Wanted: Nanny

What can you do in 30 seconds. Here's what Connor can. 1. unwrap a pound of butter that was on the counter.2. get powdered sugar out of the cupboard (the high chair was already at the counter... that's how he can reach EVERYTHING.
3. dump powdered sugar on a waffle that had been on the table for at least an hour. And lick it up with the help of a pastry brush.
He does have redeeming qualities. He loves wearing his towel like this.
And wearing the garbage can like this.
Just keep'n it real people.

CC says

CC NEVER stops talking. I'm not kidding. I told myself I would never tell one of my kids to "shut up." But, I've been rethinking that policy. She is very funny and has her own way of talking. Here a a few samples we thought were blog worthy.

"Connor you in-ee-ut." That's idiot.

"Shopping is a responsibility. If you run out of money you can just go to the bank and get more or just pray to Heavenly Father that you need more money and you'll definatly get it."


"Hey, no fair... yours are way bigger than mine." To her older cousin in a dressing room while trying on shirts.

Conversation with our weekend nanny. Ruth says, "Chelsea, I'm leaving for 45 days to go back to the Philippines, will you miss me?" Chelsea, "Did you say 45 - because that's how old my mom is."

And on Mothers Day - after preparing a special breakfast, letting me open presents, rushing out the door to church, and then walking up to sing with all the primary kids in sacrament meeting... Chelsea says, "Is it Mother's Day?" Did we mention she's blonde? We adore this blonde and hope she keeps making us smile.

Latest

Isn't winter in Canada awesome. This day hit close to 50 degrees F. We took advantage and decide to ride the horses. It was one the best days of the year! So warm and beautiful. I might like winter if it could look like this all the time. Right now we have the best horses we've ever had. They are all calm and smart. And it was even my idea we ride... scoring some serious points with the man in the house.



Happy B-day Darren. If you want to know how old we are it's easy. For Darren, add 30 years to Cala's age. And for Erika, add 30 years to CC's age. The big 38 for Darren this year and the girls were caught up in all the action. The fought over everything. But finally ended with me deciding who would give dad what. Cala gave him a shirt, CC a Wii game and me a camera and a solo trip to Costa Rica to see Ben G.



This is one secure (or confused) little man. Today I said, "Time to take CC to school." Connor emerges from her room wearing sunglasses, a necklace and carrying a purse. (but man bags are all the rage right?) What really worries me about this picture is that he was posing. hummm. Your thoughts? He's adorable and I love him but he's is complete trouble. Don't give me the "he's just a boy" thing either because he is not loud, doesn't go around banging things into the wall, hitting everything or running everywhere... instead he is into EVERYTHING. I wish this kid would learn to play with toys. He spends his day reorganizing cupboards, shopping in the pantry, getting into make up, and most recently moving his high chair to whatever kitchen drawer he wants to access.. then plays in the spice drawer, knife drawer and today was trying to turn on the stove. help. He's strong too because I've locked he wheels of his high chair and it doesn't seem to matter. (thank goodness for a distressed hardwood floor I suppose) Trouble - big time.



Hi Andrea. (sorry about the big pic... can't figure out how to shrink it) It was soooo nice to see you the end of Feb. and spend some really good sister bonding time together! My trip to Boise was made even better when our very nice neighbors volunteered to help out with all 3 kids... including Connor so I could go visit the Randalls in Boise. It was memorable for many reasons. 1. I woke up by myself every morning - no one woke me up. 2. We spent most of the time shopping and laughing. (My thank you card from the Boise Chamber of Commerce arrived yesterday.) 3. Micah, Andrea's crazy competitive husband seriously lost in cards a few times. 4. Her kids are adorable. Annie let me do her hair everyday. Cade killed me in every Wii game we played. And Molly is the happiest baby ever... I really can't believe how good she is. 4. I had a 4 hour lay over in Seattle where I had the best time BY MYSELF. I had a massage, ate the best clam chowder and fish tacos in the world and went on a 90 minute walk. People - does it get any better? Of course I missed the kids and was happy to smother them with hugs and kisses when I saw them. Chelsea was so excited to stay with the neighbors that she kept asking, "Why aren't you gone yet?" or said "I'll miss you but I'm way more excited for you to go." and "Dad's more fun, he likes to play the Wii more." Cala also told me that "Dad doesn't demand, you demand." (Which is true but I'm ignored and he's not... why is that? Cala had a good cry the night before I left but when I got back she said she was way too busy to miss me. Darren took the girls and went to Montana for the weekend. Connor got left by both parents - ouch. I got home late Sunday night so I didn't see Connor until the morning. He didn't flinch when I went into his room all excited to see him... just demanded breakfast as usual.



I had to put this picture for you Lindsay. Rich you keep us all laughing. I just had my stitches removed from Christmas. Also, my kids can't tell which one I am in this picture... can you? (If you say the older one, you are booted from this blog)

December did happen... right?

I have no idea why Christmas feels like it happened 6 months ago - can someone explain that one. Here's what we were up to... starting with the last event first.

Okay... we went to Idaho after Christmas and it was a blast. We stayed a week and most importantly met baby Molly Randall. She's 3 months old and seriously, probably cuter than my own kids were. She's a charmer and we're sooo glad she got here safely and soooo glad her poor mother has finished her stay on the couch. Andrea has been through a lot with this one and I totally admire her for just simply getting through it. Alison, Kristen and I are now completely nervous of getting cancer. Thanks Dad and Andrea for always hogging the attention with illnesses no one can explain. But we glad you're all right... physically.



Next, can you say Jingle Bells. This performance was one for close relatives only. But we're happy CC agreed to share the stage for a group number. She performed a few songs by herself with her signature vibrato and thanks to Uncle Wade for the flower presentation at the end. She really asked for roses but... what do you do?



This is Richard and Lindsay's Reagan... once again as cute as my own kids. She's adorable and she knows it. She poses and works the room. I'd be nervous Rich. Connor is no longer scared of her - he must have been intimidated by her beauty. Thanks for letting us crash at your house for a few days Byrams. When can we return the favor?



I call this picture - "A window to the future." This is Alison and Wade's 8 year-old Spencer... that's right, he's 8 and a chart topper. I won't publish his dimensions because that's rude but, he's the sweetest, most helpful, fun personality little boy ever and if Connor grows up to be as big as him - and like him, it's a victory for us.


Backing up now... before Idaho we stayed in Lethbridge with D's family for a little reunion. The hotel had this amazing water park and the kids tore it up. I love this pic. of CC... if we all could live in her world there would be much happiness. She even had a good time despite the fact that her mom didn't pack her swim-soup cover up.


Connor acted like a complete baby and sat very still and quiet on the sidelines cuddling with grandma. Next year, he's getting thrown in. You'll be happy to know this photo has inspired my New Year's resolution.... drum roll please... I promise to get a tan.... or at least a little color. The crazy thing... every day for a week before the swimming party I put on self-tanning cream. I think I might need my money back. And now that I look at it... maybe D and I should have the same resolution.




And this is Connor Christmas morning - in his old pj's because he couldn't stay awake long enough on Christmas Eve to open his new ones. But, the finger puppets and fire truck were a huge hit. He played with them for at least 30 seconds before returning to his past time of taking apart the house and annoying his sisters.


Here are the girls Christmas morning. You can't see the dark circles but... they are there. Cala woke up at 2:30 am and didn't go back to sleep! Now that's dedication. She even stayed in her room... waiting. CC told me that she slept because "kids who can't sleep on Christmas get special magical help from Santa to sleep becuase that's just important. And do you think I could have special magical powers. And other times when I can't sleep, Santa can't help me because it's not Christmas so it's okay for me to just get up." All that in one breath.



And whew... that's what we were busy doing instead of blogging.

NAUGHTY AND NICE.... can you guess?




Dear Santa,

I was a good boy for most of the year and have only really been bad the last month. So, for Christmas I would like a ladder - that way I can get into whatever I want. My mom took away the step stool I was using. I would also like some more make-up. My moms didn't last all that long and plus, I don't like sharing. I especially like lipstick, but don't worry, I only wear it on my cheeks and put it on the limestone fireplace. Bronzer is also good - it really makes the tile floor shine. Sharpe also makes a good marker - they really stay on anything and don't fade very well. I also like to use them on my cheeks. Mom and I could really use some more hot pads, these are way more interesting than my farm animal hand puppets. Also, I recently discovered scissors and wow - they have changed my life. I know there is a lot more to discover on that front. If it's not too much to ask, I would like my own fridge. Ours seems to be closed all the time - I run as fast as I can whenever it's opened but I never get to spend enough time in there. It's not just for food, those shelves are like a rock wall for me. I know I'm asking for a lot but, in return I will gladly give up all my toys (I never play with them anyway) My highchair (I hate being confined when I have food) and my carseat. (I hardly ever use it anyway, since I can get out of it)

Thanks big guy,

Connor Darren Taylor

Nov. Review

We had a busy month. There's a 5 year old in the house! CC had a lengthy b-day bash... a family party, friend party and a date with dad and mom. Best comment; "Sweet, a $20 bill!" after opening her b-day card from G & G Taylor. She wanted to go to Build-a-Bear for her date night and for sushi. Guess which was more expensive. She chose a lovely sparkling blue bear and named her Violet Colleen Taylor. For her friend party we had lunch and rode horses and CC loved the week long b-day celebrating.

Then it was my turn - 35 year old and my parents "surprised" me by coming to Canada. We went out to eat, shopping and somehow one week went by in like one hour.

Another highlight of the month - the Steve Nash Youth Basketball program. The girls have been doing this since mid October and it has been a blast for me. I LOVE watching them play. Cala is actually good and had more steals than I could count. She doesn't like to shoot but, when everyone yells "Shoot it Cala!" She will. It's great watching the look on her face when the ball actually goes in. I hope we have a long bball watching career over these next few years. It's a blast.

Then Chelsea. She brought the program to it's knees. We had to alter her jersey so it would not drag on the floor or fall off her shoulders. She's the smallest one there and the most entertaining. My favorite comment... she said to her coach/ref during the game, "Um, can we play something else? Just for a few minutes." Awesome. She would also come home at night telling us random facts about Steve Nash. "Mom, do you know Steve Nash had a dream? Do you know what that dream was? He wanted to be the best basketball player ever and do you know how he chieved that? He practiced." (Obviously taken word for word from her coach... who I hope will return after his most challenging 8 weeks on the court ever... I can't believe they didn't make me pay more money. CC would also go up to the girl coaches and asked to be carried and would yell "SUB" whenever she was on the court and didn't feel like playing anymore. She also spent lots of time spinning around in circles, rolling on the floor, balancing on one foot and running with her arms in the jersey... all during games. Whenever she wanted the ball, she would just run up to whoever had it and yell - "Pass" She would follow them around until they gave it to her. The coach also made a few special rules for her that the rest of the team knew. If Chelsea had the ball, no one was allowed to steal it from her. They all just had to let her dribble up and down the court for a few seconds before she either got tired or it bounced away. She would then run over to me and ask, "How many points did I score." The day the coach talked about defense, I knew it. I walked into the gym and there was CC running the court with her arms stretched right out in front of her. She didn't put them down - ever. But, she can actually dribble, knows a few different types of passes, knows all about Steve Nash, knows what an assist is, and never wants to play basketball again. Don't worry - she's going to... I can't miss out on the humor.

Also, we found out something about Chelsea this month. She's basically blind in one eye. When they say you should take your kid to the eye doctor at about age 3 - it really is a good thing. Because when you wait until they are five, they have to have really strong prescription and wear a patch to try and correct it. We'll keep you posted on that front... the glasses aren't in yet but hopefully they'll work. We feel really bad about all the times we said, "Chelsea, pick that up - what are you blind?" We also feel bad for laughing when she would just randomly fall off chairs, down the stairs or trip for no reason... turns out she's really not clumsy. Our "Parents of the Year Award" has now been postponed another year.

And - Connor is really growing up. This month, he started to really chat it up... "No, daddy, mamma, MINE, ni-nite, Daz (Daisy, the dog) all added to his growing vocab. Also, he's in this phase where he want to wear the girls hair elastic on his wrists. I had to get rid of all the really small ones and do "hand checks" every time I pick him up to make sure he hasn't found a stray. In this pic. Darren got him up from a nap to find he put one of his socks on his hands. He still loves to organize things and this month we lost, a set of keys, one of his friends shoes, and CC's basketball. They've all turned up except the keys. Also, he stashes random snacks everywhere. The other day I opened the jar where I store cotton balls... what do you know, a rice cake. He now refuses to eat in his high chair and it's been great fun cleaning up food from everywhere. He loves Darren and being outside. Today he got to ride the quad. He insisted Darren put his coat on... I had to take him out in the cold to see his dad before he would allow his coat to be put on... he was sure I was just going to put him in the car.

And speaking of cars. We will no longer be running a rodent hotel in the Honda Pilot. The mouse mobile has been turned in and traded for this baby. I have given up the extra seating and have come to terms with the fact that I like speed. Darren is so proud. We're hoping mice don't like German imports like the love the Japanese imports. Fingers crossed.

The Cunninghams also came for Thanksgiving. We shopped, cooked and Darren and Scott went camping. (crazy) But a great time! KC keeps me laughing.

Everything is just racing by and I'm continuing to get more and more behind. But, I think this is just how it's going to be for a while. Whenever I feel like this, I just start throwing things away. So we've gotten rid of a lot of stuff. This probably has some meaning to it but I have no time to look into it. And.... there was our November! Whew.

The very latest

This is will likely be the only photo of Connor in his Halloween costume. He is not impressed with pirates. Maybe if it had a headband instead of a hat - he loves wearing his sisters.


CC is still trying to convince me to find her a blonde wig because Alice in Wonderland has longer hair than she does. Not gonna happen but she can keep on wishing.


And this is the kind of costume you end up with when your mother waits until the last minute. It's Hannah Montana - but not a very cute one... so hence the head shot of the only cute part of the costume.



Go Cougars! We made a trip to Utah for Darren's law school reunion and the big Homecoming game. We took Cala along to show her all the beauties of BYU and to go school shopping. We had a great time! Darren got to see some of his best friends from law school and we got to feel really old walking around campus - it's changed so much. We stayed with Kristen and Scott and my mom and dad even dashed to Utah to see us.