Jack's first stitches

It's a mothers worst nightmare.  Stitches - emergency room - blood - tears and unfortunately facial scars on beautiful innocent faces.

This time around it was Jack's turn.  The boys are even now.  Both boys have given each other stitches.  Oh boy - at 2 & 4 - I can only imagine what teenaged years will be like.  Boys and their rough house.

Jack was a trooper and he did so well.  It was a much better experience than grants stitches.  I'm still emotionally scared from that....

Jacks Pre-k picture

This picture just makes me laugh!  The teeth grinding smile of someone being "forced" to smile for the camera crew!

This pics sums up a lot of Jack's school year.  He is having a love - hate relationship with it.   He is having a hard time adjusting to 4 days a week and afternoons are tough.  Lots of tears at drop off again.  No fun for this mom having to be bad cop at drop off.  But he seems happy when I pick him up.  So that's reassuring!  He just wants to "stay back home with mommy and grant!"

Craft time

Jack has a lot of "Rummler" in him.  And one thing he truly inherited is his love for art.  All my kids love art and that makes me happy.

Today Jack and I went on a nature hunt and gathered really neat leaves for an arts and crafts project!

He took his time and the finished project will be treasured for time to come.

Love spending time like this with my little buddy...

Little slugger

Jack's first official team photo.

My goodness he is one handsome young boy!  What a cutie!!!

Success

We had Jack's first parent teacher conference on Friday!  Jack's teacher, Miss Jessica actually came to our house for the conference.  

You can imagine Jack's delight.  

She is beautiful, 25 years old and full of gentleness and creativity.

I personally think Jack has a huge crush on her. (He hasn't talked about Oceania since Miss Jessica has entered his life). Now he gushes about his teacher.

She delivered such a great report.  "Jack loves school and is very happy and is very social!"

Whoa!

Jack has cracked out of his shell.  He is a personable guy.  He is an asset to the classroom.

She also mentioned how smart and internal he is.  They also call Jack the "why guy" as his favorite question is "why?"

We are proud of you, son!

One a side note---

Here are Jacks two best friends, Matthew and Ben.  They get together twice weekly and will all be in the same kindergarten class next year.  Great group of boys.

The gang!  The future St. Susanna Titans!

This guy...

We all have our favorites for different reasons.  Each child has something great to offer the family.  Each child brings a different LIGHT, JOY, DYNAMIC, CHALLENGE to the family. 

 Each child help define us. 

 

This one here, I am just so smitten with. 

He truly is one of a kind. 

 An old soul. 

 A-wise-beyond-his-years type of child.

 

 He is so special for so many reasons. 

 Mainly because his company is so enjoyable. 

He is always present, always engaging, always determined and loyal. 

 

I know, of all my kids, it will be JACK that will always

take care of his mom and dad in their aging years. 

 

On another note, Jack is attending a public school for preschool this year as he is on a speech IEP.  He is in a class mixed with regular students and students with special needs.  I think this is so important for him to be exposed to an inclusive classroom because once he enters St. Susanna he won't experience that.  There is a little boy in his class that is troubled.  He is disruptive.  He hides under tables, kicks, screams, ect.  It is sad to see.  Jack is really concerned for this young boy.

 

 Ms. Sue, is the teacher aid in the preschool classroom, and yesterday

she stopped me at pick-up to let me know what Jack told her. 

 He said, "Ms. Sue, I think Michael just acts like that because he needs a lot

 more attention than the rest of us do." 

 Wow, for a 4 year old to string that thought together makes me proud. 

He truly is wise beyond his years.

 

I love you, Jack!

You are our one-of-a-kind!

 

Jack started Pre-K

What a difference a year makes!

Unlike last year, Jack is excited for school.  Eager to make new friends.  And loves his teacher and speech teacher.  No fights getting to school.  Only smiles.  This makes us so relieved and awfully happy.  

It's a big change this year going 4 days a week in the afternoon.  But he is ready as he is going on 5 years old.  Preparing him for kindergarten next year.

When I picked him up from school yesterday he looked in his backpack and saw it was empty and said, "Ms. Jessica, why don't I have homework tonight?"

And there you have it.  

Did I mention he is eager to learn?!?

Celebrating

Celebrating Jack's first week of school!  Making cookies and memories along the way!

Atta boy, Jack!

First broken bone...

We always knew the first broken bone would belong to Jack.  It was just a matter of time.  Unfortunely Jack broke his big toe in three different places Monday night.  Our kitchen table bench fell down on it causing the break.  He was in excruciating pain.  We took him to the emergency room to ease his pain.  There is nothing they can do for a broken toe except pain management and wait for it to heal on its own.  So needless to say it will be weeks before he can play baseball and he won't be able to start preschool this week.  Got to keep it iced and propped up for safety.

Lots of games and tv on the coach.  Take it easy, Jack.  Sorry this happened, buddy.

Jacks 1st T-ball game

First practice

And let's just say - he is ALL in!  A combination of it being "his" sport and "his" dads the coach!  Justin couldn't stop talking about how great Jacks "form" was at the mound.  A natural athlete?  I think so....  Take a look!

Batter Up...

Jack decided to give up soccer and trade it in for baseball.  Tomorrow is his first t-ball practice (dad's the assistant coach) so we needed to shop for cleats and a glove in preparation.  Tonight we put on our new baseball gear and had some fun in the backyard.  Hey batter, batter, swing!

 

 

 

 

Brothers

My boys earned these fishing poles when they reached their "caught being good" goals.  And it was their dream come true.  They have been talking about fishing for months - and Saturday it came true.

They didn't catch a thing.  But learned a nice life lesson on patience.

Here they are in their glory...

Jack

Jack at 4 and a half!

Jack, where do I even begin to describe you.  You are such a big person in character and personality.

For starters, you are a thought provoking type of kid.  You ask questions that blow my mind.  You won't just accept any old answer.  You need to get to the meat and bones of every question.  You are deeply fascinated with God and His creation.  You ask questions daily about God and challenge my answers.  You want me to explain to you who made God.  I try to explain the mystery of it all - but that answers not good enough.

Keep that sharp mind of yours and never be embarrassed to ask your questions.  I like that!

You are my least shy child out of the bunch.  Most people interpret you to be the shy one - but they are mistaken.  You strike up conversation with anyone and everyone we come into contact with.  The contractors we had at our house couldn't work fast enough because of all the questions you would ask them.  You love to chat with strangers to get to know them.  You find worth and value in everyone!

Keep that charm about you.  It's a good thing!

At fours years old you have overcome your night terrors and braved through all that!  Sleeping is finally your strong suit.  That dog there, is still jacks companion at night!  They are roommates!  It works!

This picture is worth a thousand words.

To me it shows:

You being a good big brother to Grant as you are sharing YOUR horse moment wth him.

You are a great big brother and friend to him!  That makes me proud!

It also shows your dedicated love to this animal.   You are so intrigued with horses that you are going to start riding lessons with this horse pictured, named John.  I hope you always have hobbies you are passionate about!  

I think that's awesome!

You love books, riding your scooter, peter rabbit, your blanket, and thrive on positive reinforcement.  

Your a great kid, Jack!  

4 &1/2 looks good on you!

Mommy and Jack time

All the kids are in bed except jack!  We found ourselves swinging on the front porch together and just chatting away on this beautiful evening....

Making memories in our new home together.

Jacks early learning graduation

Today marked Jacks last day of Early Learning School at LUMP.  His class had a little graduation program this morning and a celebration afterwards.

I am so proud of Jack!  He came a long way this year.  Wasn't sure if we were going to be able to finish out the school year as he wasn't showing signs of being socially ready.  But - he stuck it out.  And he learned a lot about himself.  He learned he can be brave, independent, a friend, and can trust other adults besides mom and dad.  Of course he learned how to write his name and his letters and numbers.  We are so proud of you, buddy.

Next year he is joining his sister at his new school.  He is super excited!  Watch out kids - we have another Titan among us!

For now - we are going to enjoy our summer!!!