Karaoke Fool

Beau LOVES to sing and dance. His new favorite songs to sing to are "Mellow Yellow" and "Cake by the Ocean".  I love seeing the innocence in him when he sings and dances. It is the sweetest thing :)

Issac Hoven: A Heart of Gold

     Last week was the hardest week I have ever had in my teaching career, by far.  One of my sweet, smart, loving, compassionate students was killed in an accident last Saturday evening. I received a phone call that night letting me know so I wouldn't have to hear about it via social media. I instantly was sick to my stomach. Not only was this a student of mine, but his mom teaches with me at school. I instantly thought of Beau and Baine, and wanted to get to them as soon as I could to hold them and never let go.
     Isaac was such a free spirit. He didn't care what people thought of him and made no excuses for who he was. He had such a great faith in God, and was always open to talk about it at school with his peers. His favorite fashion statement was to wear slicky pants with a polo shirt. That was Isaac. A totally awesome kid, who wasn't afraid to show exactly who he was, and didn't care what others thought of him. I will never forget the last conversation I had with Isaac. It was the last Thursday, at the very end of 8th period, right before the bell rang. The students were putting their chairs up and anxious to leave for spring break.  A few students were gathered at my desk to share their weekend plans, including Isaac. A classmate said to Isaac "you are kinda weird you know". Isaac simply replied, "Wouldn't the world be such a boring place if there were no weird people in it?" He then told me "Have a great weekend Mrs. P! See you next week!".  And that was it.  That was the last moment I had with Isaac. The last chance I would have to see his bright, shining smile that always brought laughter and joy into my classroom.  The last time his classmates would have their goofy, funny friend to share stories with. The last time Isaac would ever make my "Top 20" list.
     2 weeks ago was the end of the trimester. Isaac had been working hard all year to make my "Top 20" list. And honestly, he definitely could have been on it the whole year if he wanted :)  Right before Isaac passed, he made "Mrs. P's Top 20".  He was SO EXCITED! He asked me if he could take a picture of it, and of course I said yes. He will now and for the rest of the year, remain on my Top 20 list.
     Issac you are loved and will be missed by many. I believe with my whole heart that you are in Heaven looking down on us now. I pray you guide your family and give them signs you are still here and looking after them. Your heart was definitely made of gold, as you were a donor and are now saving other lives.  We miss you, and definitely will never forget you.

Baine at 17 Months

I truly cannot believe Baine is 17 months already. I still think of him as my little baby.  I can assure you, little and baby are definitely not accurate descriptors of him these days. He is quickly packing on the pounds and sprouting up! He is now in the 90th percentile for height. So instead of being short and chubby, he is tall and chubby :)  

Baine you are our child that keeps us on our toes. You are constantly getting into things, like the toilet, running toilet paper all over the house, playing in the trash can, dumping water/drinks everywhere, etc. While you go a million miles a minute, you are still such a good "baby". You still nap 3 hours everyday, and need at least 12 hours of sleep at night. You now know when you are tired, and will tell us when it's time to go to bed. When we ask if you if you need to go nigh-nigh, you will start waving your hand, grab your blankie and bottle, and go walk into your room. While you don't talk a lot yet, you are definitely smart and are so good at communicating in other ways with us. You know how to get your own snacks out of the pantry. If I ask you if you pooped or peed, you will grab your diaper and show me you need a new diaper.  You are better at drinking out of a sippy, however you still prefer your bottle! If I could describe you in one word, it would be MONKEY.  You are always climbing and jumping around. You can climb the bunk bed like its no big deal. You have mastered climbing up/down stairs, and have even mastered climbing out of your crib. Your eyes are as dark as night, and they definitely melt my heart. Your ornery smile always tells me when you are up to something and your naughty laugh gives you away!  You have recently rediscovered your mamaroo swing, and insist on drinking your morning bottle in it while it swings, barely, kind of, not really at all since you are over the weight limit :).  You are such a big boy, and I need time to slow down a little. 

-wears size 4/5 diapers

-24 month clothes

-favorite food: scooby snacks and mac n cheese

-favorite thing to do: TAKE A BATH

Nosey Rosy

Beau is such a nosey rosy.  Joe took him to the dr. a few weeks back, and he insisted on being right next to the nurse to see what she was doing at all times and kept asking a million questions about what was going on.  When Joe went to get a hair cut, Beau tagged along and decided to help Amy out. He wanted to wash Joe's hair and be in on the action.  He is definitely our "hands on" child!

NCAA Tournament Time

 We went to Joel and Allison's Friday to watch the basketball games since we weren't able to actually go to the games---darn kids :).  Beau loved playing with the little kiddos and even made sure Paisley was having fun by sitting by her for dinner.  Hadley and Baine joined in for the double-date fun.

Daddy's Little Helpers

Now that it is finally getting nice out, Joe and the boys have been working outside in the yard and cleaning the place up a bit. Beau truly loves to help Joe out in any possible way. Joe bought a new sprayer for the yard, and he insisted on helping Joe put it together. Baine just wanted to make sure the wheels were able to spin :).  Since I was gone Saturday for my sister's birthday, Joe and the boys did a little yard work, and went out for a "boys only" breakfast :).  

Joe not only had Beau and Baine helping do yard work and hauling loads in the gator, but he also made sure to teach Beau how to play frisbee, which is now his new favorite activity outside, other than swinging!

His favorite treat: Mickey Pancakes!

Reilly's St. Patty's Party 2016

 Two weekends ago we had the Rielly's St Patty's party. It was such a great day! Joe and I love this party, as we get to see many friends we don't often get to see, and it is always such a great time. Cheers to the Irish and another successful party :)

Favorite Spot = Pantry

Now that Baine is into everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, his favorite spot in the house is in the pantry. The first thing he will do when we get home, is to run to the pantry, and come walking out with anything he wants to eat. His favorite treat right now are Scooby Fruit Snacks, however he often is carrying out cereal, mac n cheese, chips, or granola bars. He clearly decided he wasn't waiting for us to open the cereal here, and just helped himself anyways. Yep, this is what he does on a daily basis around here!

Family Night at the Lucks

Last weekend we went to the Lucks' for family night, and so the kids could finally play outside together. Beau LOVES to play on their trampoline, and he is already asking for one.  It was Baine's first time on a trampoline, and as much as he wanted to play with the big kids, he was not a fan of a "bouncy ground". He wanted off ASAP.  Beau loves to play with Reed and Mia, and it was so fun to see them finally together since they aren't at Mary's anymore. We are definitely ready for spring/summer nights like this!

Wiped Out From Soccer Already

I think he was a little worn out from practicing his soccer skills :) :)  Ever since we told him he was playing soccer this spring, he only wants to practice soccer, and HAS to wear his shin guards and soccer shoes. However, he did tell me "why would I need to wear shin guards? I don't understand why anyone would come kicking at me mommy! And I think I need to wear daddy's football helmet for soccer. It will help protect me."  He cracks me up :)

So yes, I am officially a soccer mom.  Now all I need is the mini-van.

Daddy's New Work Buddy

Beau wasn't able to go to daycare last week due to pinkeye, so he went to work with daddy for a few hours until I could take over. I think he was perfectly content with his iPad set up, movies on the computer, and endless supply of pop tarts :)

New Time-Out Station

Beau is notorious for asking"how much longer" when he is in time-out. Instead of using an egg timer or stop watch on my phone, we now use the hourglass as a timer.  I think he misses the old "two minute stop watch" timer instead :)

Hawaiian Day at School

Beau had Hawaiian day at school a few weeks ago. Ms. Richelle just posted this picture on Facebook this weekend. I almost didn't recognize Beau with his long hair! :)

Shopping Day With Daddy

 When mommy needs to go to the mall to shop for a little bit, Daddy and the boys opt out and decide to ride the train and do "man stuff" instead :).  Beau loved it, and Baine was just mad he wasn't able to drive!

Ash Wednesday Service

This year at Ash Wednesday service, both boys tagged along. I didn't think Beau would be interested in it, but to our pleasant surprise, he loved it! He was actually first in line to get the ash cross put on his forehead in front of the congregation. He was so proud he participated, although I am not sure he truly understands the meaning of Ash Wednesday yet. Either way, it was definitely a proud moment to see our oldest son wanting to partake in a special church service and be excited about it.

Baine did better than I expected, too! He couldn't figure out what they were doing to his forehead, but kept looking up as if he was trying to see what was on it :)

Drive-In Movie Night

Last week was our final week of PowerKids for the year, and the kids had a party with a drive-in movie night. They watched 'Home' and had pizza in their cars :)  Beau was a little impatient with the movie, and Baine insisted on walking around eating everyone's chips.  So needless to say, we had to leave the movie night a little early.

Finally Time to Play Outside

Joe took Beau outside the other day when it was so nice out! They played Jenga in the fort, practiced soccer, and played on the swings all afternoon! I love to see Beau outside exploring, playing, and just being a kid! :)

Morning Cuddles

Before Baine was sick, I caught the boys cuddled in bed together playing on the iPad. Beau is so patient, for the most part, with Baine. He loves to include him and wants to always have him around. This picture just melts my heart!

Church Craft: Drive-in Movie Cars

     This week at church, the kids made their own drive-in movie cars for their craft.  Next week they get to watch a movie at church, and all of the kiddos will sit in their cars.  They are so darn cute! Beau was very particular when decorating his car. He wanted all of the letters in the alphabet on it, especially "x" because that's his favorite letter. He also insisted on having a seat belt because he needed to stay safe in his car :)

Sick Baine-Joe

     Monday afternoon we found out Baine has Influenza A :(  It hit him all of a sudden Monday, and had him just miserable!  I am very grateful Joe and I have jobs where we can use sick days and be flexible to stay home on occasions like this.  I am even more grateful that Joe is the kind of daddy that WANTS to stay home with his sick kids, even if it does consist of cleaning up throw-up :)  Joe and I took turns all week staying home with Baine.  He is finally feeling better, but since we didn't want to risk sending him to daycare today, Nana helped out.  Between my dad keeping Beau overnight throughout the week, Michelle still helping with pre-school pick up, and my mom today, we are so blessed to have family right here.  On weeks like this, I am grateful for living near my family.

Beau went to work with Papa before pre-school on Tuesday :)

Still a cheeser, even when he's sick