snowman kits for school

Dec 13 - we made snowman kits out of marshmallows and pretzels, with mini chocolate chips and an orange tic tac :) Anyhow as I was finishing them up, you started singing a song you made up, "Dude, reindeer don't have butts! They DOOOOOOO have butts, they don't have butts!! DUDE! THey don't HAVE.... BUTTS!!!!!!!" LMAO!

I didn't eat one, but you were sitting there carrying on a whole big thing, "ohh no!!! my eye, my EYE!!!!! gobbble gobble gobble...." hhahaha

I love you Bub, you make momma so, so SO happy


Love,
Momma
xoxoxoxoxoxo

I love you!!

BWahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!! OK you call Obama: Ba-rocka O'bahama. Well tonight we're sitting there after we eat and he goes, "Momma, I'm SO glad we got to put some presidents under our tree!" I about fell OUT!!!! I'm like "Presidents?" and he goes, "Oh yah, yah right like Abraham Lincoln, and Mr O'bahama bananas whatever his name is," BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA I love it - you are so amazing and I love you!! You wrapped a ton of presents this weekend for Momma,

I love you and I so appreciate all you do for this family,

xoxoxox,

~Momma

I love you, forever ~

There is a song by Hilary Weeks and it expresses exactly how I feel,


If there were no more tomorrows
and I knew that I could not stay
I'd know how I'd spend every minute
If I only had today

I'd hold you and listen
I'd let the dishes sit in the sink
I'd tell you I love you over and over
and for once I'd just let the phone ring
and I'd remind you of Forever
and how our love would never change
If I only had today

Id wake up before the sun did
and Id watch as you quietly sleep
Id pray for time to move slowly
knowing the moment wont keep
all the gifts that heaven has given
every blessing thats come my way
wouldn't mean anything without you
So if I only had today

I'd hold you and listen
Id memorize every detail of your face
Id tell you I love you over and over
I wouldn't let excuses get in the way
Then I'd remind you of Forever
and how our love would never change
If I only had today........

I love you, Jarrett, so so much, son. You help me stay strong and happy every day. I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you~

Love,
Momma

Ah, my Bubba you are so clever!!

First a story, then some info on where you are now finishing up over a month in kindergarten already!

So in the car, you were telling me about what you'd had for lunch and you were SO cute. You said, "Momma, for lunch I had a.... the... y'know Larry!" (as in Larry the cucumber, from VeggieTales). I was so proud of you for being so clever and able to tell me what you'd eaten, even though you forgot what it was called! And proud that you tried something new, AND you said you liked it! :)

I posted this on FB: "I just love my Bubba, he says today, Brian, he says "Momma, for lunch I had a... the... y'know Larry!" (as in Larry the cucumber) so I say, "Cucumber?" and he's like YES!! and they are SOOO GOOD! LOL ♥" for Dada to see.

So this is what you can do now, you are SO big!!!!!! Lately, you LOVE to help by pouring your own drink. You rarely spill or make a mess because you are SUPER careful, Bub. Depending on what cup you get the funnel, pour and then put the funnel in the sink. You also now make Brady's bottle - which you can now do. Before (maybe in May? June?) you could not.

I'll set the stage: you, in the kitchen. Me, in the living room with Brady.

Me: Bub please go put water up to the 6 and then tell Mommy
You: OK
Me: ....Bub?
You: OK almost got it
Me: (oh dear)
You: ::proudly brings bottle in, looks like a thick milkshake:: "here, Momma,"
Me: Oh, Bub that looks good - how many scoops did you put in?
You: I dunno, I fink like 9? maybe?
Me: ::trying not to laugh:: gave you a big hug and said it should have only been 3 scoops.

Together we remade that bottle, and you learned quickly because I've never had to tell you twice. You always ask how many scoops, and you take great care to do right by your brother.

You now also can ALMOST always tie your shoes!!!! It takes you a little while, because we still have to practice. But Bub, you are SOO close! The speed will come in time, I tell you. Just keep practicing - you are amazing! You have also taught yourself how to climb the fence! And you ride the bus home from school, and told me 2 weeks ago to stop coming to the corner to pick you up :( Now you walk all the way home, only soon as you get off the bus and see me (or me and Brady, if he's up) in the driveway you start running! Bubba, it makes momma get a happy tear every time I see you run to me, just warms my heart and makes me SO HAPPY!!!!! I am the luckiest Momma EVER!

You are working hard at learning how to read, Bub. Today I was working on the valances in our kitchen. You said, "Valance. Hm. I know that starts with a V-A.." I was SO amazed! I said great job, Bub!!! You told me you knew because you said in your head, "Va- that's V-A-" you'll be reading before too much longer, and we practice on library books and your letter books (from school) a lot.

You are also becoming wayyyy more independent, which I am proud of. It makes me very sad you don't need me as much in the same ways as you did before 6. But I am so so proud of you for finding yourself and not being afraid to go and be and do and learn! I told you the other day after school, "I missed you, Bub," as I do everyday. That day, you said, "I'm sorry, Momma, I didn't really miss you - I had a really fun day!" I am so, so, so so proud of you Jarrett. I hope you will always know that forever and you will never worry if you made the right choice or did the right thing to make us love you or proud of you. YOU are absolutely my light, and I love to watch you shine!!

You are also, as Daddy and I knew you would be, a super-fantastic big brother! You really watch closely, and take care of Brady for Momma. You are teaching him how to walk, and how to play - you are always making him laugh and smile. Bub, I am sooo incredibly proud of you, and I love you with all of my heart, my soul, my everything!! Daddy is so proud of you for helping me while he's away, you are such a blessing and such an important part of our family,

I love you forever,

Momma

Bubba, I love you sooo much!!!

Today you brought me breakfast in bed (poptarts) and keep saying things like, "whatever you need myprecious!" all in one word~ I love you so much baby and you are making this deployment easier, son. I love you so much!!! And today we helped Sergio and Alissa paint their first house! You helped in painting and did such an amazing job! Thank you for being you!!

Love,
Momma

I love how FB reminds me..

of posts I've made in the past :) Two days ago, it reminded me that one year ago (16 August, 2010) we found out that Brady was a bubba. Yesterday, my "year ago" post reminded me that I said, "it's a BOY! it's a BOY!" because Dada and I were so happy to finally give you a brother!! Today, my post says, "BEST quote of the day, "Cheez-Its... Cheez-Its... Everybody!" - Jarrett, on singing a song about JESUS ♥" You had your first day of pre-k that day, as well. So I go on to explain, "He loved his first day!!!!! When I was asking him if the song was about Jesus he said, "No, there's no name as JESUS" LOL! I think Ms. Tameka would argue that with you, son -

Ms. Tameka is Tameka Podwoski, your very first preschool teacher in Missouri. You loved Ms. "Meeka" so much that the summer following your first year you went to summer school 3 days a week at her house with another little girl from your class. She loves you just as much as we do, son, and she checks in with me on FB from time to time commenting on you and all you've been up to. To this day, Grandma Gale STILL tells me "cheezits!" as a form of saying, "love you!"

I love you, Bub,

"Cheez-its" :)

Momma

Told you Momma was gonna be sad :(

Bub,

You start kindergarten tomorrow, and I apologize ahead of time -- I will be a ball of nerves and prolly cry!!!

I was already crying tonight driving home from WalMart!! And the more I thought, "why are you crying it's not even tomorrow yet!?" the more I CRIED!!!! Just something about today seems so FINAL. Like at least during pre-k and preschool I could take you out or keep you home one day if I wanted or we were doing something fun together. But now I have to give you away 4 days a week (thankfully we are a 4-day-a-week school district!) and I *only* get you for 3. :( Just having a hard time with the whole "this-is-the-last-day-of-being-little" thing. I don't know that I can ever really describe it, but it makes me sad but proud at the same time. You are SO so ready for kindergarten, and at orientation yesterday you were such a big boy walking into your classroom as if to say, "I got this, Mom," not even looking back. Even as I type this my eyes are welling up with tears at how much I love you! You are such a strong and talented boy, I just love you, love you, love you, love you so much!! You kids even took a short bus ride yesterday, and you told me that yes you want to ride the bus this year. Momma already told you I am so not ready for that! But I promise you now, I will *try* my absolute hardest not to stand in your way, ever. I want nothing but the best for you and I will stand beside you supporting your every dream. You deserve the world, Son, and when God gave me you I made a promise to Him and to you that I will be everything you need me to be. People say, "it's just kindergarten," but to me? This is the beginning of your life, Jarrett. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you, and what great and fantastic things you accomplish this year!

I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I LOVE YOU!!!!

Love,

Mommy

Mrs. Brooks

Bub~

Today was a little tiny bit sad for Mommy, but so so so exciting for you! Today we met your kindergarten teacher at Prairie Winds!! Mommy is so proud of you, and I know you are ready, Bub. But Momma's not quite ready for this --

I know one day you'll have kids of your own, and then you will understand more. But I have absolutely 9000% loved every minute of being able to cuddle you and share my 24/7 with you, these last (almost) 6 years. Daddy keeps telling me that Brady came along just in time, because I need one more "little". But you will always, always, always be my baby.

I will never forget the time I found out you were growing in my tummy. It was a Saturday, and the Dr had asked me to come in to the hospital. I had an ultrasound, and they searched and searched, and finally found a little tiny black spot. They said, "We're not sure if this is a viable pregnancy, but there it is. We will keep watching it," and off I went. I knew you were meant to be in my arms and to share this life with me, Bub. I knew it right then. So for a long time after that visit, you were called a "GrandSpot" (affectionately given that name by Grandma). All of our future visits, I would have to send out an email report of how ol' GrandSpot was doing, and report on your progress. Those 9 months seemed to fly by, but at the same time they seemed to drag on just enough that I could enjoy the time with just you, and just me. I felt your every twitch and wiggle, your every fist pump and kickin of the legs. At one point when we came home to Arizona for Travis' graduation, I was laying on the bed just watching you reposition over and over again. I absolutely loved it, baby.

Then one day, God told me it was time, and I prayed that Daddy would get to the hospital with me in time. In case he didn't, Melodie Moyer went with me and never left my side. There are absolutely no words, Bub, for how I felt when the Dr. said, "Mrs. Linley!! OPEN YOUR EYES!" because there you were, in my arms. What a beautiful gift from God, Bub. An absolutely precious and perfect gift. Those first minutes and then days were absolutely life-changing, because I was finally your Mommy and you were finally home in our arms.

Truly, that seems like it was just last week - but it has been almost 6 years. In that time, we have watched you grow and learn what life is all about. We have watched you excel in so many ways, and we are so, so proud of you Bub!! But all that said, I am still in amazement that 6 years have come and gone, and you are off to start the next chapter in your life: elementary school.

You will do ahh-mazzzzzingly, Bub! I am so, so, sooooo proud of you, you are a STAR! And you will excel at absolutely everything you put your mind to. You are already starting to sound out words, and are trying to teach yourself how to read. Mommy is SO sorry that my own studies have taken so much time, Bub, and I haven't been able to help you prepare more in that area. I promise that I will do better, Bub, only a few more months and Mommy is finished with school~

I love you, I love you, I love you chicken Jarrett

PS you have now taken to running around the house shouting, "L-O-L-M-O-M!!" or "L-O-L-Laugh-Out-Loud!!!!" while running around hysterically ;)

you are one of the best things that has ever happened to me, Bub and I am SOO soo lucky, to be your Mommy!

Love,
~Momma

brain tubes

Jarrett: "Momma, look I can see Brady's brain tubes!"

any guess what brain tubes are? ....his veins!!!

so precious, Bubba!!! I love you!

Love,
Momma

testing

Ok, just wanna see how pics work on here:

You do your own hair now...

You just came from the bathroom, after your shower. Your hair is hard as a rock (bangs) and your forehead is shiny as ever. I asked if you sprayed hairspray and you said simply, "yes. But a little dripped on my forehead,"

hahhahahahaha!

love you - you are growing up SO FAST!!!

funny!

Ok, so you think that "Beg your pardon?" is "Beg your fartin'?" LOL!! You were walking around here yesterday saying it over and over it was so funny!! love you sweet boy!

Lately, everything is surrounded by "will I still be 5?" So today while shopping for school clothes/uniforms, you were insistent you did not want to wear anything until you were 6. Well son, you cannot attend school for 1 day without pants. You will have to wear the uniform pants. School starts the 11th, you're off the 12th because they have gone to this stupid 4-day week thing, then your bday is on Saturday. I still cannot believe you'll be 6 already!

But seriously, everything will be, "Momma, will I be 6 at Christmas?" Yes, son. "Oh, ok good." Then, "Momma, will I be 6 when it's Halloween?" Yes son, you will be 6. "Aw, MANNNNN!! I want to still be 5!" I have not yet figured out why you still want to be 5 for things, except I think the idea of 6 seems so far away, and you're wanting things to happen quickly, like while you're still 5. Somehow in your mind it makes sense, and I wish I could reach in and figure out why!

I love you a million, I love you, I love you, I love you ~


Momma

Love you!

Jarrett earlier (listening to the "we are FARMER'S" commercial) you started singing, "we are compost, dun-dun-dun dun dun dun-dun!" over and over hahahahahahaha!

And one day this last weekend while we were in OKC, you and KK were talking about holding Brady:

this is how the conversation went between KK and JR:
KK: You could hold Brady's head, and I could hold his feet...
JR: (Extremely seriously) YOU can't hold my teeth!!!!!!!

you are such a joy to share life with, Bub! I love you!!

~Momma

*flashback* you are soo cute

ok, all growing up (til about age 4 1/2, and early 5 (or as you would say, "a littler 5,") you would talk and then pause for effect and *click* your tongue. SO CUTE!!!! *click*

It would be something like this:

"Mom, can I like have a *click* hotdog?"

Here's another one: You told me awhile ago, "Momma, when I'm 85 I'll be a grandpa. When Brady is 85 he'll be a monster truck driver!" Aw, son, I wish for both of those things!

love you, son!

Lost your first tooth!! -- you pulled it!

We were driving from Grandmas to curly hair Grandmas (AKA Nana Lisa) and your loose tooth..... You were just working away at it! Well we got to Lisa and Adrianna's, and you said, "Ok, be right back," and ran down the hallway to the bathroom. You were only in there for a few minutes, but then as I walked by I see you pull it out of your mouth and say, "Oh, ok. Here it is!" haha! So brave! Surprise though, Momma didn't cry. No, I only cried when you told me something felt funny in your mouth... and it was your first adult tooth! Goodness, this is all happening so fast, Bub. You are an amazing young man, and I am so proud and blessed to be your Momma!

Love you, baby, I love you a billion-zillion-crazy'in!

VBS

So in your VBS class at Immanuel this year, you had Jean Denker as one of your teachers. One day when I came to pick you up they were going over who would be teaching the class the next day. Now Jean is an older grandma, and has lots of grown grandchildren. She has a small hunch, and walks with a cane. So as we were headed back to the car, you were asking what they were telling you. I said, "Bub, they were saying that tomorrow Ms. Jean gets to teach the lesson." And you asked which one she was, so I said, "She has the white-ish hair --" you cut me off and nodded, saying, "Oh, Momma, she is so pretty"
I said, "Bub, you can tell her that, it will make her feel very happy," and you got this look on your face and said, "Oh, NO momma, I can't TELL her!" it was SOOO cute! By the end of VBS, you were telling everyone that you want to come back every time we visit Grandma. You're having a hard time understanding that it's just during the summer, but we will make every effort to be back every year, son :)


Today, you had your performance and you are amazing and wonderful - what a leader!

I love you!

your cute words

You have ALWAYS been one to not waste time. I don't care what it is, you are always efficient. Even when speaking. So that is why, as you've come up in age, you shorten words consistently. It is not "comfy", it's "comf". You don't drink chocolate milk, you drink "Choc". You didn't drink juice, you drank "majoooooce" or MA-jooce, or later just "MAJE". Sometimes it has been difficult to figure out what you're saying, because you'll only say 1 syllable per word sometimes, even if it's a 2 or 3 syllable word. Cracks us up, but it is who you are and makes you so special! I don't ever want to forget these things, and I know when you get older (and as Brady gets older) you'll ask - so we'll be able to read these and look back at your funnies. One day soon I'll start one for Brady too,

Love you, sweetheart,

Momma

PS. You have now taken to calling me Princess, and it melts my little heart Bub. I love you!!

*Flashback*

Ok, so I was remembering the other day, because of something silly you said, that when you were younger (probably from 1-2 years) you would come right up to me, grab one hand on each of my cheeks, and then put your lips right onto my lips and talk. It was absolutely the SILLIEST thing! But that was one way you wanted to get my attention, LOL!

Oh! Also had to tell you about your "Thanksgiving pants". On May 26, you had your pre-k graduation at Kinderkirk, in Pueblo. A day or so before we went to WalMart and picked out your graduation outfit - a white/blue striped shirt and some khaki shorts. Well a week or so later you were asking if you could wear your Thanksgiving clothes. I didn't remember ever buying you a specific outfit for turkey day, so I said sure. Next thing I know you come out in your graduation outfit. You now affectionately call them your "Thanksgiving pants" for some reason LOL!

Speaking of, we have to call WalMart "Whiskey-Mike" (the military letters) because if we say WalMart anything, since you were about 2 or 3, you get SUPER excited because it means shopping LOL!!

Oh, and here's another flashback - in Missouri, when we lived on Luna, you would get so excited when we'd come down the road, but you would start fussing and yelling if we didn't turn left, toward WalMart. I love you Bub, you have ALWAYS had an amazing sense of direction, and you always know where we are and have - even from a VERY little age- been able to figure your way around. You are SO SMART!!

Love,
Momma

PS next blog is going to start tracking your "cute words" from when you were wayyyy little

couple things

Jarrett, you are the most precious 5 year old!! Today, you have decided to call me Princess. It started this morning, when we got up - you came to me (we are visiting at Grandma's house) and you asked me if I'd like to come play cards. I said that I first had to dry my hair, but that yes I would come play. You said, "Oh, ok Princess, you may do whatever you want to do," Awwww!!! Then all day you have taken to alling me Princess -

You are also learning to swim!!! You are practically teaching yourself, and you are just going and moving SO quickly! This trip at Grandma's, you have really gotten confident and you are learning how to "doggy peddle" (with your floaties) as you call it! You even learned how to lay on your back and swim backwards - although you refuse to use your arms! You are really good at treading water, and I am SO proud of your confidence and learning all of this so quickly!! We can hardly get you out of the pool! You also love to play with your squirt guns of course! Brady likes to swim with us in his boat floaty, he splashes the water and you love to make him laugh SOO much!

I love you a million-trillion-crazian!!!!!!!

Love,
Momma

PS thank you soo much for taking me to see Cars2 yesterday, Bub! You are such a sweet boy and I love you so much!

I love you a million!

Baby boy, you are such a joy to have!! I love every minute with you, and I just want to capture this time with you, and never let it go! You can hardly stand it if you are more than an inch away from me, yet I know this time is short, and one day too soon you will want to "fly" and be on your own. I love that you want to cuddle me and stay with me always, because (in your words) I'm "sooo comf" (so comfortable). You keep me smiling, even though Dada is far away, and you keep me positive about life and everything worth living for. You are such an inspiration, even in your young 5 years.

Bub, I am so absolutely blessed to be your Momma, and I thank God everyday for giving me you and Brady. I had to wait a long time for you, and I know that with each passing day you are getting older and wiser - I am so excited for things to come, yet it makes me sad that you are growing so fast!! Your first "big tooth" popped up about two months ago, on the bottom right. Well guess what? Today I see that the one right next to it is trying to pop its way through the surface too! :( You remembered today, and told me the story, "Momma, renember (that's how you say it, you say reh-nem-ber)" anyhow, "renember that time when I pointed right here (in your mouth) and said something was boddering (bothering) me? and you said, "let me look" and then when you looked you said, "Oh my goodness, there's a TOOTH!" renember?" and then you said, "Yep. And then you CRIED!" because, I did - That is another reason I want to keep up with this blog, because I don't want to forget any of these precious memories with you, Bub.

You just make me such a happy person, sweetheart! You are here next to me as I type this, sound asleep. Your smile melts my heart, and every morning when you wake up you tap me on the hand or the shoulder and give me a great big grin - one time I told you that that smile of yours is the best thing ever - so you smile at me a lot of times at the perfect time, just when I need it most.

Ok - off to my favorite time of the day, and that is to hug and cuddle you tight until we are both asleep. I soak up these cuddles, bub, I soak em up -

I love you baby, I love you with all of my great big heart!

Love,
Momma

xoxoxoxox hugs and kisses for you, Son!

Deployment

Dearest Jarrett,

It will be years before you truly know what your Daddy does, and what he does for our family and our country. This past weekend, we said "See you soon," to our Dada, as we sent him on his "big long work trip". He will be in Afghanistan, helping support Operation Enduring Freedom. The year I carried you, he was fighting again for us in Iraq, and did not make it home in time for you to be born. He did make it to the hospital the day after you were born, and that was just perfect - we were able to enjoy two full weeks with you, together, before he headed back to finish his mission in Iraq.

This trip he will be working hard for the 2STB Bn, and working with his friends we have met over this last year and a half. He trusts them very much, and they work well together. He has had extensive training, so he is prepared for this mission.

Bub, your Dada works so very hard for us, and does absolutely everything he can for us - and then some. He will miss us through this deployment, but Momma will keep us busy! You'll have swim lessons, and t-ball and I'm hoping to start you at indoor soccer this fall! You love to run and I know your long legs and speed will be a very strong asset to you!

I just wanted to tell you in advance, thank you! Thank you for being the sweetest, sweetest boy, and thank you for loving me and your Brady boy so much and helping me to take care of things while Daddy is gone. I will try my absolute HARDEST not to overwork you, or make you do things that are well beyond your years.

You are so very appreciated, Bubba,

Love,
Momma

Takin care of Momma!

Bub, I love you so much!! Even when you're not feelin good, because you have a double ear infection, you are still taking care of me and cuddling me because you love me! What a big heart you have, son! You are the best best best 5-year-old a Mama could ask for, and I love you more and more each day!!

Daddy leaves this weekend for a big long work trip to Afghanistan! I am so thankful I have you and Brady here to keep me company, and I am super thankful I have your help while Dada's away. You are wise beyond your years, son, and I am so proud of you!

Love,
Momma

Mom remembered another good one *flashback*

dress shoes? how about boy shoes

...will have to expand further but didn't want to forget!

Ok I have a few minutes now!

So we were planning your outfit for Kinderkirk graduation, and I was trying to decide how dressy I wanted to make you. I decided not very LOL! So I was saying, "Maybe we can get you a nice Polo shirt and whatever pants, and dress shoes. You've never had dress shoes I don't think - " and you cut me off, saying, "DRESS SHOES?? How about BOY shoes, Mom?!!" all disgusted-like, as though I'd lost my mind making you want to wear dress (like a girl's dress) shoes hahahahahaha! I said to myself, "Guess that shows how little we've dressed up over the years!" HA!

Aw, I love you - you are such a fantastic and wonderful person, Bubba!!

Love,

Momma

*Flashback*

Morning, Bub,

Periodically I'm going to go back and do a quick *flashback* on a memory I have or something if pops in my head that I don't want to forget. Today I was sitting here laughing to myself because I was thinking about when we brought Brady home from the hospital. Grandma was here with us, and we were sitting in the kitchen (me, Dada and Grandma) and I say, "Bub, will you go check if Brady's still sleeping?" Of course you were super anxious to help out, so you raced back to the room to check. As we're sitting here we hear Brady walking down the hall (no joke!) "Errr! Ughhgh errrr... UhhH!" and I looked up just in time to see you carrying him down the hall, so proudly. Whew! Freaked me out for a minute, but when I saw you were both safe I told you thank you and we put him down. Of course since then you have continued to be a huge help and I'm sure there will be many more stories to come -

love you sweet boy,

PS I hope you feel better soon - today we're getting an ear infection checked out :(

Happiness in the eyes of you!

Bub, I hate school. I have always hated school, and I probably always will. BUT! Tonight I had a fun assignment, to interview someone we know. The interview was about happiness, and actually I'm glad I *had* to do this, because I think I may repeat this (if I remember!) every year, to see how your answers change. In any case, here is your interview and the subject is "happiness".

ME: Jarrett, can I interview you?

YOU: ::giggling to yourself, nodding yes::

ME: What makes you happy?

YOU: Lollipop

ME: A Lollipop?

YOU: 'know why a lollipop is happy? Because a smile is happy!

ME: So you think a smile is like a lollipop?

YOU: Yep

ME: How do you think people can get to be happy?

YOU: Big people?

ME: Anybody

YOU: I don't know .... did I get that one wrong, Mama?

ME: No baby, there are no wrong answers-

YOU: Daddy is happy because he has the xbox and the PS3

ME: Daddy's only happy because of games?

YOU: ::nodding:: yes

ME: What makes you feel happy in your heart?

YOU: God

ME: Aw, good one Bub! What else do you want to say about being happy?

YOU: A smile is being happy. Did I get the questions right? If I get it wrong do you hafta skip it?

ME: No, Bub, there are no wrong answers just your feelings-

YOU: But what about the "don't know" one?

ME: It's ok, Bubba

YOU: Can that be my last question?

ME: Sure ;) ::trying not to laugh::

I love you precious boy, you are right - a lollipop is all we need :)

Love,
Momma

You make me proud, and you make me reflect Bub

Bubba -

I think we are truly taught what the "simple things" in life are, and how beautiful they are, by our children. You take great delight in getting a sticker from the postmaster every time I go to the post office. While everyone around us tends to be hustle-bustle to get in and mail their packages, or get their stamps and what have you, you wait with me patiently for our turn, so that you can get the one thing you want most out of the visit: a smile from the teller as they hand you a shiny new sticker. I used to get the feelings of "Ughh! I hate the post office, I hope it's fast; wow there are a ton of people today; ughhh this is going to take forever!" but now, because as we finished our transaction and you whispered if it is your turn, I am left feeling shame on myself, for having those previous emotions of frustration. You remind me constantly, that what really matters is being together and being healthy and from that - happy. I finally know what my mother has taught me all these years, about a Mother's love.

I love you,
Momma

So you weren't feeling so great yesterday...

Had to take Papa to the airport after his visit this weekend. On our way we went by the World Trade Center memorial on post and you weren't feeling very good, but you didn't know how to tell us. So we were outside and it was a little warm, and you had told us you were feeling hot. We just thought you were warm and wanted to get back to playin on the "EYE-P" (iPod) but really, you had gotten too hot and were feeling sick. At one point you looked up at me and said in a really weak voice, "Mama, it feels like my stomach is telling me I need to go to Heaven," Awwwww! Daddy said later, "I guess that was his polite way of saying he felt sick enough to die," :( after a couple throw-ups and some poop you were better, but not 100%. Today you're better :) I love you sooo very much baby, and it hurts mommy's heart when you're not feeling good. Love you, Bub!!

That remembers me...

Bub, tonight you were telling me about something and you said, "Momma, that remembers me about something," and I had to think about it for a second - you were trying to tell me that it reminded you of something! precious -

Then later you told me, "I love you," and I said, "I love you too, Bubba," and you grinned and said, "I was talkin to Dada," LOL!!!

I love you so much, Bub :)

Jarrett, I love you~

Bub, I'm starting this blog to keep track of all of the fantastic and wonderful things you do. You are an amazing and wonderful person, and I love you with all of my heart!! I am going to try and blog pretty regularly so you can one day look back and read about your childhood. There is just no way I can remember and keep track of all of your cuteness, so I'm going to attempt to keep track online :) I love you, I love you, I love you a million!!

~Momma