Tiger mom, I know.

Great to be Chelsea

(yes, I'm playing blog catch-up) To celebrate CC turning 8, we took her on a little get away sans the other C's.(Cala and Connor) We decided Spokane. The night before we left Chelsea went to bed around 8 pm. But at 11 pm when Darren and I were heading to bed she came running down, fully dressed, suitcase in hand asking "Why didn't you wake me up?" She was a bit excited... and for good reason, the trip was a blast. My favourite memory first. We got separated at Nordstrom. I was alone and Darren with Chelsea. I finished my errand and went to find them. On the third floor I found Darren slumped in a chair and Chelsea was no where to be found. Darren pointed to the kids section where I headed to find her. What I found was Chelsea in a dressing room with a pile of clothes and a sales associate buzzing around the children's department trying to meet the fashion demands of our 8 year-old. The sale associate said she had never seen anything like it. It's safe to say Chelsea was in her element. She went into great detail about her "spring fashion statement" she was hoping to make. They were together over an hour and had several outfits put together. Chelsea is a fearless talker and also has huge opinions she is willing to share. It's shocking and always entertaining... this one expensive too. We did other things in Spokane, walked the river walk, stayed at a super nice hotel, swam, stayed up late, ate out and simply enjoyed the constant chatter of our little Chelsea.

My Capt. America

We are going to the movies tonight! Some of us - in costume. Isn't he so handsome. Just like the real thing!

Silver Medal Victory!!!!

Cala has been tearing up the basketball court this year and this weekend was the icing on the cake. Her city team made it by the skin of their teeth to the provencal basketball tournament in Edmonton this weekend. And - after 4 games of blood, sweat and tears, they scored the silver medal!!!!!! It was a big moment for our little Cala and being there to cheer like crazy was a huge highlight. Her cousin Tristen is also on the team - so her Grandpa and Grandma Taylor made the trip too. Between Aunt Karryn, Grandma Taylor and myself - Cala and Tristen were sufficiently embarrassed by our crazy loud cheering.n (actually even Darren was in on the action!) We are so proud of the girls and so grateful to their amazing coaches who donated tremendous amounts of time to help the team. Sports is an amazing outlet for growing girls and we are thrilled Cala has worked and excelled this year in basketball. She also asked the school basketball coach a few months ago if she could try out for the Grade 7 team. (Cala is in the 5th grade) He agreed that she could try out but no promises she would make it. Well, she made the team. Participating on that level was a great growing experience for Cala. The team of 7th and 8th graders were very welcoming to her and it couldn't have been a better experience. So glad our little girl is making such a big impression on the basketball court! Go Cala!! (tryouts for a Spring league team start tomorrow.. plus, she's already signed up for BYU basketball camp in June and July) nothing but net at our house!

They are Home!!!

After 2 years my parents are on US soul again! The said good-bye to the Philippines and their friends - now they"ll have lots of hellos to look forward to! They"ll meet a new grand daughter, see how everyone has grown and find their way back into a life full of family. Too bad I have to wai another month to see them.

Birthday Babe

How did this happen? We have an 11 year-old!! Cala is growing up far to fast for me. I am really enjoying her these days. She is a huge help and has really grown in the last year. She lives to cook and makes some great cookies. She is a good babysitter, she is amazing at saving her money, she is making huge progress on the piano and she is perfectly sweet.

For her birthday party we treated three of her friends to dinner and a movie. What fun!

Happy Trails

It's -8 outside and today skiing was just not possible. Darren bought a pass to an indoor riding arena this week and we've got great use out of it. Now, we can ride in the winter and stay warm. The kids love the freedom of the arena and the horses stay calm. Just one problem, it's not skiing. But I'm a good sport - maybe.

Dad's Day

Happy birthday Darren! We are thrilled to be spending Darren's 41st birthday with him! No work today. It just happened to be a provincial holiday and we are soaking in some serious one together. We hit our favorite Mexican restaurant and then it's off to the mall. We decided to give the kids each 20$ to buy whatever they wanted at the mall. It was a brilliant parenting move on our part. For one, no waiting in lines for a two hit kids movie we don't want to see. Not to mention the cost of it when everyone gets a treat - its over $100 to take a family of 5 to a movie. And then there was the bowling idea. A sport we both hate but the kids love. Plus that would be crowded too because of he holiday. So, it's a win win. Each kid is happy and excited to spend. :). They get that from me!

It's how you wear it

This is what Connor wore out today. He was proud of it and soaked in every second of his attire. We are proud. It's a huge step up from a few weeks ago when he had a friend over to play. Nicholas got here and Connor said, "Nick, come help me choose my outfit for the day." Nicholas speaks two languages and is smart but he has never heard any other boy say "outfit". He was confused, as would 90% of other boys Connors age be. Not mine, he wear outfits. And today's was especially memorable!

Cool Mom

I want my kids to like me. I never want them to be the teens that "hate" their moms. So, remember this Taylor's. In 2012 you mom took you out of school one day a week and had you all in skiing lessons. Cala and Chelsea, you got a private lesson and will have to reimburse me.

We live in Canada and will for a long time. Instead of spending the winter complaining about it we have decided to embrace it. Our winter family activity is skiing and in the summer we horseback ride. I'm hoping by next winter we are all doing some runs together. Connor you'll have to up your game. I spent last winter recovering from a hospital stay and a back injury. I will not be stopped this year - keep up kids!!!!