EASTER EGGS AND SO MUCH MORE...

HOLD YOUR SCISSORS PROPERLY...
This is how you hold your scissors. If you cut yourself you tell your teacher. You only cut paper, not clothes, not hair, not your finger.
You have to hold your pencil properly too. Draw on the line, no scribble scrabble. I can write the letter H...it's my favorite!
I love to "do my work" in daddy's office. My art table found a new home in there. I prefer to sit at dad's desk though. I "mail CD's" and write letters...I have to put the address stickers on the envelopes too. Busy, busy...

BUILD YOUR HOUSE WELL...
My Mom sent this to me this morning...funny, it was exactly what I was trying to express in a blog post. Make the most of each day, do your best in life and most of all cherish each moment with your little ones.

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer- contractor of his plans to leave the house- building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by.The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.When the carpenter finished his work the employer came to inspect the house. He handed the front-door key to the carpenter.This is your house, he said, my gift to you.The carpenter was shocked! What a shame!If he had only known he was building his own, he would have done it all so differently.We do the most of the things having such thoughts in our mind. But we only realize when it comes back to us.So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. Then with a shock we realize we have to live in the house that we have built.. If we could do it over, we'd do it much differently. But we cannot go back.You are the carpenter. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Life is a do-it-yourself project, someone has said. Your attitudes and the choices you make today, build the house you live in tomorrow. Build wisely!

YOU ARE SPRING...
What an amazing gift. We wake up each morning to a new day; a new opportunity to love, to experience, to share and to forgive. With all the challenges that life offers we are blessed.
Reagan came into our lives at just the right moment. He offered us a focus, a peace and a love that we needed to hold on to then and that we would need even more as the months rolled on. Reagan was this outward sign of love that we needed to see and feel to know how amazing God is and that all the power and glory should go back to HIM. When we look at Reagan's face we know God is real and an amazing artist. When we hear Reagan pray sweet and powerful words over our family how could we not trust HIM in all things?
As a child I remember open fields around our house being covered in Indian Paintbrushes, Bluebonnets and Buttercups. It was beautiful and my brother Jeff and I would run to the fields and pick as many flowers as we hold. We would rub Buttercups on our noses until we were covered in pollen and silly. We would then run back home and offer these flowers to our mom believing we had just made her day. She would smile and then gently remind us that if we pick all the flowers the seeds won't spread for the next year. We didn't understand that message then. We just wanted her to have flowers in the windowsill and believe me she did.
I've called Reagan "Buttercup" more and more lately, it has such a precious meaning for me, but he did not have a picture of what a Buttercup was until this day. On the way to Chappel Hill we saw them growing wild and free all along the road. He was so excited to have the image and to see all the pink then turned blue. It was his turn to run in the fields and he too picked a few. With a child's heart he brought them to me and said, "Mom you are a princess and kissed me."
This field of flowers was breathtaking. To see Reagan run through the bluebonnets, seek out the Buttercups, smile and laugh and play was equally so. It was a scene I hope I will always remember. These flowers are only here for a short amount of time and everything from water the previous seasons to human interaction determine how long we enjoy them. What a message. What are we giving our children? How will we help them grow to their full potential; into God's will for their lives? We want to be encouragers, pruning and fertilizing all things good. Lord help us.
At the end of the shoot Reagan just giggled and said "That was fun! I love you mom." My "Buttercup" is grateful for all the little things. This little child is destined for greatness...the greatness that God will give.
In Reagan's words, "Dear God, Welcome for our food, welcome for our family, welcome to our hearts, welcome for good attitudes, welcome for love. Amen."

Spring Break Fingerprints...
Another spring break gave us the opportunity to place our fingerprints all over Houston. The weather was beautiful and our time together was cherished by all. Mom so enjoyed seeing me just being me. She loves every opportunity she gets to watch me play and see the way my mind works and the feelings I express. I can share so much verbally. I can explain my feelings and the "why" for each one. Mom was open ears and open heart. It leaves us both wishing that it could be spring break everyday.

THE NEW MUSEUM!...
WOW! We ended spring break on a high note. Aunt Kaci spent 2 days and nights with us and we headed to the newly renovated Children's Musuem. It was dramatic play all day. I was a police officer, an EMT, a chef, a vet, a grocery store manager and shopper, an inventor and best of all a kid having a blast just being a kid! It was a wonderful experience for all of us which we think we shared with half of Houston. IT WAS CROWDED! When we left around 1 there was a line around the building for children and their parents to get in. We were so glad we made it into town early and so thankful for the beautiful weather.
This is me...Mr. Creative Play!

"CHARLIE BROWN'S" FIRST BIRTHDAY!...
What a beautiful day to celebrate Charlie's 1st birthday. Mom and I met Charlie's family, Les and Emma at the park for a Peanuts Party. We visited with friends and enjoyed the weather. I did lots of climbing--big boy stuff while mom prayed I would not fall. No worries...my spiderman shoes kept me climbing and clinging to the wall. Happy Birthday Charlie...see you soon.

OOGLES AND GOOGLES...
My friend David hosted a Superhero Birthday Party and it was OOGLES of fun! From start to finish the party was busy with music, games and lots of dramatic fun. FYI-I am having a superhero party too. It didn't take me long to decide. As we were cleaning up my 3 year old pirate party I knew what would be coming next. SUPERHEROS!

TUBES...
Ever wonder what a PE tube looks like? Well here it is. This tiny piece kept my ears clear of fluid for almost 2 years. My ENT removed both of my tubes at my last visit. They were no longer in place and just hanging out in my ear. We will find out at the end of April if I need another set. We are still praying that the fluid will clear on its own before our next visit. I don't want tubes for summer!

QUILTING FOR MOM...COOKIES FOR ME!...
When the girls (Mawmaws, Mom and Lala) are away quilting the dudes do some baking. Dad and I have been very busy in the kitchen. We make a weekly batch of cookies from scratch. It takes some convincing to only eat 1 or 2 as they come out of the oven ready to enjoy with a cold mug of milk. They are so yummy so being the sweetie I am I prep a little baggie of cookies for Mawmaws and Tim too. Mom looks forward to the sweet treat when she comes home and I am looking forward to a snuggly warm quilt when class is complete.

JELLY...HOLD THE PEANUT BUTTER PLEASE...
It was spring break; a time to try something new. Mom bought 'PB for Me' by Ian's Organics and she thought it was fantastic! My expression says it all--PB is not for me. I tried it on apples, on a sandwich and crackers too. "It is not my favorite." So bring on the picnics mom. I'll have cheese with my crackers please. PB for you, but not for me.

MY WINGS...
This are my wings. I made them by cutting strips of paper out of one of my coloring books. I love to use scissors! I found mom right away and tried out my skills as an actor..."I am a little bird. TWEET! I can fly to my nest. I'm so small. TWEET, TWEET!"
My thinking brain is always going...I love to create!

FUN ON THE FARM AT THE RODEO...
We had a blast at the rodeo. It's tradition and bad weather could not keep us away.

I WANT LONG HAIR!...
I have all kinds of ideas about what "Rock-n-Roll" is. It's long hair, tattoos and songs that mom and dad listened to in their teens. I can sing the chorus to 'Round and Round', 'Sweet Child of Mine' and more from memory. I have lots of songs that just come rollin' out and this day was a rockin' day. Dad came in from work and immediately was hit up for guitar time with me. I knew just what to do. I picked out my guitar, stripped of my shirt and put my shirt on my head. Frustrated because it kept falling off mom and dad were not sure what was happening then I explained it; Rock-n-Roll guys have long hair. They were more than happy to help me with my hair. They think I am the coolest thing since sliced bread. Who thinks of this stuff? Me!

YEE-HAW RODEO!...
It was Ella's first Rodeo and we dressed in true style. I pulled off a look that hasn't been seen since the late 80's when Uncle Jeff last wore this hat. We called it a 10 gallon topper...It fit, but I preferred my Spiderman baseball cap. FYI I have a big boy head. These brains in combination with these curls measure up to a 6.5.
We showed Ella all the highlights before it was lights out for a sleepy baby. I made sure we hit the petting zoo, tractors and pony rides too. No rodeo is complete without them. I didn't care how long we had to wait in line. I was ready to ride. The token was just burning a hole in my hand. I could not wait to drop it into the box and pick out my horse. I knew that "Gem" was the one. She was a white horse and after riding described as "bumpy." Ella liked riding too for awhile. We had to stop and let her off a little early.
It was a beautiful day, perfect picnic weather and we were blessed to spend it with our extended family.

THE LIL MAN FOR THE JOB...
"I can do it myself, I don't need help!" is the theme rolling through our house these days. I am up for the job and ready to try anything that looks interesting that is until its not interesting then "I am just a lil guy, you do it."
Feeding Ella was fun! I fed her one bite after another until she was full. Taking care of Ella is always my top priority. I am a gentleman in the making. Mom is so proud.

4 YEARS LATER...
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!
Dad wanted to make this anniversary really special. He gets all the credit for being thoughtful and romantic. For those of you who knew mom and dad in college you know how special he can make mom feel; renting signs to profess his love on North street, flowers delivered every week, love letters taped to her car as if parking tickets, messages to unwrap with each stick of gum and on and on...well, it was one of those kind of nights. Mom knew they had plans to dine at Ouisie's Table, but shortly before leaving dad announced that mom needed to pack an overnight bag. She was shocked--where were they going? Dad would not tell. Mawmaws and Tim were on their way to pick me up for a night at the farm. Dad had given Mawmaws all the information so she already knew the big surprise. Then it was my turn to deliver the gift...dad purchased a necklace with my birthstone for mom. She has wanted one from the time I born. He put it around my neck so I could deliver it with sweet words, "Happy Anniversary Mom." I got a little embarrassed though...I wanted the necklace off and tried to pull it off before dad could get it unhooked. Whew! It didn't break, but it was tangled. I think dad almost had a heart attack. He was not a happy camper when he could not get the tangles out. He had to present it as a thoughtful plan gone crazy. Mom didn't care. She quickly untangled the chain and wore it with smiles all weekend. When Mawmaws arrived I jumped in the SUV and was ready to go. I was anxious to see the animals, feed the animals and meet the new calf that we named peanut butter. Mom and dad were ready to get to one of their favorite spots. Mom was looking forward to the seafood crepes as much as dad was the shrimp and grits. They loaded the van and were off--dad had another surprise playing...it was their wedding video followed by a tracks by a band they follow. Dinner was fantastic! The only thing that could have made it better was a chocolate bag for dessert; it wasn't on the menu, but they found a close second. At dinner dad revealed the big surprise; they were heading to Hotel Icon and he had reserved the same suite they stayed in the night of their wedding. Dad showed mom a picture of them entering the room 4 years ago on their wedding night and mom knew right away--how romantic! Yes, she was teary. 4 years brings many life changes; mom was so happy to spend a night with the man she fell in love with almost 11 years ago.
After sleeping in late and a lunch to follow mom and dad met Mawmaws at the outlet mall to retrieve their favorite lil man--me! When mom opened the door to the SUV I had the biggest smile on my face and called out "Mom, I see you...I've been looking and looking!" I think her heart melted all over again. How good it feels to be loved! I was the ultimate snuggle bug all the way home. It wasn't long after they discovered I was really getting sick. I spent Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at home with major respiratory issues, a sinus infection and ear infection too.

GO WESTERN DAY!...
What fun! I had a reason to go to school in costume; of course I did double check and ask mom if everyone else would be dressing up too. I wore my boots, teeny-tiny-hiney jeans and belt with pride. I was all smiles all day.
I picked this belt myself. Grandpa Taylor you should be so proud...it has longhorns all over it!

RED GRAMMER...
Mom has made it her mission to expose me to the arts. We had a date to see Red Grammer a fantastic musician. He has interactive songs that keep you moving, laughing and singing along. It was a mommy, Reagies date and we had a blast. We were even called up on stage to sing along with hand motions and all. I was thrilled! I had no need for the earplugs I brought along...I enjoyed each song and all the silly times too right from the front row. I think I am destined to entertain!

HAMSTER ON A PIANO and friends...
The Taylor Zoo continues to expand. The latest addition is "Popcorn" our hamster. Creative names are my specialty--check out You Tube for the video of another hamster eating popcorn. You will see and hear my inspiration behind naming my hamster. We had a great time counting down to the arrival of Popcorn. Mom and I hand picked her from the Science Resource Center. Ms. Faye showed her to us when she was just a little pinky; no fur, eyes shut tight. We checked back with Ms. Faye every other week as we picked up and dropped off animals and reptiles for mom's class. Ms. Faye handled the hamsters often so they would not nip and trained them to the ball and wheel. We only wish they were potty trained. When it was time to bring her home, I held my carrying case tight...I was so proud. It was time to name her and we brainstormed for hours. Dad thought Peanut Butter due to her color, mom said Sucker because she dropped "the sucker" on the floor (she slipped!), but I said Popcorn. It was the perfect name. I have named three Taylor animals now. I am getting really good at this game. I have a tadpole named "Sharky", a Beta named "Catfish" and now a hamster named "Popcorn." The fun did not end here. Popcorn was lonely and acting out--YUCKY POTTY! We returned to the SRC to adopt her sister. Did I mention the price of adoption is a bag of clumping cat litter for the Bobcat? Well, I thought we should call our new addition "Popcorn 2." In fact I would call out to them, "I love you Popcorns." Dad needed different names. We are now the proud owners of Popcorn and Kettlecorn. :)
On a side note, check out my picture...she those pen marks...those are my tattoos. I can describe each one. I typically have a dragon, Spiderman and a snake. I can tell you their colors and of course they have sparkles and fire on them. Mom is going crazy! I am obsessed with tattoos. Every time I see a tattoo I have to point it out. Mom's favorite line so far is "See mom, that mom has a tattoo on her back. Why?" Mom continues to tell me that my "peachy skin" is best; that she loves my "peachy skin", but I am not so sure. I love the art and that everyone looks so different. So, the days of not realizing that markers and pens were for paper just came and went in our house. It is not by accident that I write on my skin. I want tattoos!
Catfish is a very quiet swimmer. Those hamsters are noisy runners.