You Just Have to Laugh

Remember our picture day escapades? The ones in which attempt number one was a flop and day two, while successful in that pictures were actually taken, was not a whole lot better?

Well, we got the pictures today. I was so excited to see them; I could barely contain myself.

I rushed home after work, pulled out the pictures and saw Shawn.

He's got that side eyed look of someone not too sure of who he's looking at. His right eyebrow is slightly raised as if to punctuate the whole "Who the heck are you?" question. I don't know. Maybe the question is "What am I doing here?" Either way, he looks a tad bit confused about the whole thing. While my original assessment was that it wasn't the best picture of Shawn (by any stretch of the word), it was at least understandable once you consider the story behind it.

I chuckled to myself as I put his packet aside and pulled out Jason's packet.

I was rewarded with this gem. I laughed out loud again because, well, look at it.

The poor guy--his look is a cross between a half attempt at a nervous smile and the terrified, wide-eyed look of a guy with a demented creature knocking at his door. Jason's own words were, "What's wrong with me?" I told him I didn't know. We spent the next five minutes trying to get him to mimic that lip curl he's got going there. Of course HE COULDN'T DO IT!

Sigh. These kids of mine are quite the pair.

I'm torn on whether I should tempt fate for a third time (although it is supposed to be a charm) and try to get a better shot of each or just call it a day and go with these.

What do you think? ;-)

Peek a Boo

This is just another example of the way we roll around these parts...

Wait a minute. Something's amiss! Jason's legs look a little funny there.

What is that hiding out under there?

Surprise! It's Jack!

Peek a boo. I see you!

Cute Baby Saturday - A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

I've said it before, but there is something about their hands that fascinates me. Often when they are on my lap or snuggled up close, I'll study their hands, trying to forever imprint my brain with their shape and feel.

 

On this day two years ago, I got my first imprints of their hands together. Jack was almost 6 months old; the big boys were nearing 4.

 



Jason, Shawn, and Jack (left to right)
September 28, 2011



 

It's easy to forget just how tiny our little Tank, Jack, really was. That picture brings it all back.

 

On this day last year, their little hands looked like this:





Shawn, Jason, and Jack (left to right)
September 28, 2012



In only a year, their hands were almost the same size. 



This year, their hands look like this:

Shawn, Jason, and Jack (left to right)
September 28, 2013

They're not so little anymore.

For me, watching their hands grow is such a tangible way of seeing the passage of time. A hand that once filled only a small part of mine now is able to intertwine its fingers in mine. The grip that barely held my own is now strong and sure. There's a fleeting glimpse of the past through the familiar curves of their fingers or the softness of their palms in mine. A hint of the men they will become is there, too. I can close my eyes and almost picture those precious hands someday holding the hands of their own children.

Handprints
Tiny handprints grow so fast
Their awkward groping soon will clasp
A ball, a book a sweetheart’s hand
A diploma, briefcase, a wedding band

 

Tiny handprints grow so strong
It doesn’t take them very long
To snap a shirt, to paint, to draw
To work hard, to drive a car

 

Tiny handprints are ours to love
The sweetest gift from God above
A miracle not to be surpassed
I wish this time would forever last

 

~unknown



Happy Birthday, Daddy!

We didn't get to celebrate Daddy's birthday yesterday, so the boys were super excited to celebrate Daddy's big day today!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Blow out the candle, boys!

Daddy and Jason

Sharing a mini cupcake with Jack.
(That's about as close to the thing as he got. Still not
a very adventurous eater, this one.)

Daddy Shawn

Jason chowing down on some cupcake

Daddy and Jack

Shawn's turn to chow down on some cupcake.

Tomorrow we'll get to have more cake and ice cream for daddy and grandma. They can't wait!

Tooth Number 2!

(It's a two post kind of day today!)

Shawn lost his second bottom tooth at school today!

His first bottom tooth is already half grown in now.
 

 

 

It was there this morning when he went to school but wasn't when I got to my mom's to get him. Both the big boys are working under the assumption that Shawn swallowed it and waffle back and forth between awe and concern that the Tooth Fairy will not know what to do about this problem.

 

It's pretty fun to watch them try to figure it all out.

 

Because I was unprepared to make a Tooth Fairy box this evening, we're going to make it tomorrow, write a note, and put it on Shawn's nightstand tomorrow night. The boys are going to look around school to see if they can find it tomorrow, just in case. Lol.

 

I don't know if he did actually swallow it or not, but we now have a funny story to tell them when they're older. :)

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

I think this card says it all!

 

 

There is nothing more special than being handed a card they've made together. :)

 

Can I just say how much I love that the boys make cards now? Besides, this thing is the best. card. EVER.

Mostly Wordless Wednesday

How'd you like to come across this scene?

 

Apparently Jason's snake wanted to see out the window.

 

These kids are trying to give me a heart attack.

A Shout Out for Shawn!

While Shawn loves the social aspects of school, the academics of school has been somewhat of an adjustment for him.

 

He can do the work...he just prefers it when he doesn't have to do the work. And he, being as smart as he is, quickly figured out that if he acted like he couldn't do the work (even when he could), chances were high he could escape doing it all together. Let's just say if he'd only put as much effort into actually doing the work instead of avoiding it, he'd have blown his teachers away already.

 

Today, however, I do believe Shawn has turned the corner and decided this work thing isn't so bad at all. (cough, cough, patooey, patooey...quick, someone toss some salt for good measure!) He had a stellar day and finally showed everyone that he is pretty darn capable and pretty darn smart to boot.

Go, Shawn!

Now keep it up, mister. Ahem.

P.S. Isn't it cool that his teacher sent us a picture of his morning work? We're really lucky the boys' have a teacher who is so dedicated to helping them succeed!

A Simple Monday Moment

Silly Jack. That's not how you brush your teeth.

That's better. 

He's getting to be such a BIG boy!

Conversations With 5 Year Olds

"Vaaaaaaarrrrrrroooooooooommmmmmmm"

Daddy: Tell mom what you're doing, Jay.

Me: What are you doing?

Jay: The Doppler effect.

Me: Um...okay then. Carry on.

"Vaaaaaaarrrrrrroooooooooommmmmmmm"

Cute Baby Saturday - Hat

At least now it is. :)

Flashback Friday - Two Years Ago This Week

Ah, these guys were so, so sweet!

 

 

Jack had those chubby cheeks and was full of smiles...

 

 

Trying the foot action to see if it was as good as the thumb.

 

The thumb still wins every time. :)

 The big boys played with some of mommy's flowers. They are just so little!

I love these flowers!

The center is soft and fuzzy.

 

Smelling flowers is some hard, messy work.

I want to see the flowers, mommy!

 

It is so big, but it smells yummy.

Want to smell the flower, too?

Homework - Team Lopez Style

For the last four weeks, the boys have been given weekly homework packets on Monday. They're supposed to turn the packets in completed on Friday. That translates to me sweating bullets about getting said homework done Monday through Thursday.

Homework was great!

For two days.

Actually, homework was great! for Jason for two days.

Shawn thought homework was okay for the ten minutes we did it together the first day. His attitude swiftly changed to "Homework is the worst thing EVER!!!" on day two. To be fair, their homework pages are a lot of fine motor practice (writing, coloring, tracing, etc). Shawn isn't a fan of fine motor work because it is hard for him. His homework aversion was not a surprise.

Sigh.

Anyway, day three of homework wasn't very fun.

By day four, we all dreaded having to do it. We soldiered through it because, as a fellow teacher, I didn't think I could show my face in a classroom ever again if I couldn't get my kids to do something I make my own students to do. And it was awful for all of us the whole time.

The second week, the very sight of a homework sheet sent them both into a crying fit. That was not good, not good at all.

So what's a desperate mom to do?

Bring in the chocolate, of course. Chocolate chip that is. For each page of work done, the boys get 5 mini chocolate chips. It is working like a charm.

We are now on week four of homework, and things are going so much better.

There are no more tears for any of us.

I call that a parenting win!

My plan is to gradually decrease the frequency of the reward and then tackle decreasing the amount of chips until voilà!

Or, you know...I'll keep it up until I have two really over weight, chocolate chip loving, college graduates.

 Either way, homework is done without a fuss. ;)

Mostly Wordless Wednesday

He's modeling an earring he made for me while he was in therapy today.

Pipe cleaner and paper clip fashion -- it's a new trend!

The Pictures Say It All

Waiting at a doctor's appointment yesterday...

And waiting...

And waiting...

And waiting...

 

So tell us how you really feel, Jason. Lol.

Kidbits: Our Life in a Series of Face Book Updates... Part 24

Yesterday

Jason has big plans for what he's going to do with one of his toys at grandma's house tomorrow. He's so excited that he wants to go to bed right now. If I didn't know it would totally backfire on me, I'd so let him.

~~~

September 12

 

All fifty pages of homework (I am only exaggerating slightly) are officially done, people! I am impressed with us finishing even though we've been attacked by the sick. I'd like to thank my accomplice, chocolate chip -- it is amazing how well a chocolate chip works for motivating unwilling workers. Ahem.

Now the only question is whether they'll make it to school tomorrow.

Also note to self: stock up on the chocolate chips.

~~~

September 10

 

Sigh. It would be a school night without a little throw-up.

These kindergarten germs are kicking our butts.

~~~

September 10

 

Gah! Tonight we begin the Sick again. Jason has a runny nose and doesn't feel well. Sigh.

~~~

September 9

So...the pictures did not happen today. After what could only be described as millions of pictures taken of him thus far, Jason took one look at the camera and high tailed it out that place. He said it scared him. Seriously? Shawn, on the other hand, was ready, eager, and WILLING to smile for the camera only to have it...get this...MALFUCTION and break while he was SITTING there. Sigh. I am taking this as a sign from the universe that I didn't pick the right clothes for them today. Ahem. One more try tomorrow.

 

~~~

 

September 8

Just ordered the boys' school pictures. Picture day tomorrow. Fingers crossed that it goes well and I don't regret ordering some. Lol

~~~

September 5

 

Well that didn't go well. #epichomeworkmeltdowntimestwo

~~~

September 4

Shawn sat down with mommy to do his homework today. 

 

 

~~~

September 3

Dying from the cuteness...doing his first homework packet. Love it!

Now if I could only get Shawn this enthused about his homework packet. Lol

 

~~~

September 2

Unsure if Shawn will make it to school tomorrow. Sigh. The good news is that Jason should be fine to go.

School started 14 days ago. The boys have been sick the last 11.
Schools been fun so far...

 

~~~

 

September 2

 

Watching "Cars" for the millionth time. It has become the sick kid staple. Sigh.

~~~

September 1

"Mom, what does 'queuing' mean?"

It means "waiting."

"Humph. That's funny. Why don't they just say 'waiting' then?"

He has a point, I guess. Lol.

(Yeah, the 'in line' part was discussed after that, but 'waiting' worked for how it was used when he heard it. Lol)

~~~

September 1

And there it is! The first school saying that has made it into the boys' conversation (that I know of at least).

Shawn is telling Jason to "stop! Look! And Listen!" to him. Shawn apparently has something to say, and Jason isn't paying attention.

Love it!

 

~~~

 

September 1

 

Just "broke" Jason's mind. He now knows school doesn't stop at the end of August like he's been telling me since he started kinder.

All he could come up with is, "You're kidding me." LOL.

 

~~~

 

August 31

Just discovered it is infinitely hotter when you have a little person (or three) lying on you all day. So glad everyone's in bed!

Hot + sick kids = sucky

 

~~~

 

August 30

Shawn just lost his first tooth!

 

~~~

 

August 26

 

Rocking a now very congested Jack. Poor guy can't sleep.

Well done evil school germs. You managed to infect 3/5 of Team Lopez. How much longer does the remaining 2/5 have before we also succumb to your clutches?

 

~~~

 

August 25

 

Jason is congested and throat still hurts. He's currently camped out on my bed. Shawn had a slight fever (relieved by Advil), won't eat, but is still upright. He's currently zoning out watching TV in the living room. Jack is running around screaming for no apparent reason.

School tomorrow? Yes or no?

 

~~~

August 22

 

Day two of school is complete. Things went okay, but on the way home I got, "Why do we have to keep going to school?"

Seems the novelty may have worn off already. Lol

 

~~~

 

August 21

Shawn fell out of bed a little bit ago. When I went in to put him back in bed he said, "Mom. Leave me alone. I'm tired." Poor guy. School wiped him out!

 

~~~

 

August 21

Well, we have two boys officially in the (school) building. No years from any of us! Here's to a great year Team Lopez!

 

~~~

 

August 20

 

Me? Anxious about them starting kinder tomorrow? Ha. Ridiculous!

Deep breath, deep breath, deep breath...

Them? Well they are excited of course!

 

~~~

 

August 20

For the 2nd day in a row the crew has slept in. This does not bode well for tomorrow's first day of school.

 

~~~

 

August 17

By golly if Shawn's bottom teeth aren't doing the same thing his brothers teeth did. Both bottom teeth already broke through the gums. He should be losing the two bottom teeth very soon!

 

~~~

August 16

Just gave three haircuts. It looks like a cat exploded in my kitchen.

 

~~~

August 15

Hold me. He just had a leg over the side of the crib. Let's all pray it was a fluke. Please. My sanity depends on it!

 

~~~

August 15

Him: "What are you doing, mom?"

Me: Brushing my hair.

Him: "Um, you might need to think about getting a new brush. That one isn't working very well."

Me: Sigh.

 

~~~

 

August 14

So despite filling out KINDER registration and paperwork and not EVER attending school before, somehow the boys were still placed in first grade classes (and not even together like it was stated). Seriously?!?

I'm very annoyed.

I knew the boys might be gifted, but how can they move up a grade when they have never attended any school?

 

~~~

 

August 14

My legs and arm (from carrying Jack) are so sore!

But on the plus side, we all had a great time at Disneyland.

 

~~~

 

August 9

The littlest won't stop climbing everything he can. I am exhausted running around behind him trying to keep him from hurting himself.

I hereby surrender.

 

~~~

 

August 8

S: I love you mom.

Me: I love you, too, babe.

S: Dad?

Isaac: Yes, Shawn?

S: I love, mommy.

Me:  Bwahahahaha....

 

~~~

 

August 2

Oh man, the littlest is on thin ice today. Grr. For the love of all that's holy, boy, stop being such a terror!!!!!

 

~~~

 

August 1

Every time I tell the littlest "no" he yells, "Baa-chew-ah!" at me. It is always said exactly the same.

I have no idea what it means, but I'm pretty sure it's his version of cussing me out.

Oh the joys of strong-willed and stubborn children!

 

~~~

 

July 31

"Dad, I'm gonna drink you up!" He then proceeded to suck on Isaac's cheek.

Okie dokie.

 

~~~

 

July 30

 

But mom, what if they don't like me? What if they think I'm going to destroy the whole school or something?

Are you going to destroy the school?

No, but how do they know that?

Well, you just go in and say, "Hi. I'm Jason. Do you want to be friends?"

That's all I have to do?

 Yep.

Well, okay then. I'll try.

 

~~~

 

July 29

Mom, what if they don't have a cubby for me at kindergarten? That would be a disaster.

 

~~~

 

July 27

Car travel story:

Jack is still rear facing in his seat, which means he's facing the boys.

Shawn: "Mom! It's raining on me!"

Me: "No, Shawn. It's just Jack blowing raspberries."

Shawn (while pushing Jack's head toward Jason's side of the car): "Huh. Jack why don't you blow that way. That's much better."

Jason: "Mom! Jack's spitting at me!"

Sigh.

 

~~~

 

July 26

Zoo was a success. The boys had a great time, but I am beat!

 

~~~

 

July 25

Jack and Shawn met Grover and Elmo. They are both in love with their new friends!

 

~~~

 

July 24

Bowling was a success!

 

~~~

 

July 24

27 months old and he reached up (while standing barefoot on the ground) and turned on the light. And by switch I mean the one that is 43 or so inches off the ground.

Um, yeah.

 

~~~

 

July 22

Jack is still awake in his room having a grand old time as I write this. That being said, I've gone to check Shawn twice only to realized that it was Jack calling out both times. It is freaky how much Jack sounds like Shawn!

 

~~~

 

July 21

There went tooth #4!!!

 

~~~

 

July 20

Oh darn, I "misread" the clock and put the boys to bed a half an hour early. Bummer.

You know, or not.

 

~~~

 

July 20

J: I'm going to go see what your brothers are doing.
Me: Your brothers, not my brothers.
J: I said that. Your brothers.
Me: No, your brothers.
J: Mom, why are you making this difficult?

Me: Sigh.

 

~~~

 

July 19

If I didn't realize my allergies have been crazy lately, the fact that the littlest walks around behind me pretending to sneeze would have been a big clue. Sigh.

Got it Jack. Mama's sneezing a lot today. You can stop now.

 

~~~

 

July 19

Jack keeps looking around saying, "Wooooooowwwww! Amazing!" It's totally cracking me up!

 

~~~

 

July 16

And just like that, the brave boy pulled out his tooth! Yea or for tooth #3! (Mom, look! The hole is the perfect size for my straw!)

I'd like to thank the quesadilla for its help with this milestone.

 

~~~

 

July 15

"Mom, do you know what you know?"

Um...I think so? Lol

 

~~~

 

July 12

Lesson learned: Jack is not a fan of the taste of (non toxic) finger paints. However, just like a scientist verifying his hypothesis, he continued to try and gag on said finger paint in an effort to ensure his results remained consistent.

They did.

It was hilarious to watch. Lol.

 

~~~

 

July 12

Watched "Wreck It Ralph" for the first time just now. Again with the mixed reviews. What one likes, the other must not. It's like the law or something!

 

~~~

 

July 11

The big boys are so funny. Every time Jack says something to one of them, they look at me with a shocked expression and exclaim, "Mom! He said his first word!" Mind you, they've told me this a handful of times a day for months now. Lol.

 

~~~

 

July 9

Is it wrong to tell them the tooth fairy rewards bravery--aka she gives two coins when you pull your tooth yourself? Another fine parenting moment right there, I just know it.

 

~~~

 

July 9

Jack's going through his "British accent" phase. (The big boys did it, too.) Today's word is zebra...only he's saying "zeh-brah" and keeps correcting me when I say "zee-bra." Sigh.