Jonas's Friend, Jack

You all know how much we love Halloween. And you know that we appreciate a good horror story. But friends, things are getting real at the Halloween House.

Jonas has a friend. His name is Jack. He is not a school friend. He sees him in the doorway and sometimes through the window. He goes to the trampoline with him.

Jack is a big boy. He's 16. He wears a green shirt.

Jack can clap his hands and make the lights turn dark blue. And sometimes when Jonas turns off the lights, Jack climbs up to the ceiling.

Y'all. I've survived bats and snakes, but I don't know if I can survive Jack. This might be the part in the movie where we get the hell out of dodge.

Fine Arts Festival

Tonight was the Fine Arts Festival at the boys' school. I think the award for finest work of art goes to Jonas. I present to you, Abraham Lincoln.

His teacher recounted the artist's mindset whilst creating:

Teacher: What are you making, Jonas?
Jonas: Abraham Lincoln.
**Teacher writes, "Abe Lincoln" on paper displaying the work.**
Jonas: Not Abe! Abraham! Like me, Jonas Abraham.

Abraham Lincoln shops at Fresh Thyme

Little known facts about Abraham Lincoln as told to me tonight by Julian:

George Washington was our first president, and Abraham Lincoln is our current president. He lives in a blue house, and has a really, really cool, big hat. He's from Kentucky, just like us. 

Abraham Lincoln does his grocery shopping at Fresh Thyme. What does he buy, you ask? Well, he buys apples, pears, and chips! What else? After he finishes grocery shopping, he goes home and then goes outside to play. He likes to swing really, really high and jump out! And most importantly, Abraham Lincoln likes to eat brownies on his sandwiches--it's delicious!

Jonas?

This morning, Jonas woke up as a different dude.

He was British: "Mum, I want to go to the sea side. Can we go on holiday?"

Too much Peppa Pig, perhaps?

He said that BLUE was his favorite color. Now, I realize that blue is the best color, but he's a PURPLE man!

Lastly, he's turned coldhearted toward his dear Mother. We all know that Jonas is naturally a little cold, I mean, he earned the name Jonasty. But he's always been a Mama's boy. Sigh...hear it for yourselves, folks. The dude just wants a pet.

Parent-Child Night

Last night was parent-child night at the dudes' school. It was a delightful evening. Each boy showed us a couple of works they enjoy. I felt very proud of my smart men as I watched them demonstrate all they have learned.

Their teachers had nothing but positive feedback. The boys are doing wonderfully with the classroom routine, making many new friends, and overall, being awesome dudes.

Here are a few pictures.

Dad and Jules making a necklace.

Jonas being a genius. 

Julesy rocking a bird puzzle. 

Julesy, the king of opposites. 

Julesy, future mathlete.

Jonas proudly sporting his first necklace. 

Jonas getting down in music class. 

Julian bustin' a move in music class. 

Best Brothers

Often times I ask the boys, individually, if we're best friends. They usually say yes, but most likely because they want a Swedish fish. I know I'm not their best friend; they're each other's best friend.

Little Jonas has a lump in his throat. We had to visit the doctor twice last week. (He's fine.)

On Tuesday, I left work early to take Jonas to the doctor. I asked Rachel to have him ready so we could head out as soon as I got there.  I went into the house to get him and was greeted by a sad little Julian. If you could've seen his face. So pitiful. "What's wrong, buddy?" I asked, knowing full well what the problem was. "My head hurts. I need to go to the hospital with Jonas."

I made him stay at home, and it broke my heart. He watched us leave from the living room window. He had on that little face he makes when you know he wants to breakdown, but he's trying to be brave.

On Thursday, Jonas had to go back to the doctor. This time, I took Jules with us. I walked into the house and once more I was greeted by a sad brother. "What's wrong, Jules?" Today, it was his elbow that hurt and needed medical attention. "Alright," I said, "I reckon you should go see the doctor with us." You would've thought we were going to Disney World! Both boys were so happy!

They had everyone at the doctor's office gushing over them. They were holding hands walking down the hall. Giving each other hugs and high 5s. Trading hot wheels cars. You know, brother stuff.

Here's to hoping they remain close always. I love my little best friends.

Brothers waiting on banana muffins.

Enjoying a lunch out. 

Just holding hands, strolling through the aquarium.

School Update

Before spring break, the boys were having somewhat of a tough time at school. They were having separation anxiety. Not from Mom and Dad, but from each other. The teachers communicated this to us, delicately, trying not to destroy my soul. However, they did share a sad story about how the boys would sometimes go to a shared door/window in their respective classrooms and call out to each other. Pretty sad stuff for a Mommy to hear. BUT, I still think it is good for them to be independent, at least for a few hours a day.

To help with the separation anxiety, the teachers recommended reading the book A Kissing Hand for Chester Raccoon with the boys. Have you heard of this book? It is awesome. Go buy it now. Such a darling story. The best part about this book is that is makes my little boys suuuper lovey-dovey. Doug and I snuggle in bed with them to read. Julian will rub our faces, look at us, and say, "Mom, gimme a hug! Dad, gimme a hug! I love my family!" Most precious thing ever. 

They returned to school this week, and have had a wonderful transition. Here are some action shots and a few words from their teachers.

Jonas had another wonderful day. He is making many new friends and adapting well to our classroom rules and procedures.He enters the classroom with a smile, eagerly greeting his friends and transitions nicely into his morning work cycle. Today he chose to start his day with the necklace making activity. He will be attending music tomorrow, he enjoys singing with Ms. Lissa! 

Julian has had another nice few days.  He comes into the classroom happily and is able to complete his tasks with independence.  Julian participated in more lessons today and chose independent work. Today, he seemed surprised when I told him it was time to go home. This is a good sign! He seems to be building that endurance we talked about. Here he is refining his fine motor skills and one to one correspondence with bean transfer.

Jonas has had a wonderful week. As you can see he has busily worked on many different works throughout the week. He is also building his social skills by collaborating with friends to complete puzzles and other activities.

Here is a great sequence where Julian prepared himself a snack. He is so eager to be independent :)