Jack's Christmas Performance

This morning was a special day for Jack.  It doesn't always happen to have a day dedicated to our special middle child.  So we took it seriously!  Made a BIG deal out of it!  And made a big deal over him!

Jack had his very first Christmas Performance in front of a live audience this morning.  An audience filled with cam corders, parents, siblings, and proud grandparents.  Jack was super thrilled to participate in this Christmas concert which is so uncharacteristic of him.  We were loving his excitement.

We practiced the songs, treated him to a fresh new haircut this week, he picked out his outfit with care (which included his very first tie) and I surprised him with an early Christmas present - new shoes.  He was dressed the part and he KNEW it!

He sang along and beamed with pride.  I love that he is cracking out of his shell and becoming such a confident kid. 

In a season that is (unfortunately) so filled with shopping, stress, over commitments - it is easy to loose sight of the true meaning of Christmas.  And this morning - I think we were all reminded of what TRULY matters.  As the kids sang it best, "Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus!"

John Alexander

Dear Jack,

I know you are growing up and gaining independence every passing day.  And I know one day you probably won't want to be my friend anymore.  You won't think I am cool. 

But at THIS MOMENT - I want to promise myself I will always remember the little boy you are here today.

My buddy.
 
The one that ALWAYS wants to be near me.  Playing, reading, laughing, and snuggling together.
My sweet, sweet Jack. My middle child who is quick tempered but quick to offer his full affection.

I love you to the moon and back, son.  I want to capture you in a bottle.
Forever.  I know that's not possible.  But these awesome pics of you will help me try.

At three and a half years old - you are something special.  Something great.  And I will always believe that. 

I love you,
Mom

Careful buddy

Jack enjoying the afternoon outdoors today.  He loves to climb (with some help from me) our front yard trees.  He is so happy here.  He "can't wait for Olibia and Dad to see him!"

Jack's first days of Preschool

Can you believe it?

Time really is moving FORWARD...

I have TWO KIDS in school now.

Jack started Preschool this past week.

Well, actually his first true day is Tuesday but we had Open House and Orientation this past week.

He is cautiously optimistic.

He is not one to show too much emotion.

However, he IS soaking it all in.

He is serious, but he is also enjoying himself.

Even if he isn't always smiling - don't be fooled.

He is content.  He is happy.  Just not outwardly social.

I have to say, I watched Jack have his first seat assignment at orientation.  

They made little place mats that they will use all year long for snack time.

He was the LAST student to finish.

So meticulous.  So detailed.  So wanting to do his best work.

Those are great qualities and I hope he keeps those throughout his schooling.

Don't rush anything.  Just soak it all in.  Take your time.  And do your best work.

Lessons we could all be reminded of.

Thanks, Jack!

He found his cubby and school bag!

His teacher (and Olivia's former teacher) Mrs. Frederick

He found his seat.  

The calendar helper

This was the morning of his "FIRST" trial day of school

A little nervous....

So....

I took him out for donuts before hand

 to put a smile on his face!

Happy Boy now...

His classmates..

Playtime...

circle time.

Hopefully he got his nerves out of the way 

and he will be ready for his first true day on Tuesday 

without mom and dad there.

Proud of you, Jack!

Mommy/Jack Day

Jack and I had a special day today.  

Just the two of us.  

(A rare occasion that should happen way more often.)

Olivia and Grant had a babysitter come to the house and Jack and I escaped for our afternoon date.  We started the day with lunch at Wendy's and then headed to the park to see the ducks and geese at the pond.  We sat in the grass and just talked.  Uninterrupted.  Good stuff.  Then afterwards we went and played putt-putt golf.  We had so much fun we played most holes twice.  Or three times - but who's counting?  Then we went out for ice cream.  Graeters.  We went all out.  It was a day I will always remember and vow to do more of.  He was a perfect date and a perfect gentleman and I just adore this boy of mine to pieces!

One on one time is so valuable.  

Another favorite face of mine....

...Belongs to my 3 and a half year old, Jack.

This little boy of mine is getting excited to start Preschool next month.  It's going to be strange to part with him twice a week BUT we can't wait for his new adventure that lies ahead.  So proud of him.  He loves to learn.  He is a sponge.  He is READY for school.  We talk about it everyday.  He said he is most excited to be the "Line Leader" one day.  He also knows his teachers, as Olivia had them before, and that brings him comfort.

Here he is on the couch watching a program on Cheetahs -  and he is captivated.

Giddy-Up

Meet Jacks new horse, Giddy-up.....

And just in case you were wondering, yes, that is in fact an American Girl Doll horse. He doesnt seem to mind...

Olivia received one for her birthday this past weekend and Jack fell in love. He adores horses. So we (Aunt Peg and I) made an agreement that he could EARN one this week with good behavior. With that being said he received Giddy-Up last night.

This horse hasn't left his side. In fact we are headed to run errands and Giddy-Up will join us.

I'm convinced Jack will ask for a horse instead of a car on his 16th birthday.

My buddy

Sweet Jack and I on Mother's Day.  I adore this little guy.  Jack sometimes gets lost in the shuffle - so we have our own special time together every evening.  Olivia and Grant are tucked into bed about 45 minutes before Jack.  That gives Jack and Mommy and Daddy some undivided attention together.  It's great!  I hope he remembers that feeling he gets from having a special-stay-up-later-than-brother-and-sister privilege.

Lookin' good, Jack!

We are R-E-A-D-Y for our beach vacation!!!  We leave next week and couldn't be MORE ready!  Jack is modeling his new hat!  He's a a stunner  - that's for sure!

Motherhood/Friends/Lucky

Motherhood is my full time job.  And you know the saying, YOUR JOB IS ONLY AS FUN AS THE PEOPLE YOU WORK WITH?  Same goes with motherhood.  I have made it my full time job surrounding myself with other warriors, I mean, other mothers.  Other mothers that are fun, compassionate, honest, loyal and are quick to share a laugh (and sometimes a tear) over our new found career.  One of my college best friends, Kristie and I, have been each other's lifelines for the past 4 years.  We have bonded over countless play dates and glasses of wine.  OK, I mean draft beer.  Either way, I am so thankful for her and it is so fun having someone to share in on what can be l-o-n-g afternoons at home.  Having a friend to share the day with is awesome.  And it's another perk that our kids have a built in playmate.  A win-win for all!  Here are some pics of the Cross boys with my boys.  Cute as ever....

Love you, Kristie!  And your boys, of course!  Thanks for always being my TRUE FRIEND!  One that loves me to the core, no matter how annoying I can be at times.  XOXO

My Easter Babies

These Easter Photos surely don't hold a candle to our yearly Easter Beach Photos - but the memories we made this weekend are just as great as if we were on Spring Break vacation.  I've come to learn it doesn't matter where you are - spending quality time with family is all that matters.  We clocked in a lot of family time this weekend.  Memories were made.

Justin came home early from work on Good Friday and we all enjoyed the warmer weather outdoors.  We spent the afternoon playing outside and installing the brand new glider for our swing set.  The kids were so excited.  We capped off the night with our usual Friday Pizza Party and watched some TV together in the basement. 

Saturday morning we woke up and went up to the pool house for our neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt.  It was fun seeing friends up there and scavenging for eggs.  (Pictures to come..)

Then later in the afternoon we had a big day at the Conger Household.  Olivia took off her training wheels on her bike and learned how to ride a two-wheeler.  It was a huge milestone and we are so incredibly proud of her bravery and dedication. (more on this post later...)

We were able to go out to dinner with the Rummlers (the ones who are in town) at Bravo Italian Restaurant.  It was great catching up with family and the kids were so well behaved.  An extra bonus!  And today, Easter Sunday, we are headed over to GG and GGP's house for another Easter Egg Hunt.

Traveling is nice.  We have been to Hilton Head for the last 10 Easter Sundays.  This is our first ever stay-cation over Spring Break.  And we are excited to try out our new festivities at home with family.  Although we are missing Mimi and Nana this week.  They are continuing our tradition of Easter at the Beach...

Next year - we already decided - we are going to join them again.  Some traditions just need to be the same....