Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Tuesday: baskets
So, Joshua does a pretty good job of actually telling me what he did in a day. (At least big picture stuff.) Several times now he's said, "and we have circle time and then we put our baskets away." I thought there were basket pictures on the rug, but today I realized there weren't. Then I saw laundry baskets by the teacher's chair. I quickly realized Joshua meant real baskets.
Monday, March 5, 2018
Isaac: 72, 73, and 74 months
And now for the last three months with Isaac... Like before, any text is recent observations.
72 months:
Playing: Isaac has been much more willing to play with Joshua lately. They've been doing a lot of bouncing, running, and other random things. Today they were putting 'poison' on a lego plate to keep the bad snakes away. Isaac has also really enjoyed playing games, and he's gotten to the point where the games he enjoys I also enjoy.
Math: I had gotten a cheapo calculator from Lockheed and it ended up in the toy room. Isaac found it the other day and was fascinated by it. He used it so much that he wore out the screen and we had to order another. He is understanding math concepts very well, and will often tell us stuff I didn't realize that he knew. Today he said "Five times five is...twenty-five." Ben and I are both rather excited by this. :D
Reading: His reading keeps surprising me too. He can do the consonant-vowel-consonant as long as they follow normal words, words that end in e, and a few other miscellaneous. Then today he read 'woods' and 'keep'. This has also been lots of fun.
73 months:
School: School is going well. He doesn't really have a 'best' friend, but after talking with people that doesn't seem to be abnormal. I have heard the name of one person several times lately, so that is encouraging. There have been a few minor incidents with other kids, but nothing that makes me worry...at least, not worry for more than the day it's taken to get it resolved. His favorite specials are gym and technology.
Health: His super annoying cough disappeared after getting the flu like thing that the whole family got. It is like throwing up got rid of whatever was tickling his throat. He also has a loose tooth. I find loose teeth disgusting and so always send him over to Ben whenever he says anything about it. Isaac asked how the tooth fairy gets into houses the other day. I said she can go through walls, although I wish I had said she has a magic key.
74 months:
He was much more willing to do his pictures standing up, so my guess is that's what we'll do in the future. (Not that he was unwilling to do them laying down, but this just worked better.)
Chores: he's been voluntarily doing more chores around the house for more money. He's trying to get up to $50, because I think he wants to see a $50 bill. He is also making his lunch sometimes...today he made a strawberry jelly and nutella sandwich. I told him that is probably a one time thing since most of the health comes from the peanut butter.
Growing up: While still very silly and crazy, Isaac has also grown up a ton in the last few months. I'm not sure if it's something listed above or just a general feeling. I sure do like the kid he's becoming.
72 months:
Playing: Isaac has been much more willing to play with Joshua lately. They've been doing a lot of bouncing, running, and other random things. Today they were putting 'poison' on a lego plate to keep the bad snakes away. Isaac has also really enjoyed playing games, and he's gotten to the point where the games he enjoys I also enjoy.
Reading: His reading keeps surprising me too. He can do the consonant-vowel-consonant as long as they follow normal words, words that end in e, and a few other miscellaneous. Then today he read 'woods' and 'keep'. This has also been lots of fun.
73 months:
School: School is going well. He doesn't really have a 'best' friend, but after talking with people that doesn't seem to be abnormal. I have heard the name of one person several times lately, so that is encouraging. There have been a few minor incidents with other kids, but nothing that makes me worry...at least, not worry for more than the day it's taken to get it resolved. His favorite specials are gym and technology.
Health: His super annoying cough disappeared after getting the flu like thing that the whole family got. It is like throwing up got rid of whatever was tickling his throat. He also has a loose tooth. I find loose teeth disgusting and so always send him over to Ben whenever he says anything about it. Isaac asked how the tooth fairy gets into houses the other day. I said she can go through walls, although I wish I had said she has a magic key.
He was much more willing to do his pictures standing up, so my guess is that's what we'll do in the future. (Not that he was unwilling to do them laying down, but this just worked better.)
Chores: he's been voluntarily doing more chores around the house for more money. He's trying to get up to $50, because I think he wants to see a $50 bill. He is also making his lunch sometimes...today he made a strawberry jelly and nutella sandwich. I told him that is probably a one time thing since most of the health comes from the peanut butter.
Growing up: While still very silly and crazy, Isaac has also grown up a ton in the last few months. I'm not sure if it's something listed above or just a general feeling. I sure do like the kid he's becoming.
Saturday, March 3, 2018
Saturday: today
Today started with Isaac and Joshua running around the couch dropping Duplos. It was rather loud, but they played so well for quite a while.
When our house cleaner came, I had the boys clean up the Duplos. Joshua semi-happily cleaned them up and then naturally continued with his room. It was wonderful not to have to deal with him not cleaning it.
Isaac came up with some game that involved a homemade pinball machine. He ended up with about 162,800 points, as counted with Duplo dots. He did a lot of multiplying with the calculator.
Isaac and I went for a run around the lake, although it ended up being more of a walk. It was cool, but nice. Afterwards Isaac ran another mile around the couch, doing another made up game that included z-zips and arrow-parrows. Joshua joined him. Hopefully we won't have to replace the floor around the couch, although it would probably be worth it.
When our house cleaner came, I had the boys clean up the Duplos. Joshua semi-happily cleaned them up and then naturally continued with his room. It was wonderful not to have to deal with him not cleaning it.
Isaac came up with some game that involved a homemade pinball machine. He ended up with about 162,800 points, as counted with Duplo dots. He did a lot of multiplying with the calculator.
Isaac and I went for a run around the lake, although it ended up being more of a walk. It was cool, but nice. Afterwards Isaac ran another mile around the couch, doing another made up game that included z-zips and arrow-parrows. Joshua joined him. Hopefully we won't have to replace the floor around the couch, although it would probably be worth it.
Friday, March 2, 2018
Joshua: 41, 42, and 43 months
We're doing a catch up here. I've taken pictures the last three months, I just haven't posted them. The text will be about current things, since I can't remember month to month changes.
41 months:
Imagination: This boy has a wonderful imagination! He got a fire house for Christmas and has used it a ton. I try to put it away periodically, but it usually comes back out within two hours. The conversations that the people have are hilarious, although I don't have any specific examples. He also made a house out of Duplos for Grey Bear a few days ago and used lava to keep the bed warm.
School: He loves 'home days' more than 'school days' but never puts up a fight about going to school. I think he has a good time there, although he's not really picking up any letters. (We're not helping that at home, though either.) His counting is good. He knows the names of all his classmates and I sometimes get stories about them, which is much different from Isaac. Mack and Clyde may be his 'best friends' but I'm not sure that means much.
42 months:
On his brother: He loves his brother and would do stuff all day with him if possible. (After school today they were playing some game where Joshua was the cow and Isaac was teaching/directing him on what to do. At one point Joshua walked over to the learning area, so they both sat on the chairs for science time. Isaac was going to teach Joshua how to make a potion that would give him boosters so he could break out of his pen.) Times without Isaac are a bit harder...he does a good job playing, but would obviously rather play with me.
Favorites: Legos, Duplos, donuts, pajamas, Grey Bear, Monkey, screen time (although often watching something), music, reading.
43 months:
On getting dressed: Joshua despises changing his clothes. A few times he's mentioned that it's because he's cold, although he also says this when he has no clothes on so it's hard to tell. I'll ask him to change his clothes and he'll immediately fall to the floor and say, "I'm wobbly!" or "I can't get up!" or other obviously untrue statement. I've started making him get dressed right away, before breakfast, because it seems to make it just a tiny bit better. Getting his pajamas on is a bit better, but not much. For the most part I ignore him. I've told him my expectations; if he doesn't get dressed and there is a time limit I will put him in the car in whatever state he's in. (It hasn't gotten to that yet though.) If there isn't a time limit then he can choose what to do with his time.
On clothes: Joshua likes soft pants and no picture shirts the best, although there are a few picture shirts that he likes to wear.
Overall, Joshua is a very fun and imaginative boy. He still likes his cuddles which is super nice.
41 months:
School: He loves 'home days' more than 'school days' but never puts up a fight about going to school. I think he has a good time there, although he's not really picking up any letters. (We're not helping that at home, though either.) His counting is good. He knows the names of all his classmates and I sometimes get stories about them, which is much different from Isaac. Mack and Clyde may be his 'best friends' but I'm not sure that means much.
42 months:
On his brother: He loves his brother and would do stuff all day with him if possible. (After school today they were playing some game where Joshua was the cow and Isaac was teaching/directing him on what to do. At one point Joshua walked over to the learning area, so they both sat on the chairs for science time. Isaac was going to teach Joshua how to make a potion that would give him boosters so he could break out of his pen.) Times without Isaac are a bit harder...he does a good job playing, but would obviously rather play with me.
Favorites: Legos, Duplos, donuts, pajamas, Grey Bear, Monkey, screen time (although often watching something), music, reading.
43 months:
On getting dressed: Joshua despises changing his clothes. A few times he's mentioned that it's because he's cold, although he also says this when he has no clothes on so it's hard to tell. I'll ask him to change his clothes and he'll immediately fall to the floor and say, "I'm wobbly!" or "I can't get up!" or other obviously untrue statement. I've started making him get dressed right away, before breakfast, because it seems to make it just a tiny bit better. Getting his pajamas on is a bit better, but not much. For the most part I ignore him. I've told him my expectations; if he doesn't get dressed and there is a time limit I will put him in the car in whatever state he's in. (It hasn't gotten to that yet though.) If there isn't a time limit then he can choose what to do with his time.
On clothes: Joshua likes soft pants and no picture shirts the best, although there are a few picture shirts that he likes to wear.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Thursday: lunch
Isaac made his lunch for tomorrow. It took him a while, but I expect he'll love it.
-There was extra peanut butter and nutella on his sandwich.
-He chose blueberries instead of banana
-He chose crunchy beans instead of carrots
-He chose a special granola bar for snack. I'm not sure what I would have given him, but not that.
-There was extra peanut butter and nutella on his sandwich.
-He chose blueberries instead of banana
-He chose crunchy beans instead of carrots
-He chose a special granola bar for snack. I'm not sure what I would have given him, but not that.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Wednesday: new computer
I have a new computer!
I had been having video card issues lately. The screen would lock up for a minute before I could use it again. This happened on a very regular basis. Loading things for Warcraft was miserable.
However, now my computer is lovely! I haven't had any issues with locking up and Warcraft was wonderful. There's still a few issues that we're working through, as with any new computer, but most of everything has been figured out.
:D
I had been having video card issues lately. The screen would lock up for a minute before I could use it again. This happened on a very regular basis. Loading things for Warcraft was miserable.
However, now my computer is lovely! I haven't had any issues with locking up and Warcraft was wonderful. There's still a few issues that we're working through, as with any new computer, but most of everything has been figured out.
:D
Monday, February 26, 2018
Monday: books
A while ago, at story time, the librarian mentioned that the book he was reading was one of his all time favorites. That made me wonder...what are my all time favorites? More specifically, which ones can I read 50 times and still be excited to read them? (Often the answer is the short books.)
I came up with two. I just purchased our own copy of Beep Beep Go to Sleep because 1) I like it and 2) Joshua's expressions during it are awesome. We read it today...I read the left side and he read the right side. I think he wanted to be like Isaac, because I usually make Isaac read words now when we're reading together.
I also really like Boy + Bot. Apparently we're a family of robot lovers.
These last two I read to Isaac as part of this going to bed ritual for ...a long time. I still like them, so I thought I'd add them to the list. They don't come out much anymore though, as Joshua didn't take a fancy to them.
(All images taken from amazon.com)
I came up with two. I just purchased our own copy of Beep Beep Go to Sleep because 1) I like it and 2) Joshua's expressions during it are awesome. We read it today...I read the left side and he read the right side. I think he wanted to be like Isaac, because I usually make Isaac read words now when we're reading together.
I also really like Boy + Bot. Apparently we're a family of robot lovers.
These last two I read to Isaac as part of this going to bed ritual for ...a long time. I still like them, so I thought I'd add them to the list. They don't come out much anymore though, as Joshua didn't take a fancy to them.
(All images taken from amazon.com)
Sunday, February 25, 2018
Sunday: impromptu visit
This afternoon I was done caring for children. So we went to Aunt C's house. It wasn't for very long, but it was long enough to get us past the hump and into dinner time.
Joshua enjoyed putting two sunglasses on during the way home.
Joshua enjoyed putting two sunglasses on during the way home.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Saturday: phone
I got my phone back today!
I'm glad to have it back. I'm not so glad to have to keep track of it again...when I don't have pockets it can get a bit annoying.
This past week went much better than I expected, to be honest. I missed it as a clock and as a camera and as an alarm clock, but didn't miss it as much as I thought I would for everything else. (Although I did use the Ipad for email...I wasn't completely device-less.)
Now I need to get all the apps and settings back. Blah.
Oh, the repair also fixed the selfie camera! I was hoping they might, even though it wasn't really the reason for the repair.
I'm glad to have it back. I'm not so glad to have to keep track of it again...when I don't have pockets it can get a bit annoying.
This past week went much better than I expected, to be honest. I missed it as a clock and as a camera and as an alarm clock, but didn't miss it as much as I thought I would for everything else. (Although I did use the Ipad for email...I wasn't completely device-less.)
Now I need to get all the apps and settings back. Blah.
Oh, the repair also fixed the selfie camera! I was hoping they might, even though it wasn't really the reason for the repair.
Friday, February 23, 2018
Friday: 100 days
Today was Isaac's 100th day of school.
They did a bunch of 100 thing activities...100 stamps, building a tower with 100 cups, a 100 piece puzzle, etc. They had to bring in a group of 100 things and Isaac chose marbles.
They were also supposed to dress up like a 100 year old. We did a button down shirt and khakis, and used marker for some wrinkles on his face. It turned out ok...not great. It aged him a bit.
They did a bunch of 100 thing activities...100 stamps, building a tower with 100 cups, a 100 piece puzzle, etc. They had to bring in a group of 100 things and Isaac chose marbles.
They were also supposed to dress up like a 100 year old. We did a button down shirt and khakis, and used marker for some wrinkles on his face. It turned out ok...not great. It aged him a bit.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Thursday: blast from the past
Today one of my students asked if the class could take a quick survey for her stats class. Since it only took about one minute I said yes, but it reminded me of my stats project.
"Determination of Time Intervals: A Comparison of Hope College Music and Religion Majors" by Amanda DeYoung and Brian Worrel
The results?
Religion majors are more accurate at predicting 10 and 20 seconds. For 30 seconds there was no statistical difference.
This is not what we expected. I remember a bunch of music students humming the same song that is 60 beats per minute, although I don't remember what song it was. Apparently they were trying too hard. :D
"Determination of Time Intervals: A Comparison of Hope College Music and Religion Majors" by Amanda DeYoung and Brian Worrel
The results?
Religion majors are more accurate at predicting 10 and 20 seconds. For 30 seconds there was no statistical difference.
This is not what we expected. I remember a bunch of music students humming the same song that is 60 beats per minute, although I don't remember what song it was. Apparently they were trying too hard. :D
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Wednesday: this and that
I worked today since everyone went to Crazy Bounce on Monday. I was hoping to get a little farther than what I did, but oh well. I still have a bit of time tomorrow to finish up. I've been having a hard time this week finding motivation to grade.
Some friends came over for an hour after Isaac got home. It was nice to see them as we haven't spent much time with them lately.
My phone has arrived at the repair center and the current status is that it should be delivered within six business days. Since the original paperwork said 12-14 days, I'm quite happy about this.
Some friends came over for an hour after Isaac got home. It was nice to see them as we haven't spent much time with them lately.
My phone has arrived at the repair center and the current status is that it should be delivered within six business days. Since the original paperwork said 12-14 days, I'm quite happy about this.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Tuesday: groceries
I ordered groceries for the first time today. Well, I guess I ordered them last night and Ben picked them up today. It is just a rather busy week and we were running low on the healthy things like fruit, veggies, and milk.
It was rather wonderful. I didn't get the right size of some things...a few items ended up being of a smaller size than I really wanted, but oh well.
It is something I expect to use again in the future, but I do also like still going to the grocery store. It will work well for a once in a while thing when we're having a busy week.
It was rather wonderful. I didn't get the right size of some things...a few items ended up being of a smaller size than I really wanted, but oh well.
It is something I expect to use again in the future, but I do also like still going to the grocery store. It will work well for a once in a while thing when we're having a busy week.
Monday, February 19, 2018
Monday: Crazy Bounce
Since there was no school today, we went to Crazy Bounce with some friends. I didn't tell the boys where we were going, but Isaac was sure it was Crazy Bounce. It is suddenly the boys' favorite place ever and they're always asking to go. (I often have a good reason to say no, because toddler time (through age 7) is only Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-11am. It tends to be less busy and there aren't big kids, so it's the only time we go.) It was a good day for it because they were both bouncing off the walls before we left.
They had an excellent time! Isaac got hurt several times (and I think they were all real, not just little hurts that he should have brushed off) which dampened his mood a bit. However, a few hugs, a few drinks of water, and some giggles usually had him bouncing again.
Isaac and Ethan ran around together a good amount of the time, which was awesome to see. Joshua stuck pretty close to me, but that was ok too. It gave me a good reason to go down all the slides and get my exercise in for the day.
Afterwards we went to Burger King. Betsy and I were waiting for the food and heard lots of laughter then too...it is a good sound to hear.
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Sunday: subcontracting
The boys got along very well today. It started around 4pm, when Isaac was doing some work for extra money. (Oh, he got to $40 yesterday and was then sad because we didn't have another $20 bill in the house. Apparently it's cool to have large denominations.) He was shredding, and Joshua started helping. Before I gave Isaac his money, I asked if he thought Joshua should get some too. Isaac gave an amount that was 40% of the amount he got for doing one bucket full of shredding. Joshua followed Isaac around, and next they sorted some laundry. It turned into a game, and Joshua had to put socks in Ben's sock drawer. (Side note: Isaac was flabbergasted when I told him that Ben's socks were going in the drawer all messy.) Joshua got a percentage of that money too.
Then they started playing a game. I don't know exactly what was going on, but there was a ton of laughter. They enjoyed playing with each other so much that they even had a sleepover, and they haven't done that for a while.
Then they started playing a game. I don't know exactly what was going on, but there was a ton of laughter. They enjoyed playing with each other so much that they even had a sleepover, and they haven't done that for a while.
Friday, February 16, 2018
Friday: phone, day off
Last night my phone died. (It was apparently a really bad day for me and electronics.) It died-died too. While it's being fixed, which will take about two weeks, I haven't decided what I'm doing. Here's what you need to know...
1. Texts will still get to me. It will just go via my computer, so it might take a while for me to see it.
2. I can still talk to you, but again, via the computer. It would need to be prearranged.
3. Getting a hold of Ben will be the best bet.
It was a bit annoying to be without my phone today, but also a bit liberating. We'll see how I feel after a few more days. I don't really get many calls or texts, so it really shouldn't be a big deal. (Although I did lose my grocery list and my contacts. I'm rather sad about those.)
Today Isaac had the day off of school. He spent quite a bit of time doing extra work to earn money. His goal is $40 and he needed $4 I think. I'm not sure how much he ended up with, but he didn't make it. I was trying to be semi-proportional to what he earns for his allowance, but it's a hard thing to figure out. Joshua went crazy with Legos...his tree house was attached to the fire station and there was a beast that was put in jail and Grey Bear was saving the people that had been vacationing via the fire plane. I really wanted to take a picture, but no phone.
We went to Hope College for a child observation for the psych class. The kids apparently got rave reviews. Isaac interacted very well, as was appropriate for a 6 year old. Although at a few points he stood up and did a short crazy dance. The professor left the room for a short time, after putting playdoh on the table and asking the boys not to play with it. Isaac didn't play with it, but the barrel monkeys he was playing with slightly touched it. So then Joshua very deliberately took Red Monkey's hand and had it touch the play-doh, and I heard a whole bunch of "aww"s from the room.
Then we went to the big library since we were close to it. They have a nice play area, so the boys played well while I found books. Monkey was almost left in the freezer, but we remembered just in time to go back and get him. They knew exactly where he was.
1. Texts will still get to me. It will just go via my computer, so it might take a while for me to see it.
2. I can still talk to you, but again, via the computer. It would need to be prearranged.
3. Getting a hold of Ben will be the best bet.
It was a bit annoying to be without my phone today, but also a bit liberating. We'll see how I feel after a few more days. I don't really get many calls or texts, so it really shouldn't be a big deal. (Although I did lose my grocery list and my contacts. I'm rather sad about those.)
Today Isaac had the day off of school. He spent quite a bit of time doing extra work to earn money. His goal is $40 and he needed $4 I think. I'm not sure how much he ended up with, but he didn't make it. I was trying to be semi-proportional to what he earns for his allowance, but it's a hard thing to figure out. Joshua went crazy with Legos...his tree house was attached to the fire station and there was a beast that was put in jail and Grey Bear was saving the people that had been vacationing via the fire plane. I really wanted to take a picture, but no phone.
We went to Hope College for a child observation for the psych class. The kids apparently got rave reviews. Isaac interacted very well, as was appropriate for a 6 year old. Although at a few points he stood up and did a short crazy dance. The professor left the room for a short time, after putting playdoh on the table and asking the boys not to play with it. Isaac didn't play with it, but the barrel monkeys he was playing with slightly touched it. So then Joshua very deliberately took Red Monkey's hand and had it touch the play-doh, and I heard a whole bunch of "aww"s from the room.
Then we went to the big library since we were close to it. They have a nice play area, so the boys played well while I found books. Monkey was almost left in the freezer, but we remembered just in time to go back and get him. They knew exactly where he was.
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Thursday: computer
I opened up my laptop to get my notes for class, and I couldn't get the webpage to load. Bother...but the internet breaks on it on a relatively frequent basis. I know how to fix it. But this time, it didn't work. I restarted the computer, and when it was still shutting down after ten minutes I did a hard restart. It restarted, but nothing worked.
I was able to do this class without my notes; it was a rather lucky day in that regards actually. But it was annoying and made me feel a bit off my game.
Joshua got his Valentine's from school today and he loved them. He loved the words on them. He loved the candy. He was just so excited. (By the way, Valentine's almost seems to net them more candy than Halloween.)
I was able to do this class without my notes; it was a rather lucky day in that regards actually. But it was annoying and made me feel a bit off my game.
Joshua got his Valentine's from school today and he loved them. He loved the words on them. He loved the candy. He was just so excited. (By the way, Valentine's almost seems to net them more candy than Halloween.)
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Wednesday: Fire plane
Joshua finally earned his fire plane today! Yesterday he "shoveled" some snow, and he was willing to do the same today. And by shoveled I'm not sure if more snow ended up in the driveway than what was originally there, but I decided it was the thought that count.
He made the whole plane over the late afternoon/evening and I think it's sleeping in his room now. He did a really good job on it; I mainly needed to turn pages and just double check to make sure things were in the right place.
Isaac got a ton of stuff for Valentine's day, including a glow stick.
He made the whole plane over the late afternoon/evening and I think it's sleeping in his room now. He did a really good job on it; I mainly needed to turn pages and just double check to make sure things were in the right place.
Isaac got a ton of stuff for Valentine's day, including a glow stick.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Tuesday: Parent Teacher Conferences
Isaac's parent-teacher conference went very well today. He's doing great in math - something clicked for him. We noticed it and the teacher noticed it. Apparently he and another student asked when they were going to learn multiplication.
He is doing well with reading. His reading is around 80th percentile, but he's still getting all the things he needs to get...sounding out words especially. He's probably at about the spot he'll need to be leaving kindergarten, so everything is coming along well.
He could use a bit of improvement in writing, but his teacher isn't sure if he's slow because his writing is slow or he's thinking about what he wants to write. In either case, she isn't worried as he has words on the paper.
Socially he seems to be doing just fine in class. She's heard a few big laughs from Isaac lately, so he's feeling more comfortable in class. He's also talking with most of the students, even though he doesn't have a 'best' friend.
There's a book fair at the school's library that they always sell well to the kids. Isaac had put down some titles that he really wanted, and he mentioned a few times that he wanted to show Ben the list because there were minecraft books on it. Well, one minecraft book was just a guide of how to play and the other was the third in a series. So we got him a different Minecraft book that wasn't on the list. When I got home, I told him we didn't get him any of the books on his list and he was about to cry. I quickly showed him what we did get and he quickly got happy again. Disaster averted.
He is doing well with reading. His reading is around 80th percentile, but he's still getting all the things he needs to get...sounding out words especially. He's probably at about the spot he'll need to be leaving kindergarten, so everything is coming along well.
He could use a bit of improvement in writing, but his teacher isn't sure if he's slow because his writing is slow or he's thinking about what he wants to write. In either case, she isn't worried as he has words on the paper.
Socially he seems to be doing just fine in class. She's heard a few big laughs from Isaac lately, so he's feeling more comfortable in class. He's also talking with most of the students, even though he doesn't have a 'best' friend.
There's a book fair at the school's library that they always sell well to the kids. Isaac had put down some titles that he really wanted, and he mentioned a few times that he wanted to show Ben the list because there were minecraft books on it. Well, one minecraft book was just a guide of how to play and the other was the third in a series. So we got him a different Minecraft book that wasn't on the list. When I got home, I told him we didn't get him any of the books on his list and he was about to cry. I quickly showed him what we did get and he quickly got happy again. Disaster averted.
Monday, February 12, 2018
Monday: winter break
Today and tomorrow are winter break. I feel like I usually have big plans - things to clean, misc work to do, whatnot - but this time I don't. So while I am doing a little bit of work, there isn't a ton getting done. I am very ok with that.
Joshua got a Valentine's stuffed monkey from daycare. He was promptly named Monkey. Grey Bear and Monkey are getting along very well. Grey Bear is helping Monkey stay up off the snow and they are shooting off to Mars together. Below they are hugging.
Dad and Pat invited us for lunch at Panera, and that was nice. It was nice to see them and Joshua had a good time telling them all about Grey Bear and Monkey. After that was a tantrum (because Joshua didn't want rest time) and then rest time. Joshua's been throwing a lot of tantrums lately, and they usually involve throwing something. The not listening has gotten him in time out, while the throwing has gotten him additional time. Anyway, he made some robots during rest time. Well, that first one is a cake for Ben I think.
Joshua got a Valentine's stuffed monkey from daycare. He was promptly named Monkey. Grey Bear and Monkey are getting along very well. Grey Bear is helping Monkey stay up off the snow and they are shooting off to Mars together. Below they are hugging.
Dad and Pat invited us for lunch at Panera, and that was nice. It was nice to see them and Joshua had a good time telling them all about Grey Bear and Monkey. After that was a tantrum (because Joshua didn't want rest time) and then rest time. Joshua's been throwing a lot of tantrums lately, and they usually involve throwing something. The not listening has gotten him in time out, while the throwing has gotten him additional time. Anyway, he made some robots during rest time. Well, that first one is a cake for Ben I think.
Sunday, February 11, 2018
Sunday: bedtime
I put Joshua to bed and left the room. A moment later I heard a, "Mom?"
I went into his bedroom. "I love you Mom."
"I love you too."
I went into his bedroom. "I love you Mom."
"I love you too."
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Saturday: yesterday
Joshua has still been all about looking at the fire plane box. But he seems to have no interest in making the last two dollars to actually get it. (Two dollars is not that much work. We are being rather generous.)
So yesterday Ben said that if Joshua doesn't start earning the money, we're going to put the box back in the closet.
Yesterday at lunch, Joshua announced that he hid the box from Ben. I tried getting Joshua to tell me where he hid it, but he kept saying, "It's a secret." (In hindsight, he might just not know where it was.)
Yesterday night we were all talking about it, and Isaac pipes up with, "He did hide it really well! It's not in most of the rooms of the house!" Ben and I cracked up.
It was found this morning by the rest of the Legos. Joshua told Ben it was just a trick.
So yesterday Ben said that if Joshua doesn't start earning the money, we're going to put the box back in the closet.
Yesterday at lunch, Joshua announced that he hid the box from Ben. I tried getting Joshua to tell me where he hid it, but he kept saying, "It's a secret." (In hindsight, he might just not know where it was.)
Yesterday night we were all talking about it, and Isaac pipes up with, "He did hide it really well! It's not in most of the rooms of the house!" Ben and I cracked up.
It was found this morning by the rest of the Legos. Joshua told Ben it was just a trick.
Friday, February 9, 2018
Friday: snow day
Isaac had another snow day today! Today was an excellent day for a snow day, and we enjoyed it.
We decided to make graham cracker houses. Isaac's wanted to make them since Christmas, when there just wasn't enough time. We had to go the store first to get groceries and graham cracker house supplies. Joshua was not having it. This is the second huge tantrum we've had this week. I ask him to get dressed and he doesn't want to. He throws something and then runs away from me. (Spoiler alert: I win.)
Anyway, we finally got started. I made Joshua's and mine; Isaac did most of his.
We let them sit for a few hours. I've found that letting the frosting harden at least a little bit makes things easier. After rest time we started with the candy. Joshua did his own candy. He got many of the candies on, but if they happened to fall off he quickly decided that they just wouldn't say on and they went in his mouth. :)
Mine:
Joshua's:
Isaac's:
After this Isaac and Joshua played well with each other...it was some kind of pirate candy land game that involved a lot of running. And a lot of pillows. But they were happy and content, so they could take all the pillows they wanted.
We decided to make graham cracker houses. Isaac's wanted to make them since Christmas, when there just wasn't enough time. We had to go the store first to get groceries and graham cracker house supplies. Joshua was not having it. This is the second huge tantrum we've had this week. I ask him to get dressed and he doesn't want to. He throws something and then runs away from me. (Spoiler alert: I win.)
Anyway, we finally got started. I made Joshua's and mine; Isaac did most of his.
We let them sit for a few hours. I've found that letting the frosting harden at least a little bit makes things easier. After rest time we started with the candy. Joshua did his own candy. He got many of the candies on, but if they happened to fall off he quickly decided that they just wouldn't say on and they went in his mouth. :)
Mine:
Joshua's:
Isaac's:
After this Isaac and Joshua played well with each other...it was some kind of pirate candy land game that involved a lot of running. And a lot of pillows. But they were happy and content, so they could take all the pillows they wanted.
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