Princess returns without her Friend.

We woke up,the day after Thanksgiving to find only princess this morning with a note for JJ. There were a few tears, but an understanding boy who realized that he needed to be a better listener. He then created and cut out his own buddy to use until the real one comes back. Gotta love him. 

11/28/14

Tonight after JJ and I said our prayers he asked for a hug then said, "it's the best days when I can hug you and not let go. Those are the best days ever. " I agree little man. 

JJ's first day

2014 marks the year that JJ starts school full time in young 5's and Reese starts 3yr old preschool. How excited both of them were. The night before JJ's big first day he decided to lay out his clothes like Uncle Steve used to do before school. He picked out the clothes all by himself and was very proud of the "man" that he had created. 

He was so excited in fact that as I left him in his room to get ready for bed, he came back out wearing his school clothes. When I asked him why he was wearing his school clothes he responded that he wanted to be ready for tomorrow. I love his eagerness and hope that it never changes. The next day he was ready to see Mrs. VanderArk.  He had met her the weekend before at open house. James had drawn a picture for Mrs. VanderArk to give to her. It was a picture of him and her. 

However, he was a bit shy that day, but she liked it all the same. 

 Daddy took a picture of James as he was ready for the first day. 

He had a great first day (1 hr 1/2) and told me all about it when I got home.  9-3-2014

Reese today at school told me that she taught her teacher how to dance. I asked if her teacher was a good dancer and she said,  "no my teachers not good at dancing."

January 23,

A Goodnight Song

Tonight after praying JJ sung a song to me (that he made up). "I love you mom because you love me. I love mom and dad because I love them. I love God because he made everything and loves me. I love my whole family!!!!"  

7/9/2014

Happy Birthday America.

This morning JJ and Reese sang Happy Birthday to America. Then we were headed to breakfast and JJ was getting upset. When we asked him why he said that by going to breakfast he was going miss out on cake. 

Summer Camps

JJ has been able to go to tree camps so far this summer, (a first for him).  The first camp was soccer. Both him and Reese had a blast. 

The second camp was at the croc center where JJ enjoyed meeting new friends. The third camp he got to play baseball with his daddy. 

He did such a great job. His final camp was Mega Kids Camp at Cornerstone Church.  He had such a great time, learned a lot of new things, and met new friends. His newest friend was named Taylor and she was adorable. Every time we left he always said goodbye to her. JJ informed me on the last day that he had wanted Taylor to come to our house. He then whispered to me that he even told her that he loved her. Yikes!

I love the lessons that he learned. In his dramatic fashion he told us that God is bigger than everything and that Jesus loves us no matter what. As he went to bed he came out peered around the corner and told me, "mom, Jesus loves you."  Love it. 

Melts my heart

Today when I picked JJ up from school he had to run back on the playground to grab the "sunflowers" which are really dandelions that he picked for us. He ran back and said that he had one for Reese, which her reply was, " oh thank you James, you are my best brother. I love you so much."  Then he had one for me, his dad, and two for himself. He was so proud. We then drove home. When he got out of the car he ran to the side of the house and pulled off a piece of the lilac bush. He brought it back and told Reese that it was for her hair. She was very appreciative again and JJ kindly placed it in her hair. It melted my heart. 5/20/14

Backseat conversation

The backseat conversation went like this.  Reese, do you know what machines do? Reese's response was, no what? Machines are big and they suck up everything, even turtles.  Reese said, oh no mom there's lots of turtles in Michigan. Do we kiss turtles mom?  I replied no Reese we don't.  

5/13/14. JJ-4, Reese -3

Backseat conversation

The backseat conversation went like this.  Reese, do you know what machines do? Reese's response was, no what? Machines are big and they suck up everything, even turtles.  Reese said, oh no mom there's lots of turtles in Michigan. Do we kiss turtles mom?  I replied no Reese we don't.  

5/13/14. JJ-4, Reese -3

A heart felt goodbye

Today JJ woke up as I was about to leave for school.  He went to go lay in bed with his daddy as he always does in the morning to watch his morning cartoon.  I gave him kisses and hugs and said goodbye.  I went out to the living room to go get my coat and I heard his footsteps running down the hallway. He ran right past me towards the back door and just stood there. When I call out his name he ran back to me with tears in his eyes. He told me thought that I'd already left and he wanted to say goodbye again. I picked him up and I told him that he didn't need to cry that mommy would pick him up from school later.  With tears rolling down in a quivering voice he told me that he did not want me to go to school today. I naturally replied that I did not want to either, but in six weeks I would be able to stay home every day.  He then told me that six weeks was too long away. I had him walk me towards the door gave them a hug and said I had to go and started to walk out. He stopped me and said no mom I need another hug and a kiss.  He then told me I hope you drive safe and stay healthy. I told him thank you and that I love you. I closed the door and walked towards the car. I then heard the door open and JJ, with a big smile, stood there waving to me. Wow, those are the kind of send offs that make a person want to call in sick to work.  5/1/14

Someone learned how to write his first and last name!!  I'm impressed. 3/15/14

A Dry Night

Reese has been doing such a great job with going on the potty. She has been successful with #2 on the potty for about a month now. Last night she said that she wants to go to bed in her unders. We thought we would give it a try. We had success!!!!  She was dry. We're so proud of her. We're closer to a diaper free house!  3/16/14

Her First Ride

Bribed with candy, Reese got in her Mickey bike and rode powered by the encouragement of her brother. JJ kept telling her, "you can do it Reese, I'm so proud of you. ". Reese was beaming with excitement at what she was accomplishing. She shouted to me, "I'm doing it mom, I'm so big now."  Yes you are sweetheart. 

April 27, 2014

Someone learned how to write his first and last name!!  I'm impressed. 3/15/14

First friend birthday party

JJ received his first birthday party invite to a school friends birthday this year. It was to his friend Carter's party at gymco.  Reese was also invited because she was JJ's sister. As we were getting ready for the party I was helping get JJ ready when Rees walked out. She had obviously gotten herself dressed. 

I was truly impressed then I noticed that she had picked a most appropriate shirt to go to an all boys party. However, she had chosen a cute skirt, but she did not have any underwear on. 

We had a great time at the party. Enjoyed cake and running around. JJ had great balance and strength. I think we may have to sign Reese up for gymnastics.

JJ filling out Carter's birthday card. 

 

They all swung from the rope, but Reese was the only one to let go right away when she should have. 2/15/14

The kids are finally dressing themselves. I always love to see them come out of their bedroom and to see what it is that they are wearing. Sometimes they are inside out or backwards, but it always is cute. 3/1/14

This morning Reese informed me at breakfast that, "you're my favoritist mom in the whole wide world!  I love you."  I love you too sweetheart. 3/1/14

Superman

Every night before JJ goes to bed he always does one thing, his superman. He stands back in the hallway and says, "don't try this at home."  He gets a running start and throws his body on his bed shouting, "superman!"  He's thrilled if he can "stick his landing" and not fall off of the bed.  We've progressed from the back flop that would land him on the floor to him almost clearing his bed. He is truly my little super hero. 

JJ's first joke

Tonight JJ asked me, "do you want to hear a joke mom? It's really funny."  Yes was my response. He began, "why are there so many flies in Caledonia?"  "I don't know, why?"  I responded. "Because they are covered in mud," He told me as he let out this big laugh. I don't get it, but it sure was funny to hear him tell me a joke. 

Tonight's Prayer

We spent the day playing together as I had a snow day. I then got the call tonight that I would not have school again tomorrow. We were all so excited. Then as we were saying our prayers tonight JJ prayed, "Dear. God, please help momma not have school anymore.  I hope that she doesn't have school and won't get frozen as she drives to school if she has it.  I love Frozen, frozen the movie.  Amen."