Mooooovin' on out

It's movin' time. A friend of mine introduced me to Wordpress and after little deliberation I have decided to move the blog on over. Wordpress has a few options I really like and it's easy to leave comments on. I know there are many who read this, you take the time to tell me or e-mail me, but no one likes to leave comments. Well, now no excuse, comment away!

To find our blog simply go to raekids.wordpress.com

See you there~

where's my big brother?!?!?

We had a great week with Cole here, and as always it went way too fast. The girls absolutely adore him and hate to see him go. Cole had to leave quite early on Monday (5:00am...thanks Monica!) so the girls said their good-byes before they went to sleep (another story in itself). After Cole and Monica headed for the airport I moved out of the crowded queen bed to the air mattress which Cole had been sleeping on. A little while later Taris peeked over the bed and discovered it was me, not her big brother occupying the mattress and immediately started crying and asking where her big brother was. Even though she knew he would be gone in the morning I don't think it quite registered and she was some upset. She wishes he could stay longer and is now waiting anxiously for his next visit, which in her world is never soon enough!

We had a few firsts while Cole was here. Darcie was able to go skating for the first time and she did great. Not quite 2 years old and she can already go a few cautious steps on her own! She loved it as she's spent the whole year watching her big sister zoom around the ice and she was thrilled she finally got a turn too. The other first was Cole and Larrie got to play a hockey game together! After practicing his moves all week Cole got to play in the Hooter 'old vs young' game on Saturday night. Although the young guns didn't win I think it was pretty special for both Larrie and Cole. Good job Cole!

spring!

I think spring may have finally arrived! We had +24 temps yesterday, nice. Not quite as warm today, but the sun's still shining. Larrie, Cole and Taris are out having 'driving lessons' , higgins has been walked and darcie is sleeping so thought I'd update with a few pics.

Preview of Taris' dance outfit - competition this weekend

Yay...Cole's here!

Great Gramma Rae made Taris and Darcie special matching sweaters and hats...they loved them!

Taris REALLY liked her sweater and hat!

Darcie's first time riding HER bike...she did pretty good, even got one rotation in!

catch your breath....if you can!

It seems we've hardly had a minute to catch our breath the last little while. Not that I'm complaining...I'd rather be busy than bored! Taris' activities have slowed down a little, skating is officially done as the ice show was the finale. Now we're concentrating on dance, which by the way, she hates. Well, hate may be a strong word, we'll just say she doesn't prefer it. She has to hang in there till the end of April and she actually is getting better with the steps. I've taken a little advice from my dance natzi friend, Tallie, and we've really been hitting the practicing hard!

Just to keep everyone up to date on what's going on, here it goes.

~ Friday, March 23 - - - dance pictures
~ Saturday, March 24 - - - Cole arrives.....not sure if Taris can wait that long!
~ Thursday, March 29 - - - Auntie Monica to the rescue...more on that
~ Saturday, March 31 - - - Taris has a dance competition in Wolesely - - - I have my v-ball playoff tourney (notice the schedule conflict**)
~ Sunday, April 1 - - - Larrie leaves for Nisku to renew his 2nd line - - - some of us will head to Regina as Cole heads out on the 6am flight Monday
~ Sometime btwn April 1 and April 6 - - - Gramma Lynn and Grampa Stan come home!

**This is where Auntie Monica comes to the rescue. She has graciously agreed to fly here to take Taris to her first ever dance competition as her mom is abandoning her (yes I feel horrible). But I'm making sure the family will be well represented. Monica is in charge but there's still the Darcie factor...this is where I think Gramma Mona will come in, I believe she will also be heading to the competion to help out. Now, you may ask, what about Larrie and Cole?? Well, from the sounds of things they will also go, but let's be honest the two of them in a little room full of girls needing help getting dressed, make-up and hair done??? I think not, they will just go to watch.

So, from now until then, we are busy. Between dance practices, exercise classes, v-ball practices, school and coffeeing with the girls (have to keep up with the gossip loop!) we're pretty much tapped out. Oh, and did I mention that Larrie may be curling (hahahaha) in the Estevan Oilmans? Why not, he needs to be busy too!

she's a star!

Taris took part in her first ice show today. Although a little nervous at first she was a star and did great! The theme was 'skating in the movies' and Taris' group performed to Toy Story's, You've Got a Friend in Me. The girls were adorable and had fun too!

Darcie thinks she did great too!!

cabin fever

It's that time of year...we ALL have cabin fever! I was parent helper today at playschool...wow, crazy kids! I think they all need a dose of spring and sunshine to calm things down a bit. I know my kids, whether they know it or not, are anxious for spring. Even though we keep very busy there's nothing like just being able to go outside (no snowsuits, toques, mitts, etc) and play! I think Higgins will also benefit from some outside play (longer than the 15 min it takes for the girls to start whining). He tends to go a bit crazy as well, being cooped up inside all day.

Since I have nothing else brilliant to say, I'll let you enjoy a few pics!

wanna be friends?

After having been with a babysitter all evening Higgins is always super excited to see me. (Kinda makes you feel loved) Tonight he came running out of my room full of energy as he usually just sleeps till I get home. He picked up his toy and followed me downstairs to the office. Now, in our office the closet doors are mirrors. Perfect for a puppy to find a new friend. As I type he is desperately trying to get that puppy in the mirror to play with him. He's taking his toy right up to him, dropping it and backing away inviting the other puppy to play. When the new found friend doesn't pick it up he goes and gets it and trys offering it up again. Too funny! I've been watching the poor guy try to play with 'himself' for ten minutes now. Guess I should go save my mirror from the puppy paws and throw the toy a few times for him!

wonder of a child

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about"

"Whatever they grow up to be, they are still our children, and the one most important of all things we can give to them is unconditional love. Not a love that depends on anything at all except that they are our children"

Rosaleen Dickson