Happy THIRD Birthday Matthew: When I Picture You

When I picture you….

- I see your silly smile and scrunchy nose when you are deliberately trying to make me laugh.

- I see your short naked bum crawling up on the toliet to go potty, you do not like standing up.

- I see the look on your face and the way your body moves when you have to go potty, but haven't convinced yourself that it is time to go yet.

- I see your chubby little elbows wrapping around my neck at night for one last hug before you say goodnight and blow me kisses

- I see you racing your brother to the bathroom to see who can get to the stool to brush there teeth first… and then I hear the cries of the one that did not make it.

- I see your sweet little face saying "snack?" 1000 times a day. and then smiles and running when I say yes and tears and dropped chin when I say no.

- I see you in the bathtub building your foam blocks or coloring on the wall and then explaining in detail what each drawing or structure is and how to use it.

- I see you curled up on the couch cuddling watching a Sheriff Callie or WallyKazaam.

- I see you putting your hand on my belly and saying "I can feel the baby kicking" (which you can't)

- I see you on the big green couch moving pillows around to make the perfect "fort". Then I picture the horde of stuff you have collected under those pillows when I go to clean it up. Usually a flashlight, a rocket, spiderman, a ball or two, a kazoo, beads, something from the kitchen, etc. And they all have a meaning and purpose in your fort as a weapon or supply or ingredient. 

- I see you enjoying every second of baking with me in the kitchen. The idea of making muffins will turn your frown upside down. 

- I see you jumping like a little bunny when you see me at the door at school to pick you up. 

- I see you far in front of me on your scooter riding up to get bubba from school and then bobbing and weaving through all the parents as we wait for the bell. 

- I see you at swim school in your goggles and swim shirt kicking your heart out and loving it. 

- I hardly ever see it, but you have a very distinct cry and look on your face when you are truly sad. It is the most genuine look, as if your heart just broke and you have no idea what to do. It cracks me every time, I can't take it. 

Happy THIRD birthday Matthew: A year in pictures

Clearly we are in a cheesy smile phase! 

April 2013

May 2013

June 2013

July 2013

August 2013

September 2013

 October 2013

November 2013

December 2013

January 2014

February 2014

 March 2014

Happy THIRD birthday week Matthew: Interview

Three year old interviews may not be the most accurate, but still cute….

How old are you? Three

What is your favorite thing to do? get on a rocket ship

What is your favorite food? pasta (um, no)

What makes you happy? You (Mama)

What makes you sad? Bubba

Who is your best friend? Palmer

What is your favorite book? Lego Star Wars

What is your favorite toy? Playing in the pool

What do you like to learn at school? shapes

What do you like to do with your family? Play

What do you want to be when you grow up? Small brother

What kind of birthday party are you having? Cowboy, no Sheriff one

Why do you throw fits? Cause I do. Cause I DO. 

What do you like to do with Mommy?  cuddle

What do you like to do with Daddy? tackle

What is your favorite show? Paw Patrol

What is your favorite song? ABCD

What do you like about John? playing

What is your favorite movie? Lego Batman

Where do you like to go? Nana's house

What do you think about before you go to bed? I don't know. sneaking out and time outs in John's room

What do you pray about? Jesus

Happy 6th Birthday Week John: Dear John

Dear John,

I have discovered this year that you and I are very much alike and that explains a lot of our disagreements. Although there are a few traits I REALLY wished I would not have modeled for you, I would not change one single solitary thing about you. You are such a special boy with such an amazing mind and heart.

You are very sensitive to feelings and the things around you. Although you do choose to ignore it sometimes, you are always in-tune to what is happening (thus the "listening" arguments that we have). You are so observant and detail oriented. However, you are still a boy that does not mind a mess and cleaning and organizing your madness is not high on your list.

When you and Matthew play (sans fighting) you two are the best of friends and it lights up the world for me. I let you guys pretty much get away with anything you want at that point because I love seeing the peace and the joy that blossoms. :)

School has brought so many new things to your life, mostly good. You have become more independent and a bit more social, as well as a bit more mischievous. Even though every time I look up you are exhibiting your independence in some way, you still need Daddy and I very much. You are a homebody, and would choose to stay at home with just us over pretty much anything else. I love that you still need us and I know I am going to miss that the day I realize it is gone. As far as being social, you have expanded your circle to include your sports team and a few people in your class, but I only see you truly comfortable around your core buddies. School has introduced you to bullies, but no personal run ins so far.

School has brought you new skills and knowledge that are incredible to me. I have a whole new respect and love for teachers. You can read and write and spell and draw and interpret the world in a whole new way. You bust out with things that amaze me constantly! No more spelling during conversations when we are trying to hide stuff from you, or making up what something says on TV or a magazine or billboard, etc. It makes for some interesting conversations.

You have definite spurts of maturity that show up amongst the little boy fits and attitude. You are very helpful and mindful of the rules (of which you keep 90% of the time), you can be so thoughtful and kind hearted. I can tell that you really feel good inside when you make someone happy, you are just GOOD TO THE CORE!

You brighten our world and are a blessing beyond anything we could imagine. You make both Daddy and I better parents and better people. We love you more than you could possibly understand (until you have children and feel that same love, anyway!).

Happy 6th Birthday Week John: When I picture you...

When I picture you....

- I picture you flying down the sidewalk on your scooter coming home from school

- I picture you sitting at the table or in the living room playing with your legos, SOUND EFFECTS and all

- I picture you at my bedside tapping me on the shoulder in the middle of the night to tell me you had a bad dream, or that your bed is stuffy, or that you have wet sheets, or you heard something, or you thought it was morning or that you want to cuddle, or.... or.... or....

- I picture you doing your silly dances when you get happy or excited.

- I picture you with a sword or bat or make believe weapon of some sort and a shield running around the house defeating imaginary bad guys or monsters.

- I picture you sitting with me on the red chair doing your guided reading for school.

- I picture you screaming and giving me your angry look when I ask you to take a shower or get dressed, or anything else you don't want to do.

- I picture your sad face when you do something you know is wrong and you really are sorry that you did it. (much different than the face you give when you do wrong and you really have no regrets.)

- I picture you curled up on a couch somewhere playing your iPad. Engulfed in a serious game of Lego batman, Dispecable Me, or some other random game of the week.

- I picture you laughing until you can not breathe when Daddy has you pinned to the ground and tickling you.

- I picture you at the dinner table breaking every reasonable manner there is. Sitting still to eat is REALLY hard for you.

- I picture you walking the halls at school in your line following every rule, then seeing me waiting at the cafeteria and a huge smile takes over your face.

- I picture you taking a 30 minute shower! Arg.

- I picture you getting so excited when you can read a sign or a piece of paper without anyone having to help you.

- I picture you coming out of school with the mass of children and parents and you trying to look through everyone to spot me. You do not like to stand against "the wall" with the kids that don't see their parents. I have not been late yet….

- I picture you on your knees at night, eyes closed, hands folded in prayer.

Happy 6th Birthday Week John: A Year in Pictures

March 2013

April 2013

May 2013

June 2013

July 2013

August 2013

September 2013

October 2013

November 2013

December 2013

January 2014

February 2014

Happy 6th Birthday Week John: Interview

In keeping with the fashion of my blogging skills... I am posting the birthday week post a bit late. :)

Here is John's yearly birthday interview...

How old are you? Six

What is your favorite thing to do? Have cookouts

What is your favorite food? french fries

What makes you happy? playing arts and crafts

What makes you sad? When Matthew says he doesn't like me

Who is your best friend? Brendan

What is your favorite book? comic books

What do you like to learn at school? Science

What do you like to do with your family? Swim

What do you want to be when you grow up? Police Officer

What kind of birthday party are you having? Legoland

What makes you mad? When I lose a toy because I am in trouble. 

What do you like to do with Mommy? Cuddle

What do you like to do with Daddy? Legos

What is your favorite show? Paw Patrol

What is your favorite song? Wrecking Ball (Miley Cyrus, folks. what?!?)

What do you like about Matthew? His chubby legs

What is your favorite movie? The Lego Movie

Where do you like to go when we leave the house? Purple Cow

What do Mommy and Daddy do for fun? Drink Coffee

What is the best thing about Kindergarten? Recess

What is the worst think about Kindergarten? Math

What does Daddy do for work? Sells Insurance (he finally gets this right, so I guess I will move it off the list)

What does Mommy do for work? She doesn't do work. (Awesome)

What do you think about before you go to bed? What I am going to do with my dreams. 

What do you pray about at night? Bullies. 

BIG day at the Jones house!

Two momentous milestones happened at the Jones house yesterday (12.26.2013).

Matthew had day 1 of potty training and only had 1 accident late in the day. He did great! We have a long way to go (I think #2 in the potty is going to be an issue), but overall it was stressless and a smooth day 1!

AND....

John learned to ride his bike with no training wheels! WHAT?!? We have been trying for 2 years! TWO YEARS! Remember that "big blue bike" he asked for from Santa 2 years ago, well... it is just now coming in handy. I hung on to the handle bar for a bit and he went just one or two feet without me, but then, I was no where near him and he pushed it along with his feet and once he got going he put both feet up and off he went!

He is still having a bit of trouble getting started, but I bet that is gone after today. I have NEVER seen him as proud of himself as he was yesterday. He had a smile that would not go away and he would come up and hug and kiss me and smile and say "I can ride my bike" and "I never have to have training  wheels again" and "I can teach Matthew to ride his bike now" .

What Will I Be When I Grow Up?

Tonight, one of the questions in John's devotional was "What will I be when I grow up"? The boy surprises me everyday! I can not actually picture him doing any of these things as it does not fit his personality, but I suppose he IS still developing and has some time to think about it. :)

- Referee (This is what he turned into his teacher during career week, hmm?)
- Cat trainer (I asked him kitty cat or tiger? and he said Tiger)
- Builder
- Coach
- Dentist

PS - The devotional he is doing is called "Gotta Have God: Fun Devotional For Boys", and of course they make one for girls too. I L.O.V.E. it! I can refer back to the stories during the day; it has a prayer each day; it has questions at the end of each one for reading comprehension; there is an "activity" or craft to go along with each one. Great Stocking Stuffer!

Matthew on scooter

I get so many comments EVERY DAY at drop off and pick up from parents and kids alike about how old Matthew is and how cute his little body looks on this scooter. He is pretty good....