school trouble

Well, I knew the day would come. I envisioned the teacher catching me after school to tell me that Jacob knew all his spelling words, hugged all his friends or picked up the classroom without being asked. Instead, the teacher caught me after school to tell me that she saw the "other side" of Jacob today.

Jake decided it was funny to open his mouth at lunch and show all the children what he was chewing. As laughter ensued, he decided to do it again. Later in the afternoon, his "friends" thought it would be funny for Jake to punch them in the tummy. Instead of saying "no, I won't punch you in the tummy," Jake gave them his best swing.

We spent our dinner tonight discussing table manners, and most of all, not following a "friend" who tells you to do something naughty. I know Jake's personality is one that will quickly follow others, so this school day isn't surprising. We just pray that he follows good examples in the future.

As Jake was telling us the happenings of the day, I saw a little sparkle in his eye that reminded me of my dad. It was priceless. My dad had the exact same sparkle. Although I would like Jake keep his food a secret while chewing, I hope he never looses that sparkle.

football obsession

All of us know that Jacob is a tad obsessed with football. He is always running around the house with dishcloths in his shirt as shoulder pads. He often tackles my leg without a moments notice. His crayons are "football players" and the colors "tackle" each other onto the floor.

Last night, we hit a new low. Daddy allowed him to take his new football player guy to bed. Ah, daddy, I know you read this, so I'll be nice. Please don't let Jake take a football player to bed ever again. Thanks!

Not only did Jake wake up about 5 times through the night for various reasons, (I think he was concerned that the football player was warm under the blanket and didn't fall off the bed etc..) he also woke up crying "I wanted the Colts to score a touchdown.....I wanted the Colts to win....." Anytime during the day, this would have been a cute moment, but at 2:00 a.m., not so cute.

We are hoping for a full night of sleep, and please...let the Colts win.

The big roar

I just realized that if I don't stay upright, I will fall asleep. This is not good considering it is only 8:00. My goal is to stay up until 10:00 and watch my two favorite T.V. shows, but this is a lofty ambition.

So, today I went to school as usual. Jake drove me crazy this morning with his new found three-year-old freedom. He apparently can do everything now that he is three. As he is putting his underwear on inside out, his socks on backward, his two legs into one leg opening of his jeans while brushing his teeth, I am running around like a crazy women wondering how I am going to get to work on time. By some miracle, we made it. I think there was a bribe in there somewhere. I may have promised him a pony......phew...he forgot.

Jake is always a bit timid as we enter the classroom. He goes right for the coloring table and quietly begins to work. Mid-way through the day I talked with his teacher about how he was doing. Apparently, him and a few other boys were playing in the playhouse together. They were laughing and giggling. All of a sudden, the class hears a big "ROARRRR.........ROARRRR..........." The teachers were sure it was "the crazy boys". No...deep within the playhouse, Jake was belting out his greatest "roar" possible. The teachers almost fainted in disbelief. Could this possibly have come from Jacob Young? The child who says two words all day? Yes- my three year old can do everything now.

I later asked Jacob what they were playing. He said that he was a "big dog." I have already had the pleasure of playing "dogs" at home. Just picture me crawling down the hallway in my dress pants. Just what I want to do after a long day at work.

nose picking

It is quite obvious (by the titles of my last two blogs) that I live in a house full of boys. Yes- today was a day of nose picking. In the car, in front of the T.V., on the potty, at the kitchen table, Jake continues to "dig for gold" every chance he gets. I've tried ignoring the problem, bribing him not to pick, and lately (especially after a long day with no husband home) being firm about keeping your finger out!!

So, tonight at dinner he was at it again, although this time he asked permission. He said "Mama, may I PLEASE pick my nose now?" To which I replied..."ahh...No." He then said, "Mama, I think you are being bossy." I had to stifle a laugh.

I am hopeful that this minor issue will pass soon. Yes- he is a three year old boy and he isn't about to heed warning from a "bossy" mother like me.

I love that little dude- nose picking and all.

*another random Jake quote of the day. This came after seeing a statue of President Lincoln on T.V. "Mama...do presidents talk?" I replied, "Yes, of course they do." He then said "No, they can't talk, they are only rocks."

head adventure

Well, it was off to the doc. again today for Evan's helmet check. It's been 12 weeks since my little dude was fitted for his special "hat." Although he doesn't mind it one bit, it causes some attention. He gets the occasional "awww" when we are at the store. Then there is playgroup, where the older kids question why he is wearing that "thing" on his head, and the babies crawl up and try to poke at it to see what will happen. Evan usually smiles, oblivious to the fact that no one else has a bright blue hat on.

This adventure has been worthwhile. His head is rounding out, and we are happy with the results so far.

underwear

So tonight I was folding laundry and had to take a moment to contemplate Jake's underwear. Yes- my 3 year old is officially out of diapers. Where did the time go? I can't believe that I can be working in the kitchen and hear the toilet flush..only to see my bright-eyed little man running out all by himself. Sure- his pants are down to his ankles and his underwear is on backward, but did he really just grow up before my eyes? My little man; backpack on for school, eating pizza by the slice, singing songs, learning letters, writing his name, saying a Bible verse, helping in the kitchen, coloring with markers, telling me he loves me...the list goes on.

My days seem like an eternity, but the years are flying by. I have to stop and smell the underwear (O.K, maybe just look) once in a while.

10 Things I hate about winter

1. Being trapped indoors with sick children
2. Getting a toddler ready to go somewhere (boots, hat, mittens, scarf, snowpants, coat zipped..."I have to go potty." Plan ahead at least 30 min.
3. The snot in my nose freezing when I step outside.
4. Over-the-top weather reports.
5. Static electricity- When I leave the house with a sock, one pair of underwear and dress shirt stuck to my bottom, things have gotten bad.
6. Neighbors that use their snow-blowers when 1/2 inch of snow has fallen.
7. Driving without windshield fluid. I've learned to drive looking through an opening about the size of a quarter.
8. Cracking skin. I have the rare (or not-so-rare) "Michigan alligator syndrome"
9. Icy roads. Cars are not meant to ice-skate.
10. Putting on 9 layers of clothing to watch T.V. at night..and still having the chills.

starting up

As a semi-computer "dummy", I am shocking myself that I have come this far and am creating a blog. I can't imagine anyone wanting to hear what I have to say, but I find my life quite interesting, and humerous. Plus, I love to write. After getting married and having two kids, I almost forgot that writing is one of my passions. If I can find time to watch The Bachelor, American Idol and The Office every week, I can certainly find time to do something that takes a touch of brain power.