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!!!!

Crap Shute

My four year old crapped on our front lawn today. On purpose. How was you day?

Laugh out Loud

During our bike ride today in the hot Canadian sun chelsea said, "I'm so hot my leg pits are sweating." How are your leg pits?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CONNOR

The baby is now 4 years-old. How did this happen? I hope I've spent the last four years soaking up every moment with my little man. There is something amazing about having a son and Connor has opened a new part of my heart that I wouldn't have otherwise known. Despite the fires, floods and hair cutting antics of the last month, I don't really get mad at him. First I figure the damage is done - so whats the point in me throwing a fit. But second, there is something so sweet, so cute, so eat-his face, love him to bits - draw to him that I can't stop kissing his chubby soft cheeks. He's quite and conniving but ridiculously charming. He's my boy.

4 things I'm loving about Connor right now.

He gets himself dressed in the morning, brushes his teeth and makes his bed. He selects "outfits" (socks included) and lays them on the floor perfectly before choosing which one.

He's a great bike-rider and loves to be outside.

He likes to go out for lunch - especially Japanese.

He's taken to wearing his church belt - everywhere.

(okay, can't stop - had to do more than 4)

Frequently says, "What the heck" before he proceeds with his next sentence.

He opens his eyes really big and nods his head really cute.

He'll do anything for a ring pop. (hope this one continues)

He can crack an egg.

Has a really bad lisp. (therapy start soon)

Has perfect aim while peeing. (seriously don't know what my sister are complaining about with their boys)

Cuts his own fingernails.

Does not like his hair messy.

Loves to help cook! His favourite item to make - sugar cookies but he calls them "cookie cutters."

He colours inside the line at home but doesn't at preschool.

Writes his name at preschool but won't at home.

Just quirky and cute and very glad he is ours! We love you Connor.

Come on Baby Light My Fire.

I smell fire. Really. Sitting steps away from my almost 4 year-old, who's quietly hunched over doing something on the kitchen floor, I decide this needs immediate attention. I caught Connor striking matches, watching them burn and the rubbing them on the tile floor just moments before the flames crept up to burn his fingers. About 12 matches were lit before I put a damper on the dangerous fun. We had a good talk about not lighting matches and getting burned. I knew he understood what I was saying and he clearly knew what he was doing was wrong. He looked guilty.

I hid the matches and moved on. A few days later, I notice the same smell. This time I run to the scene and catch him lighting a paper towel with the butane BBQ lighter. Seriously, the hand eye coordination it takes to get that contraption to light should not be so easy for a 4 year-old to master in moments. It's not a design flaw. It's a Connor flaw. We had the same discussion, this time with a stint in time out and then really hid the butane lighter as well as the steel wool, flint, mirrors and aerosal cans.

This kid is complete trouble. And this incident, a string of many messes to come my way this month. Bet you can't wait to hear what else he did..... oh and did I mention he cut my hair.