Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Luke's Health
poor luke. he is still sick. he just can't kick his JUNK. today josh took him to the doctor and was diagnosed with pneumonia in his left lung and strep (no surprise there)--doc changed luke's meds so he is on two new ones and off the crazy expensive super strength one. luke's tonsils come out 4/3/12. i hope he can hold out until then with NO MORE strep and/or junk. poor buddy--so lethargic and droopy. that is the only way i can describe him. he has been resting lots, drink lots and eating little. get better my sweet buddy.
Monday, February 27, 2012
recipe from a friend
chicken piccata over lemon rice
~thinly sliced chicken breast (or veal). you can tenderize to flatten more if you want/have time, but i broke my tenderizer so i don't, haha
~butter & olive oil for cooking, heat in a wide-bottomed skillet to a gentle heat, appx 1-2TSP of each.
~1 egg, beaten with a bit of water
~cornstarch or flour for dusting, salted and peppered
~1 lemon, zested and juiced. add the zest and a bit of the juice to the rice while it cooks, also add some butter
~hot rice as mentioned above
~white wine
~chckn stock/broth
~capers (optional)
heat the oil/butter mix, dredge the chck in your cornstarch and then in the egg. gently saute chicken for several minutes on each side, depending on the thickness, then remove from pan when *almost just* cooked thru. deglaze the pan with a few TBSP each of stock, wine, and lemon... in several stages, reducing between each stage. add the chkn back in, add capers if you're using them, cover, turn off the heat. the residual heat will finish the last bit of cooking, and you may want to turn the breasts over once or twice to sauce them up a bit. you can throw in some fresh herbs at this point if you want, i put a sage leaf on each breast and it was delicious.
serve over hot rice with veggies! i eat my kids' capers ;)
~thinly sliced chicken breast (or veal). you can tenderize to flatten more if you want/have time, but i broke my tenderizer so i don't, haha
~butter & olive oil for cooking, heat in a wide-bottomed skillet to a gentle heat, appx 1-2TSP of each.
~1 egg, beaten with a bit of water
~cornstarch or flour for dusting, salted and peppered
~1 lemon, zested and juiced. add the zest and a bit of the juice to the rice while it cooks, also add some butter
~hot rice as mentioned above
~white wine
~chckn stock/broth
~capers (optional)
heat the oil/butter mix, dredge the chck in your cornstarch and then in the egg. gently saute chicken for several minutes on each side, depending on the thickness, then remove from pan when *almost just* cooked thru. deglaze the pan with a few TBSP each of stock, wine, and lemon... in several stages, reducing between each stage. add the chkn back in, add capers if you're using them, cover, turn off the heat. the residual heat will finish the last bit of cooking, and you may want to turn the breasts over once or twice to sauce them up a bit. you can throw in some fresh herbs at this point if you want, i put a sage leaf on each breast and it was delicious.
serve over hot rice with veggies! i eat my kids' capers ;)
Sunday, February 26, 2012
GAMES
last year it dawned on me that we play a lot of games as a family and wouldn't it be awesome to keep track of our games as part of our family history--so i started a game journal :) every time we play, whether it is just two of us or an entire extended family game night, i write down what we play and anything funny/interesting that happens. sometimes i will also write down things like if we lost power, it was a blizzard/snow day, we were home sick, etc. i have been keeping the journal for just over a year now and it has been awesome to look back :) what kinds of things do you do to keep track of family time?
salad spinning
a few years ago my mom gave me grandpa's salad spinner when he died. i have used it a few times and it does work LOVELY for getting out all the water from the lettuce, especially the beautiful dirty lettuce from my garden. but as luke said today, "mom you don't normally spin your lettuce, you just buy it" (as in a bag).
today we re-purposed that handy dandy spinner (thank you pinterest).
today we re-purposed that handy dandy spinner (thank you pinterest).
http://teaching2and3yearolds.blogspot.com/2012/02/spin-art.html
Saturday, February 25, 2012
buttery rolls of goodness (i hope)
trying these pioneer woman rolls for dinner tonight :) look tasty. hope they taste yummy!
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/10/buttered-rosemary-rolls/
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/10/buttered-rosemary-rolls/
Ingredients
- Frozen, Unbaked Dinner Rolls
- Melted Butter, Regular, Salted
- Fresh Rosemary, Coarsely Chopped
- Coarse Sea Salt
Preparation Instructions
Spray a small iron skillet with cooking spray (or coat with olive
oil). Place frozen rolls in the skillet, leaving plenty of room for
rising. Cover and allow to rise for several hours.
After rising, brush rolls with melted butter.
Sprinkle on chopped rosemary. Brush with additional butter. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Bake according to roll package directions (usually 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes), until rolls are a deep golden brown on top.
Serve skillet on the table.
After rising, brush rolls with melted butter.
Sprinkle on chopped rosemary. Brush with additional butter. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Bake according to roll package directions (usually 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes), until rolls are a deep golden brown on top.
Serve skillet on the table.
grrrrrr
strep is back for luke. rash last night. 2:00 am wake up call for mama and daddy as he cried out with pain and fever. 104 at 8:00 am this morning. a call to the physician on call and another round of the clindimyiacin (crazy expensive meds). luke's had two doses of that today. fever is hovering between 101 and 102 while on ib profin. poor baby is miserable!!! :(
calling ent again monday. tonsilectomy scheduled for 4/3/12.
stay tuned.
calling ent again monday. tonsilectomy scheduled for 4/3/12.
stay tuned.
Friday, February 24, 2012
read read read
we love to read in the boyer household. naturally, since i am a teacher and once taught elementary, i do many things while reading with my kiddos that help them read better. however, this article was a great reminder :)
http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2012/02/seven-things-you-should-be-doing-as-youre-reading-to-your-child/
i hope you read to your little ones, your self or to your spouse :D
http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2012/02/seven-things-you-should-be-doing-as-youre-reading-to-your-child/
i hope you read to your little ones, your self or to your spouse :D
i cup
jack got off the bus and says to josh, dad i have a joke for you but it is kind of naughty and i probably should not tell mom since she is a lady. josh asked what it was so jack told him.
"hey dad, spell i cup" says jack
"i c-u-p" says josh
oh i bet you can imagine the first grade giggles that followed! :) josh smiled and turned his head towards me--his eyes glowed with proud daddy and i could tell he was cracking up on the inside! luke asked for the joke to be repeated but alas did not understand the humor....guess he will have to learn it when he gets a little older :)
"hey dad, spell i cup" says jack
"i c-u-p" says josh
oh i bet you can imagine the first grade giggles that followed! :) josh smiled and turned his head towards me--his eyes glowed with proud daddy and i could tell he was cracking up on the inside! luke asked for the joke to be repeated but alas did not understand the humor....guess he will have to learn it when he gets a little older :)
it's what's for dinner
 |
| cooking |
 |
| end result plus a cream on top of soy sauce, sour cream and siracha. mmmmm |
snow day!
 |
| colored with koolaid in squeeze bottles!!! |
then mama took a break to go exercise, leaving the boys with a working dad. upon arriving home, i found more outside fun happening so i got back on my warm clothes :)
 |
| scott pulling luke and kaden on the big sled and jack is waiting for his turn (chloe on the back) |
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| all three "young" boys getting pulled :) |
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| jack on the saucer, kaden with luke on the other sled |
harder than one might think
the article the other day really hit home--you know, the one i blogged about--micromanaging moms/dads.....aka helicopter parents.
today we are home on a snow day. i am sitting here writing, drinking my coffee with baileys (hey no judgement--it is a snow day after all :)) and it is 9:30 am. the boys are already "whiney" and saying things like, well if you would just play with me.......... and to make things a little more interesting, jack has lost his two favorite snow day activities due to his behavior this past week (more on that in a minute). i am working really hard at staying on the couch for a bit longer. i know they are creative, imaginative young men who can figure out something to play on their own. don't get me wrong, i plan to play with them today since this mama loves to play on snow days more than any other mama that i know but i am trying to give them space and at the same time, give me some time to do what i love to do as well--write.
so back to jack's privileges being lost--i am kind of glad it is a snow day as it hits home a little more to jack that he made poor choices and lost privileges as a result....... :D here's hoping to learning the lesson!!
being a parent, a consistent good parent, is harder than one might think...................
today we are home on a snow day. i am sitting here writing, drinking my coffee with baileys (hey no judgement--it is a snow day after all :)) and it is 9:30 am. the boys are already "whiney" and saying things like, well if you would just play with me.......... and to make things a little more interesting, jack has lost his two favorite snow day activities due to his behavior this past week (more on that in a minute). i am working really hard at staying on the couch for a bit longer. i know they are creative, imaginative young men who can figure out something to play on their own. don't get me wrong, i plan to play with them today since this mama loves to play on snow days more than any other mama that i know but i am trying to give them space and at the same time, give me some time to do what i love to do as well--write.
so back to jack's privileges being lost--i am kind of glad it is a snow day as it hits home a little more to jack that he made poor choices and lost privileges as a result....... :D here's hoping to learning the lesson!!
being a parent, a consistent good parent, is harder than one might think...................
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
human
To err is human; to forgive, divine. Alexander Pope
today was a reminder of human-ness. jack made a poor choice, did not listen at school and came home with a "discipline ticket" from a recess aide. when he got home and josh tried to discuss it with him, jack was rude and disrespectful to his dad. things went down hill pretty quick from there. when i got home, it was hard for me to take all of this in--my cutie pie jack made a POOR CHOICE at school....two days in a row!?? oh jack-o! i thought we learned from yesterday's red ticket from the teacher for too much talking. sigh. josh worked on this "situation" in his way and then i took at a stab in my way. in the end, after tears shed and sniffles snuffled, the three of us had a really good in depth conversation. it was quite a lengthy conversation we had behind closed doors and luke had a hard time understanding why he was not a part of the conversation. in the end, jack lost privileges--one for the two discipline issues in one week and a bigger one for disrespecting his dad.
then luke's human-ness sprung up....he made up a story about going to throw up so he could get the same "mom and dad time" that jack got........... oh small child, jack's interaction and lengthy discussion was not positive attention...... luke's need at that very moment he went and spit in the potty to show his "seriousness of throwing up ability" was to have attention. so i gave it to him. the boys and i sat around the table--jack working on his apologies and luke and i working on his k-readiness workbook and giggling away :)
today was a tough parenting day. but it is human to err. and it is a good reminder for me to see my children are human. sometimes i forget since they are such great little boys. the forgiving part is most important. forgiving each other, AND forgiving one's self. we had that talk with jack too today--that it is okay to make a mistake but once you learn your lesson, forgive yourself and move on.
as we always say when we end a discipline conversation or a tough moment, "i love you even when you are naughty"
today was a reminder of human-ness. jack made a poor choice, did not listen at school and came home with a "discipline ticket" from a recess aide. when he got home and josh tried to discuss it with him, jack was rude and disrespectful to his dad. things went down hill pretty quick from there. when i got home, it was hard for me to take all of this in--my cutie pie jack made a POOR CHOICE at school....two days in a row!?? oh jack-o! i thought we learned from yesterday's red ticket from the teacher for too much talking. sigh. josh worked on this "situation" in his way and then i took at a stab in my way. in the end, after tears shed and sniffles snuffled, the three of us had a really good in depth conversation. it was quite a lengthy conversation we had behind closed doors and luke had a hard time understanding why he was not a part of the conversation. in the end, jack lost privileges--one for the two discipline issues in one week and a bigger one for disrespecting his dad.
then luke's human-ness sprung up....he made up a story about going to throw up so he could get the same "mom and dad time" that jack got........... oh small child, jack's interaction and lengthy discussion was not positive attention...... luke's need at that very moment he went and spit in the potty to show his "seriousness of throwing up ability" was to have attention. so i gave it to him. the boys and i sat around the table--jack working on his apologies and luke and i working on his k-readiness workbook and giggling away :)
today was a tough parenting day. but it is human to err. and it is a good reminder for me to see my children are human. sometimes i forget since they are such great little boys. the forgiving part is most important. forgiving each other, AND forgiving one's self. we had that talk with jack too today--that it is okay to make a mistake but once you learn your lesson, forgive yourself and move on.
as we always say when we end a discipline conversation or a tough moment, "i love you even when you are naughty"
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
micromanager
Great Article (thanks Sarah Christenson)--my two take-aways:
1. I should NOT feel guilty for sitting down for a cup of coffee when the kiddos yell for me to come play with them
2. Count to 10 before going to help one of them out as long as there is no immediate danger...I currently jump up to help because I think I am being helpful. I need to teach my children patience.
Worth the read!
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/21/living/parenting-micromanaging-mom/index.html
1. I should NOT feel guilty for sitting down for a cup of coffee when the kiddos yell for me to come play with them
2. Count to 10 before going to help one of them out as long as there is no immediate danger...I currently jump up to help because I think I am being helpful. I need to teach my children patience.
Worth the read!
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/21/living/parenting-micromanaging-mom/index.html
Sunday, February 19, 2012
the return
the return of a sunday night tradition
love the awe in the children's faces
my heart thumping for my hockey playing husband
love the awe in the children's faces
my heart thumping for my hockey playing husband
mr.president
Jack's Classwork assignment that he had to do at home (due to strep foot)...as a result of our conversation of what blessings we have as a family. Sweet sweet Jack-o :)
February 19, 2012
Dear Mr.President,
My name is Jack. I am 6 years old. You can help kids by giving hungry kids food and giving families a house.
Sincerely,
Jack Boyer
February 19, 2012
Dear Mr.President,
My name is Jack. I am 6 years old. You can help kids by giving hungry kids food and giving families a house.
Sincerely,
Jack Boyer
Friday, February 17, 2012
and the foot
dear strep,
are you tired of me writing to you yet? seriously! you couldn't just leave jack-o out of this huh! you have now given him strep and it has impacted his feet. he has strep foot! poor buddy couldn't walk last night and this morning. as i said before and i will say it again--GO GO GO AWAY strep!
LOUDLY,
this mama
are you tired of me writing to you yet? seriously! you couldn't just leave jack-o out of this huh! you have now given him strep and it has impacted his feet. he has strep foot! poor buddy couldn't walk last night and this morning. as i said before and i will say it again--GO GO GO AWAY strep!
LOUDLY,
this mama
Thursday, February 16, 2012
5 points!
jack has earned his 5 point medallion at school for accelerated reading!! we are so darn proud of him--each book is worth .5 so he has read and aced more than 10 book quizzes! he is now bringing home grade 3.2 books so i am hoping his next star test he will assess higher :)
updates
random things that are getting lumped into one post:
**luke's getting his tonsils out over spring break--i am praying and hoping for an easy recovery for him. my mom has offered to come for a few days to help out :)
**jack's half birthday was yesterday and he got a crown at school and took in a snack (at his teacher's request--how great is that!)
**my bff from college had her 2nd baby last week--wednesday 2/8/12! welcome logan james :) four weeks early but doing well. just keeping an eye on his jaundice numbers and weight for now.
**planning a shower for m in march! i can't wait for her to be here :)
**max the dog is doing awesome! tricks: sit pretty, catch, "easy" (meaning wait for your treat not eat the boys' hand off), wait/stay, sit, come, and down! she is a joy :) she enjoys snuggling, loving and playing.
**ben is recovering well--his leg is healed! he has been able to see my parents a few times now :) there has been an increase in communication with his mom and i have been helping her with special education advice.
**we celebrated owen's first birthday!! hard to believe that he was born a YEAR ago--that went fast :) he is such a happy cutie patootie! love that boy with all of my heart! :)
**therapy is going well. i feel i am making progress and working through my "demons". i am grateful for carol. she is good for me.
**i have started a traveling journal with my mom--it has been such a joy to mail it back and forth with stories and love.
okay i guess that is enough randomness for now :)
**luke's getting his tonsils out over spring break--i am praying and hoping for an easy recovery for him. my mom has offered to come for a few days to help out :)
**jack's half birthday was yesterday and he got a crown at school and took in a snack (at his teacher's request--how great is that!)
**my bff from college had her 2nd baby last week--wednesday 2/8/12! welcome logan james :) four weeks early but doing well. just keeping an eye on his jaundice numbers and weight for now.
**planning a shower for m in march! i can't wait for her to be here :)
**max the dog is doing awesome! tricks: sit pretty, catch, "easy" (meaning wait for your treat not eat the boys' hand off), wait/stay, sit, come, and down! she is a joy :) she enjoys snuggling, loving and playing.
**ben is recovering well--his leg is healed! he has been able to see my parents a few times now :) there has been an increase in communication with his mom and i have been helping her with special education advice.
**we celebrated owen's first birthday!! hard to believe that he was born a YEAR ago--that went fast :) he is such a happy cutie patootie! love that boy with all of my heart! :)
**therapy is going well. i feel i am making progress and working through my "demons". i am grateful for carol. she is good for me.
**i have started a traveling journal with my mom--it has been such a joy to mail it back and forth with stories and love.
okay i guess that is enough randomness for now :)
jaws!!
i have tried numerous variations of mopping my floor over the past years. a swiffer wet, a battery powered swiffer that plugs into the wall (twice), a sponge mop, a "hairy" white mop, and my hands/knees. none of them have been super successful or kept their life long enough for me to be happy happy happy. and what makes a mama super happy, an easy mopping system that leaves her floors clean and sanitized.
i am now trying what i have named affectionately jaws--a shark steam vacuum. now i have only had it for about a week and used it twice....but so far....
benefits:
--plug and cord (so a battery cannot die out on you)
--only uses water--no chemicals
--easy to use
--reuseable "mop heads"
--lightweight
--removable hand held steamer option
drawbacks:
-- reusable "mop heads" that have to be washed on their own
--hopefully it is really cleaning/sanitizing the floor--i am still skeptical since it only uses water...i should google to see if mythbusters have used it or not to test for sanitation....this is coming from me, the girl who cleans everything with vinegar......
here's to happy mopping with jaws :)
i am now trying what i have named affectionately jaws--a shark steam vacuum. now i have only had it for about a week and used it twice....but so far....
benefits:
--plug and cord (so a battery cannot die out on you)
--only uses water--no chemicals
--easy to use
--reuseable "mop heads"
--lightweight
--removable hand held steamer option
drawbacks:
-- reusable "mop heads" that have to be washed on their own
--hopefully it is really cleaning/sanitizing the floor--i am still skeptical since it only uses water...i should google to see if mythbusters have used it or not to test for sanitation....this is coming from me, the girl who cleans everything with vinegar......
here's to happy mopping with jaws :)
proud mama!
luke had his first conference today--preschool is going great!!!! :) according to mrs.s (which we knew most of this) luke:
**is a nice and polite preschool friend
**knows most of his letters through s (they have not assessed s-z)
**knows all his colors, and shapes (except confuses hexagon for octagon...which they don't even learn octagon)
**can count to 12 and then starts skipping around :)
**can repeat patterns and sorts well
**very social at school and easy to work with
**confident in what he does and willing to help friends
**improving with printing his first name
**knows his phone number
**can draw a circle, square and triangle
**has great language development
**has fine 1:1 correspondence, can identify numerals up to 8 (they have not assessed higher), and can match quantities to numerals (up to 10)
GREAT job sweet "baby" lukie! you are no longer our baby and well on your way to being ready for KINDERGARTEN next year :) we are so proud of you!
**is a nice and polite preschool friend
**knows most of his letters through s (they have not assessed s-z)
**knows all his colors, and shapes (except confuses hexagon for octagon...which they don't even learn octagon)
**can count to 12 and then starts skipping around :)
**can repeat patterns and sorts well
**very social at school and easy to work with
**confident in what he does and willing to help friends
**improving with printing his first name
**knows his phone number
**can draw a circle, square and triangle
**has great language development
**has fine 1:1 correspondence, can identify numerals up to 8 (they have not assessed higher), and can match quantities to numerals (up to 10)
GREAT job sweet "baby" lukie! you are no longer our baby and well on your way to being ready for KINDERGARTEN next year :) we are so proud of you!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
back!?!?
dear strep,
i thought i made myself VERY clear last time...you can go away! i am not enjoying having strep {however it does remind me how much pain you cause and how much pain my little ones must be in when you join them}--you kept me up ALL night last night with every little swallow. i am hoping my zpack kicks in soon and my tonsils plus dangly thing in the back reduce in size SOON!
love,
this mama who is ready for strep to go away!
i thought i made myself VERY clear last time...you can go away! i am not enjoying having strep {however it does remind me how much pain you cause and how much pain my little ones must be in when you join them}--you kept me up ALL night last night with every little swallow. i am hoping my zpack kicks in soon and my tonsils plus dangly thing in the back reduce in size SOON!
love,
this mama who is ready for strep to go away!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
oh strep
dear strep,
i dislike you. you have been in our house way too long. i am not thankful that you infected luke the weekend my hubby was away and my my nephew got his leg stuck in the snowblower. i am not thankful that you came back ONE DAY after luke ended his first round of meds. i am not thankful that you came back two days after luke ended his 2nd ROUND of meds. and i am not sure if you gave jack his "bottom" issues or not...but i am 75% sure you did. so we have had enough now and think you can leave ANY TIME!
love,
strepped out mom
ps i am grateful there are modern medicines to help my boys feel better!
i dislike you. you have been in our house way too long. i am not thankful that you infected luke the weekend my hubby was away and my my nephew got his leg stuck in the snowblower. i am not thankful that you came back ONE DAY after luke ended his first round of meds. i am not thankful that you came back two days after luke ended his 2nd ROUND of meds. and i am not sure if you gave jack his "bottom" issues or not...but i am 75% sure you did. so we have had enough now and think you can leave ANY TIME!
love,
strepped out mom
ps i am grateful there are modern medicines to help my boys feel better!
Monday, February 6, 2012
we love words
jack and i played scrabble tonight--our first time playing a REAL game. no points kept--just fun for all! i <3 words and am so glad jack does too!
luke, jack and i played the other side after (luke was not a happy guy that he could not play this side since he cannot spell yet). jack got 11 points, luke got 10 points and i got 6.
both boys LOVE word games. both boys LOVE games. gosh i love my family :)
Sunday, February 5, 2012
8!!
wow, i am a writing woman today. between this blog and my private blog i share with a close cousin, i have blogged 8 posts today...9 if you count this one. guess i am a woman with lots to share/say today :)
stranger danger
jack is learning about stranger danger at school....and it is leading him to have some worries (again).
at the beginning of the school year they learned about fire safety and that led to lots of worries around home about fire safety. we held family fire drills, talked about uncle tom, moved chairs so jack felt he could get out of his window easier, etc etc etc
now they are learning about how to handle situations where there is someone you don't know and they are trying to take you/trick you/hurt you. oh jack-o. he is really having a hard time with this. it is not new for him...we have been talking about this as a family for quite some time and even practice it....but i think combining it all together as this class has been has his intelligent brain thinking..... we live "in the middle of no where", it is dark out a lot right now, i sleep in the basement, etc etc etc.
i am glad jack is learning more about stranger danger, i just hope that his brain processes it and then allows him to move on. that smart boy of mine gets anxious pretty quick because he gets the severity of the danger in the situation....whether it be fire or strangers.
at the beginning of the school year they learned about fire safety and that led to lots of worries around home about fire safety. we held family fire drills, talked about uncle tom, moved chairs so jack felt he could get out of his window easier, etc etc etc
now they are learning about how to handle situations where there is someone you don't know and they are trying to take you/trick you/hurt you. oh jack-o. he is really having a hard time with this. it is not new for him...we have been talking about this as a family for quite some time and even practice it....but i think combining it all together as this class has been has his intelligent brain thinking..... we live "in the middle of no where", it is dark out a lot right now, i sleep in the basement, etc etc etc.
i am glad jack is learning more about stranger danger, i just hope that his brain processes it and then allows him to move on. that smart boy of mine gets anxious pretty quick because he gets the severity of the danger in the situation....whether it be fire or strangers.
life lesson
every day we ask jack and luke after they get out of school, "how was your day?" and usually we get a one thumbs up or a two thumbs up (good/great) and on a rare occasion, we get a thumbs down (not so great)....well it is VERY rare that we get a thumbs down.
this past week was no different.
wednesday, jack got off the bus and in his sing-songy voice, proclaimed that his day was great! he was bubbly, bouncy and happy. he played just like normal. acted completely normal. was such a happy guy. so imagine my surprise when i learned the next day that three people had thrown up in his classroom and one on the bus....... and he still considered that a great day!
what a life lesson for me from my sweet and smart 6.5 year old. daily happiness can still occur when little unpleasant things occur. thanks jack for helping this mama remember that.
this past week was no different.
wednesday, jack got off the bus and in his sing-songy voice, proclaimed that his day was great! he was bubbly, bouncy and happy. he played just like normal. acted completely normal. was such a happy guy. so imagine my surprise when i learned the next day that three people had thrown up in his classroom and one on the bus....... and he still considered that a great day!
what a life lesson for me from my sweet and smart 6.5 year old. daily happiness can still occur when little unpleasant things occur. thanks jack for helping this mama remember that.
proud parents
we had jack's conferences recently and we couldn't be more proud of our jack-0!
highlights:
--reading level between 2.2 and 3.2 (2nd grade and 3rd grade)--consistently reading books at 3.2 level
--friendly to all students
--mostly a hard worker :)
--great math skills
--improving handwriting!
things to work on:
--fine motor skills
--listening all the time instead of when "when he wants to" time :)
--getting at least ONE close friend in his class--he has lots of friends but his closest ones are in K or 2nd grade
good job buddy :) we are so proud of you!!!!!
highlights:
--reading level between 2.2 and 3.2 (2nd grade and 3rd grade)--consistently reading books at 3.2 level
--friendly to all students
--mostly a hard worker :)
--great math skills
--improving handwriting!
things to work on:
--fine motor skills
--listening all the time instead of when "when he wants to" time :)
--getting at least ONE close friend in his class--he has lots of friends but his closest ones are in K or 2nd grade
good job buddy :) we are so proud of you!!!!!
training starts early here
took jack for a 1 mile run/walk + dog
took luke for a 1 mile run/walk + dog
took mama for a 4.4 mile RUN
training starts early here :) luke is the above picture--not bad for a 4.5 year old!
february!!!
GORGEOUS sunny Sunday afternoon in February--a delightful 37 degrees out!!!!
oh and just for the sake of history, it is also superbowl sunday--patriots vs. giants.
Friday, February 3, 2012
absolutely!!
these are the things i too want my sons to know.... read on and enjoy!
http://newhealthom.com/2012/01/31/25-things-i-want-my-son-to-know/
I am writing this post for my son. He is only three years old, but he
is growing so fast. Much of what I wrote to my daughter in the 25 Things I want My Daughter to Know
post also applies to him. I wish them both the innocence of their
childhood, the ability to laugh at themselves, a spiritual connection
with God, and the desire to see the world. That being said, here goes:
1. When I look at you I see my heart.
I never imagined I had this much love to give until I had a baby. I never thought I could possibly have any more to give until I had you. You have taught me that my heart and my capacity to love is not fixed, it grows and grows and grows.
2. It’s okay to let go of your penis. It’s not going anywhere.
Since we finished potty training in our house, I’ve noticed that you hold your penis constantly. I just want you to know that it will be there forever and you have your whole life ahead of you to play with it.
3. I will be happy to buy you a pink ball, a pink balloon, or a pink toothbrush if you so choose.
I understand that through your eyes the color pink is just that, a color. It really makes no difference to you – and therefore should make no difference to me whether you want to wear a pink superhero cape or wings.
4. Your nose is NOT an appropriate place for the following items:
crayons, beads, marbles, cheerios, pasta, peas, carrots, french fries,
legos, q-tips, or your finger. Period.
5. Play. Draw. Paint. Create.
Creating art should be a constant in your life. It lends an open eye to an ever-moving journey and encourages individuality and expression. If you’re doing it right – I expect to see fingerprints on walls, paint on floors, mud on the carpet and even in your hair. Go ahead, experiment!
6. On the other hand, there are rules that need to obeyed when you
are in a home. You need to respect others and their possessions. I know
boys will be boys, but this is not at all what I have in mind when it
comes to creating art or playful fun. In fact, this is a lesson in doing
it all WRONG! I would not be happy.
7. Take your time summoning your inner genius.
There is a competitiveness that seems to have taken hold of every elementary school and playground in America. The pressure to learn more – faster, quicker, better than your peers. Never mind that mumbo jumbo. Learning takes time and everyone does it differently.
8. Explore the outdoors.
Get outside as much as possible. Breathe the fresh air. Play tag. Ride bikes. Skip. Hop. Jump. Run. NOW.
9. Accept others for who they are.
In an age where bullying has taken precedence amongst our youth, I hope I have taught you to see the value in differences. Preps, Emo, Punk, Popular, Nerds, Drama, Jocks – bottom line: It doesn’t matter. Power lies in friendship.
10. Always keep moving forward.
There will be times in your life when you feel stuck. It’s up to YOU to decide where you’ll go. Keep on trekking. Go, go, go kid. You’ll move mountains.
11. You are Superman.
To me – you really do have superhuman strength and speed, the ability to defy the laws of gravity, and immunity to almost all forms of harm. How else would you be able to move the desk into the hallway, climb on top of it, “fly” off it – smack right into the wall and get up and walk away unscathed? Answer: You are Superman. Case closed.
12. Love letters are legacies.
In such a fast-paced world, we often overlook the simplest yet sweetest gestures in regards to love. A love letter written from the heart is a welcome treasure amidst the sea of endless emails and texts that consume us daily. They are refreshing, candid, and romantic. Ask your father to teach you, he’s a pro.
13. It’s okay to cry.
Crying is a natural emotional response to feelings. We all do it. Men cry. Women cry. Children cry.
19. Be a responsible traveler.
I have no problem with you hitting the open road and taking the old Volvo on a cross country adventure. In fact, I will applaud your independence and desire to see the country from sea to shining sea – but please don’t make me have to book a 3:00am flight to God knows where to visit you in the hospital.
20. Find your passion.
Keep looking and searching. Never stop.
http://newhealthom.com/2012/01/31/25-things-i-want-my-son-to-know/
1. When I look at you I see my heart.
I never imagined I had this much love to give until I had a baby. I never thought I could possibly have any more to give until I had you. You have taught me that my heart and my capacity to love is not fixed, it grows and grows and grows.
Since we finished potty training in our house, I’ve noticed that you hold your penis constantly. I just want you to know that it will be there forever and you have your whole life ahead of you to play with it.
I understand that through your eyes the color pink is just that, a color. It really makes no difference to you – and therefore should make no difference to me whether you want to wear a pink superhero cape or wings.
Creating art should be a constant in your life. It lends an open eye to an ever-moving journey and encourages individuality and expression. If you’re doing it right – I expect to see fingerprints on walls, paint on floors, mud on the carpet and even in your hair. Go ahead, experiment!
I would be so pissed.
There is a competitiveness that seems to have taken hold of every elementary school and playground in America. The pressure to learn more – faster, quicker, better than your peers. Never mind that mumbo jumbo. Learning takes time and everyone does it differently.
Get outside as much as possible. Breathe the fresh air. Play tag. Ride bikes. Skip. Hop. Jump. Run. NOW.
In an age where bullying has taken precedence amongst our youth, I hope I have taught you to see the value in differences. Preps, Emo, Punk, Popular, Nerds, Drama, Jocks – bottom line: It doesn’t matter. Power lies in friendship.
There will be times in your life when you feel stuck. It’s up to YOU to decide where you’ll go. Keep on trekking. Go, go, go kid. You’ll move mountains.
Oh the Places You’ll Go!
To me – you really do have superhuman strength and speed, the ability to defy the laws of gravity, and immunity to almost all forms of harm. How else would you be able to move the desk into the hallway, climb on top of it, “fly” off it – smack right into the wall and get up and walk away unscathed? Answer: You are Superman. Case closed.
In such a fast-paced world, we often overlook the simplest yet sweetest gestures in regards to love. A love letter written from the heart is a welcome treasure amidst the sea of endless emails and texts that consume us daily. They are refreshing, candid, and romantic. Ask your father to teach you, he’s a pro.
Crying is a natural emotional response to feelings. We all do it. Men cry. Women cry. Children cry.
14. Always be proud of who YOU are.
You may not be the quarterback of the
football team, the homecoming king, or the lead singer in the band – but
really now, who cares? As long as you stay true to who you are,
everything else will fall into place. Checkmate.
15. No respectable girl wants to see your penis.
Since you will be growing up in the technological age of iPhone and
texting, you’ll inevitably come to learn the term “sexting.” Let me tell
you now that sexting is a big, big, BIG mistake. Never ever, ever,
ever, ever send a picture of a private body part to anyone. Ever.
16. I hope I teach you well enough from a
young age how to properly put on pants. One leg in, then the other, pull
‘em up at least to your hips, zip, button, buckle. Done.
17. Think before you ink.
Tattoos are permanent. I can personally name
two of your male relatives who wake up every single day with the pink
panther and the tasmanian devil following them wherever they go. Little
secret – mommy has a damn turtle she can’t seem to shake.
18. Be an apprentice.
Before you leave for college, you must
acquire some skill at performing the following tasks: laundry
(separating, washing, drying, folding), making the beds, dusting,
washing the floor, cooking, cleaning the toilets, grocery shopping for
the week, vacuuming, emptying the dishwasher, sweeping the floor,
cleaning the bedroom, watering the plants, feeding the pet. Your future
wife will thank me.
I have no problem with you hitting the open road and taking the old Volvo on a cross country adventure. In fact, I will applaud your independence and desire to see the country from sea to shining sea – but please don’t make me have to book a 3:00am flight to God knows where to visit you in the hospital.
Keep looking and searching. Never stop.
21. You will be my son forever.
There is an old adage that starts, “A son is
a son till he takes a wife…” As you grow, I pray our bond stays strong
enough to break any truth this saying might hold.
22. Love your Mother Earth.
Recycle, reduce, reuse. Going green isn’t just a growing trend, it’s a
way of life we should all be adopting. It requires an awareness of how
you live, shop, and consume. An eco-friendly lifestyle will positively
impact your health, your community, and your world. Got that? Now go hug
a tree.
23. Be a brother. Be a friend. Be a protector.
24. Take the road less traveled.
May you always try to make the right choices, not the easiest ones. Have the courage to lead, not follow. And to dream bigger than most others think is possible.
25. Wherever you are in life, you can come home. I will be here – always.
♥ mommy
~feel free to share~
dr. lisa
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