FYI

I will post our Christmas day events when we get back from Gulfport tomorrow.

Saying Yes

Jacob was playing around with max's fishing pole and I asked him dad said he could play with it (typically, no). Jacob's response, "He said, 'hahaha!' when I showed him." I guess max wasn't paying too much attention when Jacob told him to look at what he could do with the pole. (It is hard when he asks us to watch him or 'come and see' constantly.) Jacob took his courtesy laugh as a 'yes, you may play with my off-limits fishing pole even if you didn't ask'. Max thought Jacob's assumption was witty and earned him the chance to play with it for a little bit. Oh, that boy!

Christmas Eve

Our Christmas Eve dinner was great. We had both cheese and chocolate fondue. We had various things to dip in each and we all left satisfied. Jacob loved the chocolate and wanted to dip everything in it. Just love the little "beard" it gave him on his chin.



 Before Jacob went to bed, we read the Christmas story. Actually, we looked at pictures and Jacob told us all about the events in the Christ's birth. I was surprised at what he understood and recalled from past conversations and Primary lessons. We decided to sing a few "fun" Christmas songs but Jacob just wanted to snuggle with his blanket and blue dog. After Max and I sang two songs Jacob decided it was time for bed. It was only 7:45. He was even too tired to remember his request that morning to put out cookies for Santa.

For his bedtime story we read Buddy's book which reminded Jacob that he would be going back to the North Pole. Jacob was so upset that his friend had to go. He had tears in his eyes and his lip stuck out. It was heartbreaking.

The last time Jacob saw Buddy he was in our tree holding a picutre ornament he made at playschool.

After he fell asleep, I set up the cookies with a note. I poured eggnog instead of milk because that is what I wanted to drink. I didn't eat the cookies but just put a few crumbs on the plate and put the cookies back in the package. (Before I left for the store that morning, Jacob asked if I could get cookies for Santa. I decided to get blue because all during this season Jacob has been so frustrated that he can only choose from red or green. He needed something blue for this holiday.)

Jacob noticed this right away after he woke up. We read the note and he wondered why Santa didn't eat the crumbs. Max had to explain that he didn't have time because he had to get to other kids' houses.

Christmas Decor

Just thought I would post some picts of how I decorated some of our abode this season. Most things I made, spray painted, got a garage sales, covered, etc.

 

This is the original wood word that we use to hang our stockings. I decided to change it up.

It looks like metalic letters now and much more decorative. It was fun to redo and I even developed it mostly on my own.

This wreath hangs on our door outside and is made with a pool noodle, ribbon, and garage sale berries.

Flowers made of felt.

This is one of the only pictures I got of our tree. I love him standing in front of it looking at his elf.

Halloween

Cute Dorothy, Pirate, and Princess attempting to pose at the same time.

I decided to finally post our Halloween picts. Our friend took them because my camera's battery died. I kept forgetting to ask him for them.

The most huggable pirate ever!!

Posing in someone's yard that wasn't home.

The kids kept knocking on this door because there was a lady standing there telling them to go away and they wanted candy. Strange.

An adult tried to go to every door so they wouldn't knock and ring like crazy.

Trapper

We were playing outside today and two squirrels were aggressively chasing each other. Jacob ran in and got two storage containers, determined that he was going to catch one. After a while of trying, I asked him what he was going to do when he caught one. (It would never happen but I imagined a lot of screaming, panic, and squirrels flying everywhere.) After he explained that he would bring it into our apartment, he began screaming and running one squirrel got too close.

Elf on the Shelf

So, our new elf friend, Buddy (Jacob named him), has been having fun in our home these last few days. The first morning after he came back from the North Pole Jacob found him climbing the tree with his new hat on his head.

Jacob was sooooooooo excited about him. He talked about him all day long. Part way through the day Max moved Buddy without Jacob knowing and put him lounging with his hands behind his head. Jacob freaked out with excitement that Buddy had moved and that he didn't see him. At one point in the day he stood behind the tree facing away from Buddy and peeking at him from the corner of his eyes. He said that he wasn't looking at him and he was trying to see if he could catch him moving. It was hilarious. Today Jacob found him playing with some marshmallows and a truck. After church he found him hanging from the kitchen light fixture. Jacob found a basket and started telling us all about how he was going to trap Buddy under it. Max had to remind him that Buddy can hear everything he says and he won't be fooled into his trap now. It is all too funny and fun for us. The first night Buddy had to report to the North Pole that Jacob wasn't nice but the next day Jacob told me that Buddy was going to tell Santa that night that he was "very good all day!" Hmmmmm, I need to figure out where he will be found tomorrow morning!

Jinx

I have not said anything about Jacob's progress in certain areas because I didn't want to Jinx it. Of course, he is day potty trained and we are working on the night. But in addition, he knows when he needs help wiping. This is a little graphic but he can tell when it is a messy one or just a fairly easy clean-up. Oh, we have had our mishaps including 2 clogged toilets (one flooding the bathroom because water ran slowly over for about an hour) and a soiled shirt, but other than that things have gone smoothly. He liked hearing about how when I was a little kid and I would call out, "Mom, I'm done!" and grandma JoAnn (never grandpa) would come help me clean up.

Another area that he has progressed in is his tantrums or throwing of fits. We had a behavior chart around Spring and after he earned a few of the rewards he didn't need it anymore. Around his birthday time we had some tough times but since then he has began to learn that he has choices he can make and rules that he needs to follow. Sometimes he will tell me a rule that he has made up, like "I can watch TV and not go to bed. That is the rule, mom." He still likes to challenge us but we are not at wits end as much as we used to be. Now you know why I don't want to Jinx this new found maturity in him. Playschool has really helped and just growing up has helped too. He has dome something a few times that is funny is also disrespectful. He will be doing something he isn't supposed to do and I will look at him with a 'you aren't supposed to be doing that' look. He explains himself and then says, "Mom, don't look like this (he will mimic my face) at me!!" It is so hard not to laugh but I contain myself and make sure he understands that it is not ok to say that to his mother or father. What a fun time it is to be Jacob's mother and father. We do love him so much and enjoy him!!

What?

When I got my birthday card from Annalisa and Mike, Jacob said, "Where is my birthday card?" I had to remind him of his card and money he got on his birthday and what he bought with it. He was ok with that but seemed to be put out still. He is continuing to learn about birthdays and giving gifts.

When JoAnn and Ken's birthday/Christmas package came to the door he was soooooo excited! He said, "Is is Scentsy?" even though I had just told him who it was from and what it was for. Silly boy! That is usually the packages we receive. When he saw the box he yells, "Alright!! We got popcorn!!!" He was disappointed to learn that wasn't what was in the box. He cheered up when he saw presents and after I opened my birthday card he was ready to dig in to his Christmas gift. Again, disappointment ran through him when we explained that it had to be placed under the tree, unopened for another 10 days. This is the very reason we have not put any other gifts under the tree, or told him that Nonna and Papa sent some too. Man, Christmas sure is tough for a 4 year old!! (And his parents!)

Tis the Season

This Christmas with Jacob has been quite comical. We have decided that he gets to pick out us each a gift for us from him. While brainstorming he wanted to give us pizza, donuts, sandwiches, and Pepsi. He started talking to dad about what he was going to give him and I had to remind him that is was a surprise and he couldn't talk about it. Just after that I started talking to dad about Christmas and Jacob started chewing me out and told me it was a secret. Later, he decided to give his daddy Lego's  (they can play together for hours) and we went to the store to get some. All through the store I had to remind him that they were for his dad, that he needed to keep it a surprise, and that dad had to wait to open them until Christmas day.  We went to pick him up from work and Jacob kept talking about how he was going to help dad open his gift. He let the word "Lego" slip and immediately stopped and corrected himself. It was so funny and Max and I couldn't help but laugh.

We took him to Bass Pro Shop with the intent of seeing Santa. Dispite all the preparations he held his ground and chose not to even talk to Santa, let alone sit on his lap. We did enjoy playing with the shooting games, etc. that they had there. Before we left we picked up an "Elf on the Shelf" book and doll to start a new tradition. Basically the book tells about your "adopted" Elf and how he watches the child/children during the day and then when they are sleeping he goes back to the North Pole to report to Santa whether they have been naughty or nice. Then, before the child awakes, the Elf comes back and gets into a little mischief. The child then wakes up and has to find him. This goes on until Christmas Eve when he goes back to the North Pole until next Christmas season. When Jacob learned about all this he was excited but then became sad because he didn't want Buddy (that is what he named his Elf) to go away. :)

Update #2

Jacob did not have playschool the week of Thanksgiving and I knew that he would need something to do. Tuesday and Wednesday he had friends over for a few hours. Dylan came over on Tuesday and they had so much fun. They are best friends at playschool and Jacob was so excited to have him over.

On Wednesday his friend Jonathan came over. He is about a year older than him and quite a bit taller but they enjoy each other at church.  (We went to Jonathan's birthay party a few weeks ago but Jacob was not feeling very well and basically stood back and watched everyone play, poor guy.) I arranged for Jonathan to come over but didn't let Jacob know. About 5 minutes before, I asked he to get his clothes on. He asked where we were going but I just kept saying it was a surprise. When Jonathan got here he yelled and screamed for joy and said to him, "Jonathan, you are my surprise!" They had lots of fun as well.

Jacob pretending to be dead during a super hero sword fight. He said, "Look at me momma, he died me!"

Both of them died on the sidewalk in front of our apartment.

Playing super heroes with swords.

Update #1

We have been busy here. Well, actually, I have. I will try to catch up on our goings on the best that I can. Jacob and I are currently watching "Elf" and I am having to stop and explain things. He is such a question asker.
We had a great thanksgiving day. We were invited to our bishop's house when they found out we couldn't go to Idaho for the holiday. It was a beautiful day, 70* and sunny. We had wonderful food and everyone loved the rolls I made. They had about 20 people there. Jacob enjoyed playing with Abby, their 11 year old. She is so good with him and he just loves her. He prays for her and the Sanders family at night. Jacob also played with their little dachshund and picked satsumas from their tree. We laid in their hammock on their enclosed porch and chewed the fat with our down-to-earth bishop. It was an enjoyable day!
I tried to get a picture of a beautiful fall day here on one of my favorite neighborhood streets but these pictures doesn't do it justice. There are leaves everywhere on the ground but still lots of green.

Letters

Jacob yells at me from the other room "Hey mom, I am an x!!!" This is what I found. (Sorry about the underwear!)

Jacob loves one of our friend's 9 month old, Grayson. He was playing with him at church and our friend asked him what letter Grayson's name starts with. Jacob thought for only a second and said, "G!" He is getting so good at identifying beginning letters.  

Funnies

Jacob was playing on my phone. Max grabbed one of his capes, put it on and started running around the house.
"daddy, you have my cape on?"
"its cuz i am superman & you are batman."
Not even looking up he replies "well, batman is busy playing his game."

I was making rice krispy treats and Jacob was getting very excited. He started dancing around and singing "rice Krispy treats, rice krispy treats" to the tune of "oh Christmas tree". He takes after his dad in changing lyrics to songs.

Jacob has been telling "jokes" lately. "why did the chicken and ant cross the road? Because it was too far." what? I just think it is cute that he thinks whatever he says is funny and he laughs and laughs.

A couple of times we have pulled into our apartment complex and Jacob states, "sweet home, sweet home!" it is so cute and he is so glad to be home. I have no idea where he gets some of the things he says.

Potty Project

Jacob earned a Transformer (Bumble Bee) for pooping in the toilet. It only took him 3 days to finally get it. We set it up on the counter right in front of him so he could stare at it while "trying" to go. The pressure :) finally got to him and he performed for dad while mom was at enrichment. He was so excited and his reward has been his pride and joy ever since.

After 4 days of torture and many, many, many trips to the bathroom he decided to finally go again. Of course, this was only after I resorted to a reward (bribe) of getting ice cream. He only decided to push after he confirmed with me that we would go to an actual ice cream shop. What a bargainer. He covers all the bases. We ended up going to TCBY and he got chocolate with a sprinkle cone. By the time he was finished he was even messier than the picutre, but boy was he proud. I made sure he knew we weren't always going for ice cream.  He ended up going 3 more times that night, easily!! Hopefully he won't wait for such a long time to decide to go again.

Decor

I thought I would post a picture of some faux wroght iron I made for our apartment. I have recieved several compliments on these squares and then I explain that I made them. At first they wonder if I welded them or whatever. No, then I explain they are made out of toilet paper tubes, some balsa wood for the frames, and metal spray paint. They cost me about $2 each to make. I really enjoyed making them and I am looking for another excuse make some (or some other faux wroght iron) again. I have them stuck up on the wall with sticky tack. I am not sure why the picture shows the wall as pink but it is totally white. The other day Jacob said that we really needed to paint some of our walls a new color and was very upset when we explained that our apartment people won't let us. Too funny!

Amusing Things

I have collected a few of Jacob's funny things that he has said lately.
Max and Jacob were talking about being born and he said, "Where were you born dad? Texas?" No idea where Texas came from.
Jacob asked me if he could use our BSU snuggie while he played on the computer. I said, "Sure, let me go get it." He said, "Where is it momma? In the blanket isle?" I think he goes to the grocery store with me too much.
He saw a picture of a man looking at a house. He said, "Momma, is he the wise man?" "The wise man?" "Yes, the wise man, he builds the house." "Oh, you mean from the song 'The wise man built his house upon the rock'?" "Yeah, so he is the wise man."

Potty Progress



Here is an idea Jacob had to help him feel better about going in the potty. He thought it would be good to catch it on the TP. Anything, if it will work. At least it was easily flushable and no mess. It really didn't help him much but maybe it helped him feel better in the long run.

I think we have hit a breakthrough!! Max says we poisoned our son (he's joking) but I finally gave him some milk of magnesia after 3 days of not going. He wasn't constipated but we wouldn't let him have a pull-up and he was still too afraid of going. I put the laxative in his hot chocolate and he drank the whole thing. I tried in juice before and he hated it. So we stayed home all Friday and he begged for a pull-up. We tried every way to get him to feel comfortable with pooping on the toilet. Finally, he was sitting at the computer on his potty on the chair and he couldn't stop it from coming. I sat next to him and with all the yelling and screaming (he said it make him feel better even though it didn't hurt) I felt like a Lamaze coach. After that first time it has been all down hill. Of course, he has had plenty of opportunity to practice with the help of the laxative. Only gave it to him the one time but now we are having him eat rice, bananas, and toast as well as yogurt to get him balanced again. He is actually very proud of himself and says that now he is a big boy! All I know is that by Friday afternoon I had had it and told Max I needed a break from the house and potty training. He was so understandably demanding and high maintenance all day and I needed a time out. What an intense experience but I think the wort is over! He will be a pro by the time he is regular.

Out of Sight Out of Mind

Trick-or-treating was fun for us. We went with some friends in their neighborhood. It was a small one and only 3 other families were there. Needless to say, the kids were getting handfuls. And it was the good candy. Between that and the trunk or treat Jacob got loads of candy. This picture is about 3/4 of it because we ate some :) luckily I put it away 2 days later and we have all forgotten about it. I plan on using most of the chocolate for future baked goods and the suckers and chews for when we go shopping. Jacob's never been much of a candy kid, except for chocolate. Hummmmmm. Wonder where he gets that from?

Our Weekend

Friday night Jacob woke around 11pm complaining of a tummy ache even though he hadn't eaten much Halloween candy. He ended up throwing up twice that night. The next morning he said he was fine and seemed to be back to his old self. I took him to a friend's birthday party where he just sat on the swing looking sad. Jacob didn't want to do any of the activities or play. He did eat a little but I ended up taking him home early. He laid around all day but tried to play here and there. By the end of the night he seemed himself and today he was just fine. Just had a touch of something. Wish he could have enjoyed the party more. He was so excited to give his friend his gift. After I made his friend these capes Jacob instantly wanted his own set as well.  They were simple to make (an XL t-shirt, felt, heat-n-bond, and Velcro) and I am almost done with his.

Max had to work today so Jacob and I went to church by ourselves. He gave a talk in primary on prayer which I made pictures for the night before and prepped him at stop lights on the way to church. He enjoys giving talks but I was afraid he would try to recite his presentation part from last week. He did a good job. We have a RS meeting coming up which I am in charge of. I will be glad when it is over but then the Christmas on follows it.  

We have had wonderful weather this last week. 50's at night and 70's during the day! Love it!!!! Friday it was in the 60's all day and people were wearing coats and long pants. I, on the other hand, was wearing my summer clothes and felt completely normal (although I was getting looks as if I were crazy!)

The Last Week

We have been trudging along this week. Yesterday we signed all the papers to sell our house and are overnighting them today and hopefully have our house all sold by Monday!! What a blessing and we can't wait!!

We had our ward's truck-or-treat last night and it was tons of fun!! Didn't get pictures but we will take some before we go trick-or-treating on Monday. They will just be a repeat with a few minor changes because we were all pirates again. Jacob's costume from 2 years ago still fit him and he was obsessed with being a pirate. He is so into it this year and added many accessories.  We had to tweak our costumes a little for growth (including Max and me, oops!) and for weather. It was 75 degrees at night. We had a lot of fun and people loved our family costumes.

When we came home last night there was a Gecko running up our door frame. When we opened the door he ran in and ran across our floor. It was funny and Jacob wanted to keep him in our house. Luckly they don't run as fast as lizards and I was able to pick him up and set him outside.

I talked to Celeste on Tuesday. She had a great time on their honeymoon but her first week back she had to adjust quickly. She is still packing up her home and trying to make Rich's home her own. She is enjoying her new family and the children are bonding with her well. They will be waiting a few years to have children but are starting to think about looking for a new home.

Jacob had his Halloween party at playschool today. We forgot parts of his costume in dad's car but it was a good thing. No sword, no hat, no necklace, no loss!!! He still looked great and he had fun. Lots of food and games. We will be carving his pumpkin today.

Sunday Funny!

Today was the primary program for the kids in Sacrament Meeting. Jacob was prepared with his part and the primary had practiced the week before. We talked on the way to church about saying his part slowly and clearly into the microphone. I even held up my hand as the microphone for him to practice. Just before it was time for him to go up with the primary I gave him one last reminder to speak slowly and clearly into the microphone. He was eager to get up on the stage and finally got seated with his class on the left side. The rest of the primary was on the right side. The primary president introduced the primary's theme for the year and then stated that the primary kids would now recite the scripture that they had memorized. Jacob's class was ushered to stand on the right side with the other kids. But no body was watching Jacob. He thought he was being ushered to recite his part, so he climbed up the step stool and said slowly, clearly, and confidently into the microphone, "I can know the scriptures are true by the Holy Ghost." The congregation laughed and chuckled! Max and I were beet red from laughing and embarrassment. Immeditely after Jacob was done the primary president had finally gotten to him and ushered him to where he needed to stand. After they recited the primary theme scripture, it was Jacob's classes turn to give their parts. Jacob was the only one in his class who had his part memorized. Through the rest of church that day we all got dozens of comments on how well he did, how funny it was, and how he was the hit of the program. I am still shaking my head and have vowed to under prepare next time. :)

Birthday Party

I am catching up on my posting so hand in there with me. We had a fun day celebrating Jacob's birthday on Saturday the 24th. He chose to go to breakfast at our favorite donut shop, MaryLees!

We then went to the library to pick out books and videos. He loves to walk on the wall on his way in. After the library he had his choice of going to Chuck-e-cheese or the Science Museum and he chose the latter. He really loved the museum, especially the planetarium foyer (the actual planetarium was closed). He decided to go to Chick-fil-a for lunch and as we passed McDonald's he waved and called out, "Goodbye McDonald's!! We are going to Chick-fil-a!!!"

One of his presents was a new bike. He loved it and his first ride out of the apartment he coasted and crashed into Max's car. Max immediately taught him his first lesson: How to stop!

On his birthday he was sick so we didn't go to church and I kept him home from playschool the next day as well. Monday night he helped me make cupcakes for his playschool friends the next day.

I made Jacob a Curious George Pinata (per his request) and added goodie baggies inside for all his friends at playschool.

We sang Happy Birthday and he blew out the candles. He loved it so much!!

Here he is winding up to whack George. They all got turns with blind folds but I guess I didn't make the pinata as flimsy as I thought I did. After they hit it without blindfolds I had to hit him three times before he gave up the goodies inside. It was fun for the kids as well as Jacob. Couldn't have asked for a more low key birthday party! Especially just before we leave town!

Baby Shower

A few weeks ago I co-hosted a baby shower for my friend who just had a baby girl. Unity Wisdom Rising Hughes. Her mom is from California. Nuff said. I wish I had gotten pictures of the shower decor that I made but we were running way behind. Guests were arriving and we were still decorating. We had it at my friend, Amanda's, house. It was a lot of fun. I decided to make her a cute baby dress out of a onesie. It cost me $2 for the onsie, $2 for the fabric and ribbon, and $1 for the shoes. Cute, eh? Makes me want to have a girl!

Sewing on knit fabric without a serger is difficult so don't pay attention to the puckering. Babies move a lot anyway so it will be hard to notice.

When I bought the shoes they had the price written in permenant marker on the bottom. I had to do something so I covered them with matching fabric. I think they turned out cute!

Playschool

Don't smile too hard, you might break something!

Jacob has really enjoyed playschool these last 2 weeks (So have I). Max commented that he is not as moody and demanding. We will see how long that lasts.


Look out, here comes trouble!! :)

When they first arrive the kids can play with toys, read books, play playdough, or color.

"Jacob, smile!"  "Huh?" 

Ms Billie is the head teacher and she has been here for years. She knows many of my friends from church and their older children. She is a sweetheart!

Jacob loves Ms. Trina!! We had to have a talk about how he is at playschool to play with the other children, and not just Ms Trina. He was wearing her out! Today he told her that he couldn't play with her anymore. Awwww!!  She just loves him!

Part of his classroom.

The little boy in the white tanktop is Dillon and they love to be silly together. The little girl on the end is Noor and she loves to hug Jacob. Despite this attention he says he still wants to marry Amora.