Tres's 7th Birthday Pokemon Card-y!

So I've been waiting to get pics downloaded from my Mom's camera... we took pics with hers and mine at the party, and I know how to upload from my camera, but not hers! Maybe my super helpful and handy husband will help me out with that! But I want to get down the details before my memories of the day start getting fuzzy... and let's face it... after three kids and dividing and multiplying my attention so many times now... my memory ain't what it used to be folks! It's somewhat diluted. Smile!

First of all, he was a sick puppy the week before his birthday. We had planned to have his party the weekend before, but due to a high fever, and a very lethargic little boy, we were forced to reschedule his party. But, we rescheduled it for his actual birthdate day, and he thought that was pretty cool!

Hank took the day off, and we saw the boys off to school. They both skipped off to school in their Pokemon shirts! Then the madness began for us! We were wrapping presents, picking up last minute party items, getting goody bags ready, etc. We stopped mid day and went and ate lunch with our boys. (That is one thing I love to do.) Seeing them come down the hall with their class, walking orderly and looking around hopefully until they spotted us... then their little faces just lit up! I didn't realize I had the camera with us until after we had eaten with the birthday boy! C'est la vie!

After lunch, we headed over to my Mom's house to set up party central. About this time, I remember looking at the sky and realizing it was gonna rain. I was just praying it would hold off. It was hot enough to still let the kid's swim and run around outside... and all of the parent's were hoping for a good way to burn off some energy!

Hank ran to pick up the kids while I continued party prep... and before we knew it, we were in a countdown to party time!! But, the rain did not hold off, and as it started to pour, and I mean soaking-wet-through-and-through rain, Tres started to get worried that his friends would decide not to come.

{Insert picture of Tres sitting on Mom's front porch cross legged waiting for his friends to come, while it pours! Pic on Mom's camera.}

We had to pull my parent's grill into the door way of their garage to grill the hot dogs, and we had to make sure we had plenty of indoor games planned... well, at least, garage games! :) I was beginning to get worried that no one would come out either, and as I watched Tres sitting on the porch so forlornly, my Momma's heart started to hurt. But just about that time, I saw a car making a slow pass by the house... I had just enough time to grab the camera! I snapped the best shot of my baby waving to his first guest from the porch.

{Insert pic from Mom's camera here!}

I grabbed an umbrella, and began the wet task of ushering EVERY GUEST that we invited (with the exception of Caleb, who was sick) quickly into the house.



Then it was time for food! Hot dogs, chips, drinks, cheese dip, cookies. We got the kids set up and eating first. I was a little hardcore about no one putting hands into food. I was the sole server, and I had someone go around with the Germ-X once the kids were settled. Once they ate, I shifted the kids into the den for opening gifts and let the adults dig in...



Man was it fun to watch Tres open this year! My little man takes pure joy in all things, and has since he was a baby. He has always been and will always be my joy. Just look at that face!



He took great pride in reading each card this year. One of his classmates was sitting beside me and told me that Tres was the best reader in his class! That made me smile. Then she sighed and said wistfully, "I wish I could read that good."



Bryant is such a good brother. I really pray that my boys continue to develop their friendship. My sister and I were and are close and I love that. There is really something special about someone who knows you so well, that actually likes you too! :)


After presents, I handed out goody bags. This year, instead of the standard junk in a bag, Hank and I went online and ordered a huge lot of Pokemon cards. We divided it up and gave those as goody bags. The kids began trading immediately and were throwing around words like 'starley' 'rocario' and 'eevvee.'



Then it was time for the ice cream sundae bar! We went all out finding all sorts of topping to make this the best for the kids! And they really, really seemed to enjoy it! Again, I was the only one dipping ice cream, and Hank was the only one handling toppings.



Then we took the kids out to the garage and let them let with a nerf gun and a tower of pokemon characters! It was so fun, and the kids loved the satisfying racket the cans made when they shot 'em down! We had prizes for everyone, so everyone was a winner!



Well, that's all I have for now, folks! I promise when I get the pics from Mom's camera, I will insert them!

Field Day

Tres's school had field day the Friday before school let out. Hank and I made a point of being there.
One happy little boy! We are so very proud of him.

I liked this event a lot! The kids pulled the teacher across a field, competing with other classes. Tres's class won!! Could have something to do with his little tiny teacher! She's so cute.

The water relay. They had to fill a bucket up by relaying water from one end to the other. Tres was funny... she was so into it, he was yelling, then he settled into a routine, and propped his hand on his hip.

Field hockey... he looks pretty natural, doesn't he!

In the sack races, the kids had a blast, but this is where they started to wear out a bit! Tres ended up falling at the end and just kicking off the sack to the next kid in line. But he never stopped smiling!

Refreshment time!! This probably took the longest.

Waiting on Tres to get and eat his refreshments.

Tres, Andrew, and Elmer. Elmer was funny. He refused to get wet and was one of the neatest little boys I've ever met!

Tug of war! His class won this too.


There were more events and we have more pictures, but our internet is down. I'm at Mom's posting this from the pics I had already downloaded and saved!

Boosterthon!

Tres participated in a school fundraiser called the Boosterthon. They ran laps and got family and friends to sponser them per lap. The info the school sent home said that the kids would run between 25-30 laps... well Tres was determined to run 35!! He actually only got to do 27, but was proud of himself!! Stretch it out! To the starting line... Here we goooooo!!!See how they checked off the laps on their shirts! Tres said the lady forgot to mark his laps two times, so he thinks he really ran 29 laps. He wanted to keep going, but they made him stop! He actually seems to enjoy running.

Tres's Christmas Program

Tres had his school Christmas program last weekend. He did so good, and I was a proud Momma! He got to play the bells, and not every kid got to do that.

Tres also got to give his teacher her gift... which was a goody bag of CVS items we've been putting together for a while.I wish we could have done more. I just love his teacher, and he does too. Truth be told, I think he has a little crush on her! He also made her a necklace and a keychain (an idea that I got from Gretchen's blog!).

The List

Three's

Three things happened this weekend: First, Tres got sick on Friday night. He ran a fever of 101.8 and just wanted to be in bed. He tossed and turned (with me in my bed) just about all night. I alternated tylenol and motrine and we used a cool rag cause he felt like he was on fire. At around 4:30 am, he woke me up and said he felt better, so I got him comfy and he slept. I wasn't about to wake him up so I told Hank to take Bry in Tres's place to soccer. His little soccer team was already down one of six players, so without Bry they couldn't play. So he was a 'pinch kicker!'He did pretty good and seemed to have a really good time! Later that day, between Alabama's win and Auburn's loss, Hankie got himself a new toy! He went and bought himself a scooter. He loves it and it should cut our gas bill by half, even after the monthly payment, insurance, and fuel! Hank loves it!And so do the boys! The third took up a lot of my weekend, but it was so worth it! Tres had his birthday party and it was a success. He was all better from what must have been some sort of fever virus... and a full 24 hours had passes since his fever broke, so we felt confident that we could have a party without infecting everyone.

We've been so busy, that we just called our friends and asked them to come... instead of sending out invites. But it all worked out. I think only one couldn't make it. It was a sunny day and good for outdoor activities just the same! So I made sure to have plenty of water guns handy and we had the trampoline to jump around in. Tres had asked for a LEGO Indiana Jones cake, and then proceeded to pick out Indiana Jones napkins, GI Joe party favors, and a Spider Man pinata! He's such a boy, and we love it!His only other request was corn chips. He kept trying to tell us what they were and would describe them as the chips that smile or frown. How cute is that? He invited a lot of little friends over to Grandma's house for a final swim of the summer. None of the adults were brave enough to try, but the kids all did for a short time until they were all shivering... which was like, 15 or 20 minutes into it! After the kids all defrosted, we sang Happy Birthday to the birthday boy!


Did you guys see Tyler try to blow out the candle? I thought Tres handled that like a big boy! Then it was on to presents... Speed Racer movie, a small LEGO, a Transformer, a tee ball stand, and a couple of gift cards. He is a very blessed little boy!

Then it was time to work off the sugar and take a whack at the pinata! I thought Caleb and Zach were too funny cause they took it so seriously!

NOTE TO SELF: Do not put stampers in goody bags EVER, EVER, EVER again. Seriously, Jamie... what were you thinking? You had to bathe both boys twice, and use facial astrigent on their entire bodies to get nearly all of it off!My two boys, Mr. Green Chicken Pox, and Rudolf.

I'm ready to scale back on birthdays though... especially having Ava Sophia's and Tres's so close together!

Birthday at School

Tres was the Star Student yesterday since it was his birthday! I got to take snacks into his class. I let Tres pick out the special snack, and we ended up bringing in apple dippers, cheese sticks, and YooHoo drink boxes.Tres thought it was cool that Sophie got to come to his snack time too! He even shared his apples with her. One of Tres's little classmates, came up to me and said, "Tres never told us he had a baby!" That made me laugh!Sophie was like a Super Star in there... all the kids wanted to touch her and talk to her and make her laugh. I mean, they swarmed her like she was a super star and they were the paparazzi!

Henry John, III ~ 6 years old

-You have lost two teeth on the bottom, and you think it's cool that you can put a straw there.
-You love to have us read to you!
-You love playing soccer and you really think about how to play and what to do in the game.
-You wish that you could play goalie!
-You have discovered that showers are cool, and you like to do it all by yourself.
-Tying your shoes is a new accomplishment.
-The first week of school, you were relentless about wanting to buy your lunch. We finally had to come to a compromise that you could buy your lunch once a week. You make us read the lunch schedule and pick your day every Monday.
-You also think that it would be really cool to ride the school bus. You told me that kids that get to ride the bus are really lucky!
-Your favorite TV show is Max & Ruby on Noggin.
-You say that your favorite food is fish sticks and shrimp... but I think it's chocolate and Mexican food.
-I think if you could go anywhere on a moment's notice, it would be to Disney... you are your father's son in that respect! You love the magic of it all!
-You really love being a big brother to both Bryant and Sophie.
-Your best friends are Bryant,Luke, and Donovan at home; at school your good friends are Jacob, Cayden, Ethan, and Grant.
-You really like it on the weekends when you get to sleep as late as you want and we let you sleep on the pull out sofa in the toyroom.
-You still do the Tres-man rewind... where you suck in a breath and repeat what you just said when you're excited about what you're telling me.
-You are so good with numbers, and you seem to learn things very easily!
-You still don't mind giving Mommy and Daddy hugs and kisses.
-You love Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and LEGOS.

***EDITED AFTER SLEEPING ON IT:***

-We have a lot of nick names for you... Tres, Tres-man, T-man, T, Mr. T, and Booger Boy. They all just seem to roll off of our tongue. When you were itty bitty, and you got your first cold, I started calling you Booger and it just sort of stuck.
-You have ALWAYS been a happy baby and boy. You smile constantly. I have always called you my joy.
-You like to please Mommy & Daddy.
-I went to our first meeting with your teacher and got the news I already knew: You are way off the charts smart!!
-You are a defender of your brother and sister. Just the other night at Chik-fil-A, you made sure that a little boy who pushed Bry knew you weren't happy and then hugged Bry until he was better. I just love watching you guys love on each other.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Henry John, III turns six today at 11:15 am.

I was exactly 36 weeks pregnant and went to work on a Tuesday morning. When Hank came to see me at work that day, I remember telling him that I felt like something was gonna happen soon. I just felt restless that day. I remember hugging him and just feeling so vulnerable in the office.

At lunch that day, I went to the Dollar Store and stocked up on snacks, paper plate, cups, and stuff for when Tres came and our house would be full of company. While I was at the Dollar Store, I heard a pop... but ignored it cause I needed to get back to work.

I got home from work around 5:00 and went to the bathroom. I remember sitting there going over what all I needed to get done, and then it dawned on me that my body wasn't stopping... I instantly became alert and grabbed the phone.

I first called Hank. He told me to call the nurse.
Well, what did he know, after all? So I called Traci.. I asked her what she thought, and she said to call the doctor. I still wasn't convinced... I mean, after all, this was my first pregnancy and Traci didn't have kids yet either... so I called my Mom. Here's how that conversation went:

Jamie: Hey, Mom?
Mom: Hey, baby.
Jamie: What's it like when your water breaks?
Mom: WHAT?!?!?!
Jamie: I mean, I think I'm just wetting my pants or something, but I don't know.
Mom: JAMIE!!! CALL THE DOCTOR!! THEN CALL ME BACK.

Well, still not convinced, I called Hank and told him I still had the same problem. He instantly told his boss he had to go home.

So, I decided I better call the doctor then. They told me to come straight in. While I waited for Hank, I got in the shower and washed my hair, then checked my hospital bag and sat in the nursery waiting.

Hank got home, a bundle of nerves. We hopped into the car (hopped in a relative term when you are that pregnant), and headed downtown. On the way, I vividly remember looking at Hank and saying, "When they tell me I went my pants, you are taking me to Outback!"

We got to the hospital and they tested immediately and sure enought my water had broken. They monitored me overnight and started me on pitocen at 6 am in the morning since my contractions didn't regulate.

My 10 am, I was 8 cm and our entire family was gathered in the waiting room. By 11:15 Tres was here... all 5 lbs, 14 oz and 18" of him! He came out with an old man combover hair do! He instantly stole my heart and simultaneously made us a family.

I love my little man. I can't believe it was 6 years ago... I feel like it just happened.

The Countdown Started A LOOONNNGGG Time Ago!

"Hey Mommy! Did you know that my birthday is in 2 days?"

Hmmm... let me think... did I know that? Yes, son... I vividly remember when I didn't know what it was like when your water broke and just thought I was wetting my pants. I believe I do remember that, honey.

Yesterday, Tres announced, "Just 3 days till my birthday!"

I've been getting the countdown for 10 days now and before that, I would sporatically get the question, "How many days is it till my birthday?"

Soccer, Baby!

Here's are future David Beckham! Tres's number is 3... appropriate, I thought! :)Even super stars need a little help tying there shoes once in a while! I'm so very proud of my little man. He loves soccer... no complaining about running too much... no whining about not wanting to go to practice (and that's twice a week)... just excitement and fun!

A Mother's Heart

Well, the first day of school is over. Thank goodness. I've been on an emotional roller coaster all day. I woke up, and got myself ready reluctantly. Then I headed into the kitchen to get Tres's backpack ready. I had not fully cleaned it out since last spring when he finished up K-4. We actually had to take him out of K-4 a week early to go on a trip to Disney. We knew that the days of freedom for planning vacations were coming to a rapid end, and just went for it. So, I knew there would be a few things in there that I had not seen... drawings, papers, etc. But nothing could have prepared this momma for what I found...I found a tiny teal package with my name (Mom) written on it. When I opened it, it was a heart shaped pin that he had made for me last Mother's Day. Along with that, I found the Mother's Day book that his school had made. They asked all the kids some of the same questions and bound them in a book to give to all the moms.
Here's what they asked:
1- What does your Mom look like?
2- What does your Mom do with you/for you?
3- What does your Mom like to do?

And here are his answers:When I got done sobbing, I controlled myself and got Hank up and between the two of us we got our crew up, fed, and ready. Today is the only day we are allowed to walk them to their rooms, and since we both wanted to go, that meant the whole gang went too! :)Ready for the next 12 years of his life!Leading the way, as always. Bryant was in awe.Not too cool to hold his Momma's hand.But a little too excited to hug her good-bye. He went straight in and to his chair. He didn't need any reassurance... no promises to be first in line to pick up... no I'll be back for you... nothing. That's the way I wanted it really... but not REALLY. The deep, innermost, Mommiest part of me wanted him to cling to me and beg me not to leave. To need a hundred hugs, and promises and reassurance. But I'm so very proud of him. I was proud as I stood there feeling like my arms where a new kind of empty watching my baby from the doorway test his wings with excitement. And I cried silently as we all headed back out to the car. It was slightly reassuring to see a handfull of other Mom's crying their eyes out as well.

He came home with shining eyes, telling me about a name game he played today. And that he knew two of the kids on the playground from K-4. He told me about buying his lunch for the very first time (he got pizza), and that one girl already got in time out today... but not him, he was quick to assure me. He told me about carrying his tray at lunch and drinking his drink at snack time. He told me that Ms. Andrews is pretty. And he told me that he 'sure is glad he lost that tooth, Mom, cause it makes a pretty great shortcut for my drinks!'

The house was quiet today. Bryant was a little lost, as always, without his big brother. But the house will be even quieter in a couple of weeks when he starts his K-4.
[Please read the following with a note of sarcasm.]
I'm just glad I have a whole day before my baby turns one... I mean what ever would I do with actual time to adjust?