So I don't FOURget

I have been recording "Jake Quotes" for several years now for several reasons.  First, I can't possibly remember them all, not with new ones happening nearly every day.  Second, people would probably think I was making them up (but really, you can't make this stuff up).  And finally, I feel like it is the bet way to capture who he is and years from now I know we will all get a good laugh when we look back and them.

A few months ago we all went out to lunch at a Chinese Buffet.  After we finished up, I took the boys out to the car while Arthur stayed inside to pay the bill.  As we walked to the car I guess Jake was observing the diversity of the patrons and he proudly announced his findings, "This place has food for everyone...regular people and Chinese people."

We had a similar experience when Robyn, Jake, James and I, all took our first trip to the Amish market.  As a quick side note, I am slightly obsessed with the Amish!  I couldn't have been more excited the first time I saw families riding around with their horse and buggy.  And don't get me started about how beautiful there homes look at night lit up in candle light.  But anyway, I guess I have made my feelings quite clear because just as we approached the door a family all dressed in long denim skirts was exiting.  "What a cute Amish family!" Jake exclaimed.

There is no question that in most ways Jake is Arthur's mini me, but every once in awhile, he does something that is ALL me.   Like the night Jacob could be heard (probably by the entire neighborhood) hysterically screaming from the bathroom, "Just give me the band aid!  JUST GIVE ME THE BAND AID!!!"  While it sounded like we were trying to extract one of his vital organs, Arthur was simply trying to remove a teeny tiny sliver of glass from Jake's heal with a set a tweezers.  As I lay on top of Jake, trying to keep his skinny little body from thrashing, I couldn't help but laugh a little.  I know it sounds horrible and I know that he didn't appreciate it either because through his tears he spat, "It isn't funny!"  I tried to assure him that I really wasn't laughing at him...I was laughing because in that moment I saw myself more clearly in him than I have probably ever have before.  What can I say, of course Jake would inherit my most charming trait!

Jake loves to draw and when you combine that with his passion for insects, or should I say arthropods, it is no surprise that he loves to draw insects.  The other night he was out in the homeschool room working on a page full of butterflies while Arthur and I talked in the kitchen.  After a few minutes he came in and I assumed he wanted to show off his work, but instead he just held his paper down looking very solemn.  "Mommy, I tried to do a butterfly...but...but...promise you won't laugh."  "Of course I won't laugh, Baby!" I assured him, as I thought, "What sort of terrible mother would laugh at her child's art?!?"

Well, unfortunately this one.  I didn't mean too, but this kind of caught me off guard.  And for just a moment, my heart started to break and I began to mentally berate myself for being such a horrible mother.  And as I saw his beautiful little face fall, I was sure that I would be the reason he would never draw again, and then suddenly, he smiled...a great big, "Gotcha!" smile!!  Forget art...give this boy an Oscar.  That was good...too good!  Only four years old and he already knows how to play me...now that is all Daddy.

As Jake and I read scriptures together or talk about spiritual things, especially the Savior, I am both amazed and impressed by the deep understanding he already has.  The faith of my little boy is already such an example to me, and I am often reminded why we are commanded to be like little children.  I love to listen to him pray.  As we get closer to Arthur's deployment his prayers become genuine and sincere.  He always asks that, "Daddy will be safe at work, and safe at war."  Then at the end of these faith filled big boy prayers he says, "we say the things..."  It is just a little word, but it reminds me that he is still my little four year old.

  

Being Brothers

If you had ask me several months ago, I would have told you it was impossible.  But something happened during Arthur's last training...my boys started to become friends.

Look closely and you will notice this is not the sweet moment it appears to be at first glance :-)

Our days are still far from timeout free. And Jake is still known to try and get his shots in when he thinks no one is looking.  But James not a sitting duck anymore.  He has no problem dishing it right back...and more and more often he turns out to be the instigator.  And as the tables are beginning to turn on Jake, I think that James may have finally beaten into his big brother's head (literally with hot wheels, Thomas the Tank engine, and the occasional maraca) that brothers are more fun as friends than as punching bags.

And so now a new chapter begins in our home, and it is appears to come with lots of new blessings and challenges.

Nothing warms my heart like seeing my boys play together.  I love to stand in the doorway of their room and watch them both sprawled out on their tummies playing cars and listening Jake chatter away while James responses in engine revs or exaggerated nods.

Of course the game usually ends with James getting physical because Jake as gotten too bossy or Jake becoming physical because James isn't playing exactly was Jake wants him to do.  But they are learning, and these moments of content play give me a few blissful minutes of alone time which heaven known I will need in the months to come.

Jake is also really starting to enjoy his role as a big brother.  He is beginning to understand that his little brother really does look up to him.

We talk a lot about what is means to be an example and how James is watching and learning from everything Jake is doing.  More and more I notice Jake trying his best to be the "good example."  He will talk to James in this sweet little voice and call him "Jamie."  He will want to share with him, show his things and even help him get dressed.  Luckily,  James loves to be doted on by his big brother and will usually welcome all the attention.

But let's be honest, Jake is a little boy.  And what is more fun than getting a little naughty and wild...that's right...getting someone else to do it with you.  And so my sweet little baby James has joined the boy team.  And while they have definitely bonded over teaming up against Mommy (and sometimes even Daddy), I can't help but smile as I watch them crack each other up.

Many of life's most valuable lessons are learned in our relationships with our siblings.  We learn to love, share, respect, trust, protect, and forgive.  I know that one of the greatest gifts Arthur and I could give our boys in this life is each other, and I hope and pray that this is just the beginning of a friendship and love that will bond them forever.

I know I tell you everyday, but never forget that I love you each of you more than life and am honored and privileged that both of you call me "Mommy."

18 months and counting...

Unlike, his older brother, James is a man of few words.  His most favorite probably being "Mo-mmy! or "Ma-mmy!" However, all too often, these loud and persistent yells have nothing to do with me.  He actually uses "Mammy" for a variety of reasons.  Generally, it is to get the attention of the person closest to him, so they can help him retrieve whatever has caught his attention.  As you can imagine this can get a little confusing.

My favorite was the day Robyn brought James into her work to get some lunch.  "Ah, he is so cute!  Is that your baby?" they asked.  "No, he's my...." and before she could even finish the sentence James yells, "Ma-mmy!" as he points to the next thing he wanted off her plate.  His timing was perfect and, needless to say, I think at least one or two people believed him over her.

Other frequent phrases are: "Da-ddy!" "Whasat (what's that)!?" "Peeeeeese" and his new favorite, "Why?"  But we know there are tons of words and phrases that he is perfectly capable of using...he simply feels no need to use them.  How do we know?  Maybe it was his prefect pronunciation of the word "lollipop" when he spotted them at the bank a few months ago...or when he shouted, "I don't want to....Mommy, I don't want to!" yesterday at them pool...or when Aunt Robyn didn't accept the loving gift of Jake's dirty sock to chew on (even when James snuggled up to her and demonstrated exactly how to do it with the other one) and he shoved it in her face and demanded her to, "Do it!"  Ah yes, this boy can talk...he just doesn't need or want to.

But his lack of works should not be confused with him being a quiet child.  When it is just the family, there is always sound coming from this boy (and if there isn't, he is doing something naughty/highly dangerous and you must find him immediately).  He loves to sing!!!  For weeks he would sing the same thing over and over, and I just couldn't quite make it out.  Then it hit me, it was the ABCs.  Now he has expanded his arsenal to include a very clear "Eee-eye-Eee-eye-Oh," what I believe to be "Twinkle Twinkle," and an infinite array of made up melodies and percussion rhythms to accompany his day.

He is also very good at communicating in sounds.  Rather than call something by it's name, he will provide you with a very realistic sound effects.  This includes, but is not limited to, cows, horses, snakes, dinosaurs, lions, trucks, motorcycles, and tractors.

During his more quiet moments, he relies on very clear and effective gestures to get what needs/wants.  There is a lot of serious slow nodding going on at this house.  But my favorite it when he points to the thing he wants and then points to himself.  He will repeat this with more and more force (sometimes looking like he is stabbing himself in the stomach) until her get what he wants.

James may not feel like talking like a "big" boy, but he is constantly trying to prove his independence and "toughness."  He insists on coming down the stairs like a grownup.  I nearly have a heart attach watching him clutch each banister post in order to maintain his balance for each giant step.  Most days I don't think Jake even walk down the stairs, but James refuses to do it any other way.

He is always looking for the next risk or challenge, and already has three scars on his face to prove it.  And did I mention, he is fast!  Whether it is climbing up something tall, balancing on something unstable, or trying to assemble something complicated, James is constantly moving, exploring, and trying to manipulate the world around him.   I love his inquisitive, daring, and sometimes impulsive nature.

He is almost always happy, but is also tough as nails with a fiery temper. He hates the word "no" and Arthur and I have learned watch out for flying toys after we use it.

But he is also extremely warm and cuddly.  Nothing is better than a hug from James and he gives the sweetest kisses.  And who could forget that smile?  A smile from James is like warm rays of sun right on your heart.

Out and About

With just a few days to go until the first official day of summer, I feel like it is time to document some of the things we've been up to this Spring.

First, I should mention the new addition to our family.  Nope, not another baby....not even a dog.  No, we are now the proud owners of a new riding lawn mower.  And since any given Saturday morning, Arthur may be responsible for mowing 4 huge yards, it is a welcomed addition.  However, I did not realize quite how special it was until family prayer when Jake said, "Thank you for our riding lawn mower since Daddy has wanted one his entire life."

Unfortunately, not every day can be filled zipping around the neighborhood on a riding lawn mower, so while Daddy is at work the boys and I have to find other things to do.
One of our favorite outings is to the Adventure Science Center.  Last time we pulled into the parking lot James was so excited I could barely get him to hold still long enough to get him out of his car seat.  He loves getting to run around and explore everything.  There is just something so magical about watching your child discover and learn.

Jake is participating in their summer Little Labs program, and he has really enjoyed the two we've attended so far.  The teacher is great and they have just the right amount of structure (James even gets to join in). However, I would have to say that the lesson about ants was everyone's favorite!

And I will admit that I was a pretty proud Mommy when he correctly told the "class" the body parts of an insect.  That's my boy!  

Jake also participated in his first soccer camp, and he loved it so much that I signed him up for the next one.  He was so cute and excited on his first day.  As he ran onto the field in his shinguards and cleats, wearing his little army backpack packed with water, sunscreen, and a snack, my heart took a picture (and okay, my camera may have taken a few too).

He didn't even look back.  In that moment, he didn't need me.  He had enough confidence to head into this adventure all by himself.  And while I would have expected that to make heart ache a little, I was really just proud and so excited for him...excited as he starts this new stage in his life full of new experiences where he can develop his interests and talents.

Isn't that my job, to give my children the skills and confidence to stand on their own?  And while he is only four, and this was only a little soccer camp, it was nice to see that we are on the right track.  And I felt even better when one the third day he couldn't wait to report that he had shared his snack with a little girl who didn't have one.  I'd like to believe that it was an act of service, but I also think it didn't hurt that she was a pretty girl. :-)

While Jake had a great time at soccer camp, I enjoyed some one on one time with my crazy James.  Even though he was devastated each day we left Jake at soccer camp, it was fun to get to spend the mornings with him.  We played peek-a-boo in the curtains at Target, read books at the library, and even made it through an antique store without breaking anything.  Oh my little Bubba, life would be so boring with out you.

Date Day WIth My Bubba

Until today I wondered...worried even, that I would never be able to watch musical theater without the sharp twinge of jealousy creeping in.  It makes me physically uncomfortable to watch (even on TV) people do what I once loved to do so much myself.  But today, only three notes into the overture of Click Clack Moo, I found out it was possible.

The music started just as Jake and I were were getting to our seats.  The lights were already down in the house and I could only see the outline of Jake's profile reflecting the stage lights.  He was frozen, eyes transfixed on the stage.  It took me three or four attempts just to get his attention long enough for him to take the last several steps to our seats.

As we settled in, I looked down...I saw just what my mom had described about me so many years ago.  Jake was perched at the edge of his seat, back ridged at attention, and eyes wide.  He hung on every word...every note.  He laughed at all the silly parts, clapped enthusiastically after every song (I think he even started the applause once or twice), and couldn't help move to the music.  Then he climbed into my lap and snuggled in, and as I wrapped my arms around him, it happened.  Finally, I found a place in the theater I liked even more then the stage.

At intermission, we walked into the lobby hand in hand and I asked, "How do you like it so far?" "I think it is great!" Jake beamed up at me.  And it was...a great show, a great "date" with my baby boy, and a great reminder that as much as I loved (and often miss) performing, it was the not the life for me.  I am where I belong.

Ended our date with a trip to Cracker Barrel...pancakes and a parfait...4 year old heaven :-)

True sign of a great day...

Looks like James had a pretty great day too...Thanks Aunt Robyn!

Don't get me wrong.  I don't think I'll start watching Glee anytime soon, but I am excited to share the love of my past life with the true loves of my new one.