Name Calling

We have e-mail accounts for all of our boys.  We use them to write notes to the boys or to send pictures.  We're not sure when we'll turn over the e-mail accounts, but I love the idea of sending little notes to wish them happy birthday or tell them a little bit about who they are at each phase in their childhood.  Here's my note to James I sent last night:

James,

The standards at your school are high in regards to academics and conduct. If either waivers from excellent, you lose your spot to return the following academic year.  You've been great before this year in your preschool classes, so we haven't worried too much. 

You've been doing awesome this year so far.  Everyday you come home with a "smily face" report.  Last week you got your first warning. You were playing during nap time.  Big surprise there...you're a boy who hasn't taken naps in 3-4 years...I'd be shocked if you EVER fell asleep.  You were so upset when I found out about your first warning. 

Today you came home with another note.  It was explaining that the bus duty teacher reported you to your teacher for calling a girl a name.  I was a bit surprised, because you're SO friendly to everyone.  But, I had a talk with you about it and explained how this is not nice behavior and how you have to be nice to everyone.  Then I asked you what name you called her.  You mumbled and said you didn't remember.  I asked you to try real hard.  Then you mumbled again.  At this point, I'm thinking the worst...butt head, jerk, fatty, ugly, etc.  I asked you to speak louder and more clearly and you reluctantly said "meatball head." "Meatball head?" I asked, trying to compose myself.  "Okay, well nobody likes to be called meatball head, please don't do that again, okay?" What a relief I felt. I re-read the note and noticed it said you called her names (plural).  "James, are their any other names you called her?" You replied, "I don't remember." Then with a bit more coaxing, you finally recalled calling her "spaghetti hair" too.  Okay, that's weird and equally funny as meatball head.  That sounds like you were being silly.  It turns out, the girl and you were teasing each other and laughing, but the bus duty lady had a long day and had zero tolerance for a rowdy couple of 6 year olds waiting for the bus. 

I'm so thankful my stress about your possible difficulty handling this new school, turned into a pretty good laugh for me.  Of course, in this moment, you still are unaware of how humorous I find it.

I love you James.

PottersBarn

I love being creative.  But, let's face it...it's hard being creative in ways I'd like to be while being a mom of three boys.  Instead of decorating my house, or making wreaths, or sewing adorable pillows...I'm being creative at stopping arguments, getting a kid dressed, making lunches, and helping with school projects.  I absolutely adore Pinterest.  People are SO SMART!  I love learning from other people.  When I spend time browsing Pinterest, I feel good.  I feel inspired and the visual stimulation of beautiful homes, food, and great ideas leave me itching for creativity.  As I made stuff, others would comment and ask where I got it from.  I just made it, is what I would think.  But, then I thought about it, and there are people that have NO desire to be creative at all or too much of procrastinators to whip things up quick enough.  They'd rather get a cute tag, slap it on a bag, and go.  And I totally get that!!!  So, I thought maybe I could create some tags and post them for download on Etsy.  I was making the tags anyway for my kids.  So, that's what I've done.  I opened the shop earlier this year.  It's fun for me.  I certainly don't have all the time in the world to spit out a gazillion designs/ideas, but just this little bit has been fun for me.  I go weeks without even looking at my shop.  But it's fun to get the random "You made a sale" e-mails here and there.  With Jude in school today, I made our Halloween gift bag tags...and yep, put them in my Etsy shop.  How fun!

Check them out: Halloween Treat Bag Topper

By the way, PottersBarn is named after Potter.  Years and years ago, I thought I'd open a little pet shop with unique pet gifts and pet furniture...and it would be called PottersBarn (yes, like Pottery Barn).  I couldn't think of another name for my Etsy shop and I thought it would be a nice way to honor and remember our girl!

Bikes And Lunches

Jude has been obsessed with Jack and James' bikes from the time he became mobile. I've felt so bad for him because I can see how much he desires to ride a bike. We've even held him up on one of the big bikes and pushed him around just so he can get a little taste of riding a bike. We thought a big wheel or tricycle would be something appropriate for his birthday. But it still wasn't a bike. Then I ran across this little bike you can push and steer from behind and small enough for a two year old. PERFECT!!! We got it delivered Friday. We were so excited to give it to him, that we couldn't wait until his birthday next month. He saw it and said, "JUDE bike!"












Here's the crazy part! He totally gets the pedaling concept! This is something that Jack learned closer to age 4. James a little earlier, but still with lots of practice. But Jude...he was born to ride a bike, he started pedaling the first time on it! Yesterday, I took him down the street. He told me, "no hold, mommy." So I let go and he was pedaling himself forward! He kept checking to make sure I wasn't holding the handle. I'm so glad he loves his bike!




Changing the subject...theses silicon reusable Popsicle molds are perfect for freezing smoothies. I put them in the boys' lunches and they are mostly thawed by lunch time. Love them! I got them here on Amazon.




I am trying to make more variety lunches this school year. Last year it was sandwiches just about everyday. I love the 100 Days Of Real Food blog and am inspired by her lunches. She gives great tips on how to make making lunches easier.
Today I sent the boys with bagel slices, cucumber slices, boiled egg, plum, and cashews. I made a batch of mini and whole muffins a couple of weekends ago for the freezer. I also went to Panera a couple of weeks ago on Tuesday when a baker's dozen of bagels is on sale. I had them slice the bagels in their bread slicer and I packed them in freezer bags and froze them. I make the lunches the night before and the frozen foods are thawed by morning.
The boys have appreciated the variety (I don't blame them), and with a little planning, it hasn't been too difficult. Of course, I still love Friday and Saturday nights when I don't have to make lunches. :)
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Nine Years

Nine years ago, we welcomed our first born into our lives. In some ways it seems like just yesterday he was born. He was so perfect that day. He had tons of hair and was such a quiet, inquisitive baby. He still has that head of hair (thick) and is still super smart. Seriously smart! {He brought his reading level assessment home yesterday...he's a 3rd grader reading at a 9th grade level}. He's grown up overnight! It blows my mind, but I couldn't be more proud of him.



The night before his birthday, we set up a balloon avalanche for him to wake up to!


Of all mornings, he slept in until I had to wake him up. I couldn't go in his room though...so I just knocked.


He opened his door, then got back into bed. So, James, Jason, and I loaded his bed with the balloons. :)


Just before leaving for school on his first day as a 9 year old! I picked Jude up early from MMO and went to the school to have lunch with Jack and James (bringing birthday brownies to share, of course).


He wanted Chipotle for dinner. So, we took him there then came back and had birthday pound cake (Jack's request).

Bye 8 year old Jack! You were a great guy! Looking forward to 9 year old Jack!

Cloth Diaper Investment

I just sold the majority of Jude's cloth diapers. He's been potty trained for a while now. YAY Jude! He started potty training HIMSELF in mid-May at 19 month old! My youngest potty-trainer, for sure! I often talk about how much Jude wants to be like his big brothers...and when it came to pee-peeing in the potty like they do, there was no exception. Plus, I've heard cloth diapered babies tend to potty-train sooner in some cases. He's still wearing diapers at nap and nighttime, of course.

It was a bit saddening to sell his diapers. Though I'm glad to be done with full-time diapering, I'm sad to see those cute diapers go. It's like any other cute sentimental clothing for your child. They really were the cutest things. And I'm proud I did it and stuck with it 100%! However, one thing that made me say goodbye to the diapers a bit easier, was the fact that I sold my diapers on Ebay at an average of $3.75/diaper! This is incredible considering I bought about 85% of my diapers for $5 each!!! This means I sold my diapers for ~75% of what I bought them for!!! I bought one small package of disposables for Jude his entire diapering life...and I may have spent more on that than what I spent on cloth diapers!!! Of course there was the expense of the extra two loads of laundry/week...but when you do 14 loads/week, what's two more?!? Bottom line, cloth diapering worked out great for me financially and practically.


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Make-up Birthday

Jack informed me of something called a "make-up birthday." It's when your birthday does not land on a weekend, holiday, or summer break. One must have a day to celebrate without interference of school. Therefore, Jack's make-up birthday was yesterday.

He had a list of things he wanted to do. We couldn't do them all...but we did go to Panera for breakfast and Red Lobster for dinner. Oddly enough, his "day" was focused mostly on food. :) Jack's tradition since moving here is to eat Red Lobster. It's not my favorite restaurant at all. Not in the least, actually. But, it's what it is for Montgomery. We've been there three times now. Once when he turned 7, once when he turned 8, and now for his 9th birthday. Anything for him! He orders crab legs when we go.




Earlier in the day, we went ahead and let him open presents from us. He got books, and more books, a rock game, a REAL digital camera (actually it was mine but hardly used, so basically new), and a digital/analog watch. He was so excited to be getting gifts that are appropriate for older responsible boys. He was feeling so proud. Of course James was feeling envious and the thought of having three more years of maturity before receiving those cool kind of gifts was almost unbearable.


This is Jack on his "make-up" birthday. Enjoying what he loves most...snuggled in a comfy spot, with Austin, and reading a book!



James getting a turn taking pictures.


This was this morning. Jude and I were doing some shopping to prepare for Jack's REAL birthday day! He's a good little shopper!

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Flubber & Genghis Grill

Flubber! If you haven't made this stuff...you should! It's almost like a silly putty, but more squishy. It's a load of fun...just look at these boys. Two cautions, however: in reading about making it, it warns of Borax (one of the ingredients) and the toxicity of it. So, in other words, don't let your kids ingest it. Secondly, don't let it near hair or clothing. We learned this the hard way. :) Here's the recipe I used.




















Genghis Grill! It's a relatively new restaurant here in Montgomery we decided to try out a couple of weeks ago. It's a unique restaurant in that you build your dish from the meats to veggies, spices and sauces to starch type. The big boys LOVED the idea of making their own food. Once you load your bowl with the foods of your choice, you give it to the cooks to grill. You can stay and watch them or you can take your seat. It was fun, but not so practical with a toddler in tow. Or maybe next time one of us adults should build our bowl at a time. Whatever, it was just a bit overwhelming on our first visit.
We decided to go on separate dates with the big guys yesterday. Jason and James went out for lunch, and Jack and I for dinner. Where did the boys each choose to go??....Genghis Grill. James was so worried to go without Jack because he wanted his help building his bowl. Jack's bowl was all of our favorite the first time we went. So, of course he is dubbed as the expert Genghis Grill chef! However, Jack wrote down exactly what James should put in his bowl to make it yummy. Jason said James made sure to follow it to the tee! So funny!




















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Birmingham

Yesterday we made our way on over to the McWane Center in Birmingham. We got an annual pass almost a year ago, so we wanted to squeeze one more visit in before it expires.




Jack making a bubble around himself.




We watched Great White Sharks IMAX on a dome theater. I think we picked the wrong seats...it was hard to watch without feeling sick. Sitting in the back may have been more tolerable.








Jude loves the excavating site in the dinosaur section.




We topped off the day at California Pizza Kitchen for dinner and a trip to Barnes & Noble. Can you believe we don't have a B&N here in Montgomery?!? The kids LOVE B&N, so we always squeeze it in anywhere we visit.
Fun day with the family!

The big boys mailed the St. Jude donation from their summer lemonade stand a couple of weeks ago. Today, the received a thank you letter from St. Jude Hospital. They were very excited to get a personal letter appreciating their contribution. Jack already has begun thinking of the next way to earn money for St. Jude. I'm proud of their hearts.




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Location:St. Jude Letter

Happy Football Season Y'all

The Governor of AL encouraged all people in AL to wear their favorite college team shirt to work and school today. We are proudly wearing our purple and gold today! Geaux Tigers!!!



Happy football season y'all!

In Love

Just wanted to share this happy face! I'm in love!

Time With Jude

The big boys are back in school which means I get lots of good quality time with just Jude. He is at that age where everything is interesting. He's learning all about the world around him and it's so fun to watch his mind process it all. It's wonderful to have him in this one-on-one environment.


He LOVES bubble baths these days. Sometimes it's what we do in the middle of the day...even if he doesn't need a bath.





We pulled out all of Jack and James' old trains. They've been a big hit. The other morning he woke up at 8 and immediately wanted to play trains...skipping breakfast until 9:30! I just introduced him to the Thomas tv show yesterday and boy was he thrilled!



The weather has been so lovely the last few days. So, we've gone outside a lot to play. He loves his plasma car, chalk drawing, blowing bubbles, and laying down in this chair. He thinks it's the coolest! :)


Yesterday, I was putting clothes away in James' room. It seemed to be a bit too quiet in the other part of the house. My mommy intuition led me to this guy STANDING ON the kitchen counter!!! He actually was so proud of himself...even saying "cheese" as I snapped a quick picture of him (my finger providing privacy). :)

I love seeing him grow on a daily basis...even though I have to witness the disappearance of my baby at the same time.

Weekend Fun

Dragon Boat Festival. Here in Montgomery. It's one of the biggest events in this town. Since Jason is the DO of one of the ACSC divisions, he had responsibility of the ACSC participation in the race. So, we wanted to be there to support the students. Last year ACSC won the WHOLE race!!! They compete against several local teams...from churches to banks. The local community comes together and forms teams at a cost of $3,000/team all for charity. There was an Auburn fan team called Oar Eagle. An Alabama fan team called Row Tide. If there was an LSU fan team, I think the name should be Reaux Tigers! It was fun to watch but HOT! So, we stayed to watch the AF ACSC team compete against SOS and AWC. ACSC lost by under a second to AWC!! Oh well!















We also went to the YMCA for a little swimming. The outdoor pools are all closing soon, so we took advantage of some of the last days of the season.











Jude is a rock star at going down this slide all by himself. He did I it over and over and over...slipped once on the bottom step, busted his lip open...but begged to get back on the slide, and once again did it over and over again! He's so tough!




This was at the park. He loves outside.




Here's Jude on the plasma car. He rides it just like the big boys. I can't believe how having older brothers is making this guy grow up so fast! Eeeeck!
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First Week Of School

The summer has come to an end and now we've started a new year of school! Jack and James had orientation last week at Forest Avenue. They met their teachers and got to see their new classrooms. I'm so impressed with their teachers. James has a first-year teacher and she is motivated, cheery, and precious. Jack has two veteran teachers. One for language, spelling, and reading. And another for math, science, and social studies. Both have a passion for teaching and have plans for a fun year.

Here are some pictures from the 1st day.

















And at their school
















And in their classrooms













The 2nd day of school was James' 1st day of riding the bus to school. He's been watching Jack ride the bus for 3 years...and now it's finally his turn!
















And finally...Jude had his first day of Mother's Morning Out at Frazer this week. He cried when we dropped him off, but reportedly stopped moments after we left, both days. As I picked him up, each time, he would shout "MOMMY'S HOME!!!" So adorable!















And at his school










I am so thankful to have hit the jackpot in schools/teachers for ALL THREE of my boys! Leaving Montgomery one day is going to be so hard. We've really made this our home. We're enjoying it while we can!

Happy School Year Y'all!!!