School has started for our now four-year old! Tre started his Pre-K on Wednesday and has really enjoyed his first couple days so far!
Wednesday was just a short hour-long day where Tre got to meet his teacher and fellow classmates. Mrs. Holtson is his teacher's name, and apparently she's a favorite of all the Pre-K teachers! At the parents' meeting Tuesday night she explained some of the class procedures: as soon as Tre gets to class he gets to choose where to spend his free-play time and what kind of drink he'll get at snack time. He really likes this and was telling me on Wednesday how he was gonna get to play space guys on Thursday! (apparently that's one of the free-play stations)
On Thursday his table was the helper table and Tre got to turn off the light in the classroom and close the door behind them. Tre loves helping... and so this made his first day really special! And on Friday it was Tre's turn to take the snack bucket in; the children each have a turn to provide snacks for the class, and Tre especially loves this part of going to school! He's still learning his classmates names, for now we only know Gracie because she was in his class last year. But I know as he spends more time with them daily he'll open up more and learn more names.
As Tre has been at school Colin and Emma have been hanging at home with me. Emma is still discovering rolling over and entertaining herself with toys, so Colin and I have been able to really spend some time together. We play blocks, puzzles, and roll/throw a ball around. I think he really enjoys having all my attention. I was kinda nervous about him being upset with Tre & TJ leaving without him, but luckily the transition has gone well. He starts school on Tuesday, so hopefully that will all go well too!!
New and exciting stuff is coming the next couple of weeks: Tre has his four-year old Dr. check-up, and his soccer stuff should start-up soon. I'll be sure to keep you all updated!
-Jo
Friday, August 21, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Tre's Party
Well our little boy is growing up!! We celebrated Tre's 4th birthday today with a SpiderMan party! And we had a blast!!
For decorations I went a little crazy! We used streamers to make a webbed ceiling in our TV room; the kids loved that! Our friend, Shelly, drew a SpiderMan on our easel w/ a Happy Birthday Tre sign. And then we created a little web/SpiderMan guy right in entrance-way hall, so when Tre came home with TJ from getting SpiderMan balloons he was bombarded with SpiderMan stuff! He was a little overwhelmed!!
For our first game we went outside and put on SpiderMan masks and had a silly string fight (it was our "web", get it?!) The adults had fun!! The kids... not so much. Colin just stood next to the patio couch out of the way, and Tre started in the game with us, but got too upset with the mess and started crying. Oh well...
The next game was a pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey type game. We had SpiderMan stickers to put on a SpiderMan poster with bad guys around him. If you put a sticker on a bad guy you got points. But the boys just basically liked putting the stickers on SpiderMan, they didn't quite get the point of the game. Oh well...
We moved onto presents. Tre got a "The Flash" T-Shirt ("The Flash" is a superhero that runs really fast, we thought this was appropriate since Tre says his superpower is running fast!), a soccer ball (we signed him up to play in the Sonshine Soccer league starting soon!), UNO, and a Toy Story marker coloring book. And in his card he got $5 Davis Dollars (he was really excited about that!) Then came more games... Tre played Wii with Bryan Geer, Ben, and Shelly. And we pulled out an inflatable jumpy toy that Colin had a blast with. So we basically spent the rest of the evening with those two games, and had dinner & dessert too!
We took some video, which TJ says he'll post sometime, somewhere. Clear as mud, right? Anyway, Tre's actual birthday is Tuesday so we'll continue the celebrations then with a pizza night and maybe even a movie! Then we've got six weeks until Colin's birthday! But I'm sure I'll post some more craziness from the yellow house before then!!
-Jo
For decorations I went a little crazy! We used streamers to make a webbed ceiling in our TV room; the kids loved that! Our friend, Shelly, drew a SpiderMan on our easel w/ a Happy Birthday Tre sign. And then we created a little web/SpiderMan guy right in entrance-way hall, so when Tre came home with TJ from getting SpiderMan balloons he was bombarded with SpiderMan stuff! He was a little overwhelmed!!
For our first game we went outside and put on SpiderMan masks and had a silly string fight (it was our "web", get it?!) The adults had fun!! The kids... not so much. Colin just stood next to the patio couch out of the way, and Tre started in the game with us, but got too upset with the mess and started crying. Oh well...
The next game was a pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey type game. We had SpiderMan stickers to put on a SpiderMan poster with bad guys around him. If you put a sticker on a bad guy you got points. But the boys just basically liked putting the stickers on SpiderMan, they didn't quite get the point of the game. Oh well...
We moved onto presents. Tre got a "The Flash" T-Shirt ("The Flash" is a superhero that runs really fast, we thought this was appropriate since Tre says his superpower is running fast!), a soccer ball (we signed him up to play in the Sonshine Soccer league starting soon!), UNO, and a Toy Story marker coloring book. And in his card he got $5 Davis Dollars (he was really excited about that!) Then came more games... Tre played Wii with Bryan Geer, Ben, and Shelly. And we pulled out an inflatable jumpy toy that Colin had a blast with. So we basically spent the rest of the evening with those two games, and had dinner & dessert too!
We took some video, which TJ says he'll post sometime, somewhere. Clear as mud, right? Anyway, Tre's actual birthday is Tuesday so we'll continue the celebrations then with a pizza night and maybe even a movie! Then we've got six weeks until Colin's birthday! But I'm sure I'll post some more craziness from the yellow house before then!!
-Jo
Friday, July 31, 2009
Roley-Poley
Emma is mobile!! It's official!! She rolled over yesterday for the very first time, and then kept on going! She can go from back to belly, and back over! And now that she's discovered this new trick she tries to roll over everywhere! In the highchair, on the changing table... we think she's just showing off! But it's pretty cool to have her rolling!!
In the last blog I mentioned some projects that my mom and I would be working on while she's in town - we're basically painting the master bathroom and kitchen. And now that we have all the supplies we'll be getting those done over the weekend after we put the kids to bed. But it's not all work while Oma is in town; today we're celebrating Tre's birthday! We've already been to the book store (where he picked out a really cool 'Cars' book), the museum (where we also fed the ducks) and had lunch and a movie (101 Dalmations)! Tonight we're opening Oma's gifts to Tre, having pizza for dinner, and then cupcakes! That's just what I need... cupcakes to help keep me awake so I can paint!!
- Jo
In the last blog I mentioned some projects that my mom and I would be working on while she's in town - we're basically painting the master bathroom and kitchen. And now that we have all the supplies we'll be getting those done over the weekend after we put the kids to bed. But it's not all work while Oma is in town; today we're celebrating Tre's birthday! We've already been to the book store (where he picked out a really cool 'Cars' book), the museum (where we also fed the ducks) and had lunch and a movie (101 Dalmations)! Tonight we're opening Oma's gifts to Tre, having pizza for dinner, and then cupcakes! That's just what I need... cupcakes to help keep me awake so I can paint!!
- Jo
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Summa- Summa- Summa'time!
It's been awhile since I've blogged - I think this is the first since we've been home. We really enjoyed our time in Florida, but there's nothing like being home!!
The past couple of weeks we've basically been playing. Tre was back to playing Wii practically everyday; but he is now having scheduled playtimes. And soon the Wii will be available only through Davis dollars. Davis dollars is something I heard another family do that is basically in-home currency to teach kids how to manage money and earn rewards for doing special jobs around the house. TJ and I had talked about doing this as our form of allowance, we just weren't sure when to start the process. Well I guess the magical age is four!! Tre is turning four in August, so we decided that would be a great time to start. He'll have normal chores that he must do everyday (help clean his room, put shoes away, etc.) that he'll only get Davis dollars at the end of the week if he does all his chores everyday. But he can also earn more Davis dollars by doing special jobs (helping mom with laundry, helping dad with yard, etc.) that he can get whenever he goes above and beyond. The Rewards that he can buy with Davis dollars will include: movie night; playing Wii; special snack; date with Mommy/Daddy. We're going to sort of break the system in with Tre, and hopefully by the time the other kids turn four we'll have it down pat! But we're really excited about starting the Davis dollars!
Colin is talking so much more; even more so than when we were in Florida. Once we got home he's started saying: light, beep beep (for car), you (while signing thank you), please, E-O (for Eeyore), key, side (for outside)... it's just crazy how much more he's talking! And speaking of talking... Emma is a little chatter-box! There was one morning that TJ noticed Emma said more before 10am than Colin would probably say all day!! She just babbles and babbles! And the other day TJ had his mom on the phone, and when Emma heard her voice she tried to grab the phone! I said it was a girl's natural instinct!!
Anyway, that's all I can think of for now. Oma comes up tomorrow to help with kids while TJ is doing a Disciple Now event in Alex City (about an hour north of Montgomery). We're planning on doing some projects around the house (that will have to be for another blog) and celebrating Tre's birthdy with a special Grandma day (his real party will be the weekend before his actual birthday). So now that we're home and settled in I'll try to do better to update everyone on the craziness of the yellow house! Love to all!
-Jo
The past couple of weeks we've basically been playing. Tre was back to playing Wii practically everyday; but he is now having scheduled playtimes. And soon the Wii will be available only through Davis dollars. Davis dollars is something I heard another family do that is basically in-home currency to teach kids how to manage money and earn rewards for doing special jobs around the house. TJ and I had talked about doing this as our form of allowance, we just weren't sure when to start the process. Well I guess the magical age is four!! Tre is turning four in August, so we decided that would be a great time to start. He'll have normal chores that he must do everyday (help clean his room, put shoes away, etc.) that he'll only get Davis dollars at the end of the week if he does all his chores everyday. But he can also earn more Davis dollars by doing special jobs (helping mom with laundry, helping dad with yard, etc.) that he can get whenever he goes above and beyond. The Rewards that he can buy with Davis dollars will include: movie night; playing Wii; special snack; date with Mommy/Daddy. We're going to sort of break the system in with Tre, and hopefully by the time the other kids turn four we'll have it down pat! But we're really excited about starting the Davis dollars!
Colin is talking so much more; even more so than when we were in Florida. Once we got home he's started saying: light, beep beep (for car), you (while signing thank you), please, E-O (for Eeyore), key, side (for outside)... it's just crazy how much more he's talking! And speaking of talking... Emma is a little chatter-box! There was one morning that TJ noticed Emma said more before 10am than Colin would probably say all day!! She just babbles and babbles! And the other day TJ had his mom on the phone, and when Emma heard her voice she tried to grab the phone! I said it was a girl's natural instinct!!
Anyway, that's all I can think of for now. Oma comes up tomorrow to help with kids while TJ is doing a Disciple Now event in Alex City (about an hour north of Montgomery). We're planning on doing some projects around the house (that will have to be for another blog) and celebrating Tre's birthdy with a special Grandma day (his real party will be the weekend before his actual birthday). So now that we're home and settled in I'll try to do better to update everyone on the craziness of the yellow house! Love to all!
-Jo
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Note to TJ - July 4th
The kids and I celebrated the holiday by swimming - a lot!!
First we went to your grandpa's house and went swimming with the Smith familiy and Stacy kids. It was really good to see Travis and Amy, but I didn't get a chance to visit with them too much cause I was busy with kids. Hopefully we'll get a chance while we're both in town. But Tre did great jumping & swimming, and Colin was fascinated by the gnomes around the pool!
We went back to the Ruhle house where the party started sometime during our naptime. We basically did our normal schedule with snacks & playtime with the party going on around us. I had several comments about Tre's vocabulary and how outstanding it is! And people loved seeing Colin dance and of course commented about his eyes! Emma was squeeking away as usual, and people were convinced she was telling them something (which I'm sure she was!). Overall it was a pretty normal day, just filled with more swimming and more people around!
Bobby & Uncle Roger were in charge of fireworks, which is always interesting to witness. You never know what's gonna happen with those two around! Luckily the kids slept through it all... amazingly enough cause they had some mortars going off - and they were loud!!
So it was a good holiday! Not sure what the plans are for tomorrow; I guess we'll just see what the day brings!
- Jo
First we went to your grandpa's house and went swimming with the Smith familiy and Stacy kids. It was really good to see Travis and Amy, but I didn't get a chance to visit with them too much cause I was busy with kids. Hopefully we'll get a chance while we're both in town. But Tre did great jumping & swimming, and Colin was fascinated by the gnomes around the pool!
We went back to the Ruhle house where the party started sometime during our naptime. We basically did our normal schedule with snacks & playtime with the party going on around us. I had several comments about Tre's vocabulary and how outstanding it is! And people loved seeing Colin dance and of course commented about his eyes! Emma was squeeking away as usual, and people were convinced she was telling them something (which I'm sure she was!). Overall it was a pretty normal day, just filled with more swimming and more people around!
Bobby & Uncle Roger were in charge of fireworks, which is always interesting to witness. You never know what's gonna happen with those two around! Luckily the kids slept through it all... amazingly enough cause they had some mortars going off - and they were loud!!
So it was a good holiday! Not sure what the plans are for tomorrow; I guess we'll just see what the day brings!
- Jo
Friday, July 3, 2009
Note to TJ - Silliness!
Today was a silly day! And you know our kids... so you know just how silly they can be. Well, if their normal silly is like a 4 on any given day, today it was a 7!! But we had lots of fun, and it was a great day!!
We ran errands this morning with Oma: first to Target where we tried to get Tre a belt but couldn't find any small enough. Then to the dry cleaners where Oma tried to drop off a curtain, but they don't clean curtains so it didn't work out so great.... but while we were there Tre and I decided that it was the clothes cleaning store (to go along with the food store, belt store... you know how he is). We ended the outing with a trip to the park, where we decided to use the curtain as a blanket for Emma to sit on while the boys played. I think this is where our silliness started. Tre and Colin were running around, Papa Calvin brought Daisy up to visit, and we just had a generally great time - you know, being silly.
The funniest thing was the car-ride home from the park! We were dancing to all our favorite dance songs in the car, and teasing the kids about not having any nuggets or fries at Donald's. And I kept saying, "we will not tolerate silliness in this family" - but in a silly voice, while being silly. It was funny! I think we wore ourselves out cause we all had a good nap/rest time afterwards!!
Uncle Brian & Aunt Heather were back over to help with preperations for tomorrow's party. And the boys were really helpful too! The three of us were window washers: Tre squirted the Windex, I used the squegee (or however you spell that), and Colin had the paper towels to clean up the spots I missed. It was pretty awesome teamwork (you could practically hear the Wonder Pets theme song!!) They also helped Oma pick-up flower trimmings outside and clean the front walkway. As a reward they got to go swimming! But I think they wore themselves out cause they were in bed by 7:40, and I haven't heard a peep from them since!
We miss you lots! I'm glad we got to talk to you on the phone some tonight. We'll have to do that again before you go off to camp! Love you!
- Jo
We ran errands this morning with Oma: first to Target where we tried to get Tre a belt but couldn't find any small enough. Then to the dry cleaners where Oma tried to drop off a curtain, but they don't clean curtains so it didn't work out so great.... but while we were there Tre and I decided that it was the clothes cleaning store (to go along with the food store, belt store... you know how he is). We ended the outing with a trip to the park, where we decided to use the curtain as a blanket for Emma to sit on while the boys played. I think this is where our silliness started. Tre and Colin were running around, Papa Calvin brought Daisy up to visit, and we just had a generally great time - you know, being silly.
The funniest thing was the car-ride home from the park! We were dancing to all our favorite dance songs in the car, and teasing the kids about not having any nuggets or fries at Donald's. And I kept saying, "we will not tolerate silliness in this family" - but in a silly voice, while being silly. It was funny! I think we wore ourselves out cause we all had a good nap/rest time afterwards!!
Uncle Brian & Aunt Heather were back over to help with preperations for tomorrow's party. And the boys were really helpful too! The three of us were window washers: Tre squirted the Windex, I used the squegee (or however you spell that), and Colin had the paper towels to clean up the spots I missed. It was pretty awesome teamwork (you could practically hear the Wonder Pets theme song!!) They also helped Oma pick-up flower trimmings outside and clean the front walkway. As a reward they got to go swimming! But I think they wore themselves out cause they were in bed by 7:40, and I haven't heard a peep from them since!
We miss you lots! I'm glad we got to talk to you on the phone some tonight. We'll have to do that again before you go off to camp! Love you!
- Jo
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Note to TJ - Friends & Family
So today was a pretty good day. We started the day off reading comics at the breakfast table - the boys and I - it was a Kodak moment (which, of course, Oma got!)
Then the kids and I played in the morning before going to lunch with the Kittle & Lloyd families. Everyone was laughing at the boys singing "Boom Boom Pow" and loving on Emma while she was trying to take her nap. While we were there we told everyone about all of our super powers, and Tre gave Ray the power to sing (good choice, huh?) and Brenda the power to drive (but I'm not sure why...) Anyway, we had a great time and it was so good to see everyone and catch up while we were all in town!
After lunch we had nap/rest time. Colin & Tre did great, but Emma was not in the mood to be in her bed. I guess with so many people holding her at lunch she still wanted to be in someone's arms even at home. After nap Heather Ruhle came over and visited with us! She was walking around with Emma waiting for Brian to show up cause she wasn't use to carrying a baby for so long and wanted to tag out! But I ended up tagging her cause it was time for Emma's bottle. Then Brian showed up in time for dinner and playing with the boys; he even watched bathtime and was laughing at our crazy boys in the bath!
Overall, it was a pretty good day... except with the sad news that TJ's grandma, Jean Fisher, passed away today. She was a great lady; I'll remember her smile, and her sitting at the table playing cards or just talking with everyone. For the past two weeks her family has been by her side caring for her and saying goodbye. She passed peacefully in a room filled with memories, pictures on every wall. When I went by today I was amazed at this incredible family who, in their grief, were still taking care of one another: Jan was reminding Grandpa to take care of his breathing medicine (or something like that), Heather was getting travel arrangements for you, Corin was taking care of Ma - who was taking care of everyone, and I was offering to help with the service. It was really cool seeing everything in action: everyone pulling what we do best in the real world for this familial situation. I am very proud to be part of such a family... and I know Grandma Jean was too! We'll miss you Grandma!
More to come...
- Jo
Then the kids and I played in the morning before going to lunch with the Kittle & Lloyd families. Everyone was laughing at the boys singing "Boom Boom Pow" and loving on Emma while she was trying to take her nap. While we were there we told everyone about all of our super powers, and Tre gave Ray the power to sing (good choice, huh?) and Brenda the power to drive (but I'm not sure why...) Anyway, we had a great time and it was so good to see everyone and catch up while we were all in town!
After lunch we had nap/rest time. Colin & Tre did great, but Emma was not in the mood to be in her bed. I guess with so many people holding her at lunch she still wanted to be in someone's arms even at home. After nap Heather Ruhle came over and visited with us! She was walking around with Emma waiting for Brian to show up cause she wasn't use to carrying a baby for so long and wanted to tag out! But I ended up tagging her cause it was time for Emma's bottle. Then Brian showed up in time for dinner and playing with the boys; he even watched bathtime and was laughing at our crazy boys in the bath!
Overall, it was a pretty good day... except with the sad news that TJ's grandma, Jean Fisher, passed away today. She was a great lady; I'll remember her smile, and her sitting at the table playing cards or just talking with everyone. For the past two weeks her family has been by her side caring for her and saying goodbye. She passed peacefully in a room filled with memories, pictures on every wall. When I went by today I was amazed at this incredible family who, in their grief, were still taking care of one another: Jan was reminding Grandpa to take care of his breathing medicine (or something like that), Heather was getting travel arrangements for you, Corin was taking care of Ma - who was taking care of everyone, and I was offering to help with the service. It was really cool seeing everything in action: everyone pulling what we do best in the real world for this familial situation. I am very proud to be part of such a family... and I know Grandma Jean was too! We'll miss you Grandma!
More to come...
- Jo
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