It's Never Too Early to...

start learning to push a snow shovel. Jack wanted to help me do some yard work today, so I gave him a broken baby shovel and let him go to town. After the winter we just had...I would be happy to pass off shoveling duties to Jack next year. Hopefully he's ready. We have about 7 months for "training." Think that would be a violation of Child Labor laws? (Karley? Georgianne? any input?)

 (see all those dead leaves? they aren't there anymore)

Jack: "Shoveling is FUN!"
Mommy: "I know, and if you're REALLY lucky - mommy will let you do the shoveling next winter."
Jack: "YAY!"

Shots of Jack

Exploring outside is fun when the sun is shining.

Shots of Jack

 Wipe the table.

 Wipe the sippy cup.

 Play with some trucks.

Poor Cooper. He has been having a rough week. Yesterday, I came home from school, opened the door, and immediately heard Cooper crying in pain. I rushed inside and called our vet. They agreed to see him if I could bring him "right away." So I loaded Jack back in the car and we headed off with our injured pooch. The doc wasn't able to make a clear diagnosis, but she settled on a front leg elbow injury and sent us home with meds.  Cooper was still in pain when we left for work this morning and by noon, Tyson was home to check on his four-legged friend. We decided another vet trip was in order, but on the way there - a miracle happened...and Cooper was walking MUCH better when Tyson got him out of the car. They did some blood work and we will wait on the results...but for now, our buddy is resting his "yeg" on the couch and taking it easy. It's so hard to see our pets age.

It's a BOY!

She looks good holding a baby! (PS: that's Jack. I can't believe he was once that small & calm.)

I've been waiting for the perfect moment for this post! I found out a few months ago that my best friend (since birth), Katie, is having a BABY! My excitement grew last night when I found out she's expecting a BOY! She and her husband, Max, (a fellow DPU alum) will be AMAZING parents. When they got married a few years ago, I nominated them "Nicest Couple EVER." I'm serious, they have to be the most genuine, down-to-earth married couple I've ever met. Male Baby Maile (Kate's married name) is one very lucky little boy. I just can't wait to meet him and smooch-him-up in August! Congrats, Beehler/Maile family.

Max - let us know when you need new shipments of Michigan gear. Happy to help a native Michigander, especially when they play teams like Notre Dame. :)

Shot of Jack

Oh how we love this little guy.

Mommy's Rules

Sorry - no picture of the little man today. It was a LONG day for everyone and 10 minutes after dinner was finished, Jack was off to bed.

Jack is learning that Mommy has rules - and he doesn't like them. Today, at the grocery store, my rule was: "No standing up in the cart." It's fairly simple and easy to understand. I'm sure the readers out there would agree that it seems like a reasonable enough rule. Jack, would like to disagree.

And disagree he DID.

He yelled, screamed, cried (huge alligator tears), arched his back, kicked his feet... He even threw his crackers at me. It was an all out temper tantrum and I was embarrassed. People stared at me, laughed at him, and some women (bless them) gave me the "I-totally-understand" look. And by the time we checked out - the entire store knew we'd been there. I had to ask a kind lady to push my cart, because Jack was trying to wriggle out of my arms as we left the store.

After a fight to get him into his carseat and blood-curdling screams as I loaded the groceries, we headed home. Within three minutes, my backseat passenger was laughing, clapping, and waving at passing cars. Classic case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

A Royal Wedding

I'm not sure what happened to my invite to THE wedding of the year, but unfortunately, I am not heading to London for the nuptials this Friday.  I actually visited the University of St. Andrews while I was studying abroad in college and despite my best stalking efforts - I couldn't find William. (FYI - Tyson and I were on a "break," so it was totally legal for me to be stalking a prince) But, alas, he has found Kate, his princess. She is gorgeous. I love that she is a down-to-earth, small-town girl with values (I know this thanks to the Lifetime movie...don't judge). I hope she stays normal and doesn't get swept up into the hype of royalty and fame.

My DVR is set for all of the wedding festivities on Friday. Coverage begins at 4am and I'm trying to figure out how I could tie it into fourth grade curriculum, so I could have it on in my classroom. If you have any ideas, let me know.

As a side note, Tyson and I watched "The King's Speech" at the lake this weekend and it was really good! I definitely recommend it!

Cheers to the happy couple...even if they did forget to invite me to their big day.

Easter at the Lake

We decided to head to the lake on Friday night. Tyson & I both had Good Friday off, so after finishing up some things around the house - we packed the car, packed the kid, and packed the dogs. It was a quick trip south.  Nancy & Denny arrived on Saturday morning, just in time for a home-cooked breakfast courtesy of Tyson (that's a rarity). We bought Jack a new crib for the lake (and apparently it has magic in it, because he slept like a rock). Jack helped his Grandpa Denny finish some work.

 Actually, Grandpa Denny was very popular with Jack this weekend. He bought Jack an Elmo balloon at Walmart and won his heart. Now they're best buddies.

See, Grandpa Denny even shared his green beans with Jack today at lunch.

Hope everyone had a WONDERFUL Easter! We have so much to be thankful for and we recognize the many blessings in our lives. We are especially thankful for our healthy little boy, our loving families, and our supportive friends. Love you all!

Something Worth Sharing

Recipient, donor mother encourage organ donation: wane.com

Zach was a classmate of mine in middle school and high school. I know he would be so happy to know that his donation has changed the lives of five people.

I am a BIG believer in organ donation. My cousin, Chad, received a kidney as a young boy and my pledge grandma (at Alpha Phi) recently received a new heart. If you are not a donor already, I strongly encourage you to look into it.

Smelling the Flowers

Spring poked her beautiful face out today, in the form of sunshine. Considering we had snow on the ground (and yes, I mean real snow) on Monday, we welcomed Spring with open arms. We only wish she would hang around for a while.

Don't Be Fooled

Don't let this sweet face fool you. He threw SUCH a fit at the Post Office today...not one, but TWO people let us cut in front of them in line. Apparently, no one felt like listening to a screaming toddler.

Tomorrow is my Friday. This makes me VERY happy.

Fourth Grade Difference

I thought I would give a quick update on how things are going in fourth grade. First of all, this school starts a half hour before my previous school (8:15 vs. 8:45). It may not seem like much, but with a toddler in tow - 30 minutes feels like a REALLY long time. Plus, when I get home at night - I am SO tired.

The teacher I am in for has some serious health concerns. She will most likely not be returning for the rest of the year and will probably be retiring at the end of the year. I have somewhat come to terms with the fact that I will be teaching until June 20th...although I will probably still wake up in cold sweats at some point.

Finally, the kids I'm teaching are AWESOME. Sure they push their limits and they talk...a lot. But they are fun! They get my jokes and sometimes they even tell me good jokes (like ones that legitimately make me laugh).

Today I was having them make a folder for a Lumberjack Unit we are about to start (lumberjacks played a large role in Michigan history - I'm also learning, as I go). Anyway, they were making a "folder" out of construction paper and I said, "You just have to fold it in half, like this. Make sure the edges are together. It's a 'hamburger' fold." I stopped talking and looked up in time to catch 24 ten year olds rolling their eyes at me. "We know, Mrs. Becker - we aren't first graders." Ohhhhh, right. I love the fourth grade independence!

Wrestle Mania

Tonight, for the first time in Jack's life, he and his father participated in a testosterone-induced wrestling match with each other.  Don't get me wrong, I grew up with two brothers. And, I practically lived in the Beta House at DePauw (I would have pledged, but it wasn't allowed). If there is one thing I KNOW - it's the behavior of boys. This little "wrestling match" was one of MANY yet to come.

 Look how happy they BOTH are...

No babies were injured in the making of this blog post. Actually, Jack was really enjoying it. It was like it awakened his inner-fratboy.

Yes, my husband found a Michigan sweatshirt buried in his dresser. I'm not sure what he's thinking. Please send all hate-mail directly to his gmail.

Shot of Jack

Jack really enjoys "reading" books. Only he doesn't really enjoy when WE read to him. He prefers to read them himself. His version of "reading" usually involves a lot page turning, jibberish, and finally, he throws the book. Such a scholar.

T-I-R-E-D

This picture pretty much sums up the weekend. Tyson and I had SO much fun in Lexington, but we are dead tired from a long trip home. Jack had a BLAST in Warsaw (and a quick visit to Fort Wayne). He was a Grand Prize Winner in a local Easter Egg Hunt and will be featured in the Warsaw Times Union this week (more on that later). 

We are under a Winter Weather Advisory. Seriously? It's the middle of April. 

Look what's waiting for Jack in Warsaw...

His very own set of golf clubs. I knew my Dad wouldn't be able to resist these much longer...especially after he saw Jack's $5 set from Walmart. (Tucker chewed on the putter)

Jack is heading to see his grandparents this weekend...all of them, actually. Grandma Nancy is picking him up in Van Wert, OH and taking him to Warsaw. He'll be spending the weekend with my mom & dad. I tried to warn them about having a toddler in the house again (it's been 23 years). They weren't listening to me and I was told, "we raised you just fine." I guess I'll shut up then.

Tyson and I are heading down to Lexington, KY to see our good friends (who we haven't seen in WAY too long) and watch some ponies run at Keeneland! It's always SUCH a fun time.  We promise pictures after the long weekend away!

(Note to grandparents: please charge your camera batteries...)

Nature Walk

 Jack and I took a walk to the park after school today to enjoy the beautiful weather. On our way home, Jack found some sticks he thought were worth bringing home (and chewing on). As you can see, he was very proud of his find.

"I have to get these sticks home to show Tucker! He LOVES sticks!!"

Peegs Follower

I caught Jack on Peegs.com with his Dad tonight. He was watching a video of some future Hoosiers. Always keeping up with the IU recruits.

I think Jack just earned his inheritance from his Uncle Joe (aka: #1 Peegs follower of all-time).

Shots of Jack

 "Hey Mom, watch this..."

"I'm going to go play in the street!"

To anyone who knew Tyson as a toddler/child - I believe Jack is a duplicate of his daddy. He has no fear, a constant need to move, and a mind of his own. I'm really worried about my personal sanity over the next few years.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho...

It's back to work I go. Seriously? What am I thinking? Apparently, I am not. I got a call from a principal today about a two week job...that could potentially turn into another long-term. Didn't I vow to NEVER do another long-term? I believe I did.

I stressed over it all day, bit off all my nails, picked some split-ends (those are my nervous habits) and then, finally at 4:00 - I called him back and said I'd do it. I committed to the two weeks and said I would "think about it" if it ended up going to the end of the year. You know I can't say no...so if this teacher can't come back, I'm in school until JUNE 20th!!!!

Dear Lord, what have I done?!?!

Anyway, it's fourth grade - which will be a fun change of pace! But my mom brilliantly suggested that I get the Teacher's Edition for Math, so I could re-learn refresh myself on fractions, decimals, long division, etc.

Wish me luck! I know I'll need it.

(Also - two random pieces of info - This school is located on Jack Dr. (obviously, the Jack connection) and to get to it I have to take Kristin Dr. (Devin's girlfriend's name, spelled with an "i"))

Spoon Feeding

Sunday Stroll

 After some spring cleaning and laundry, we decided to take a stroll down to our neighborhood park.

 Jack enjoyed a few trips down the slide. He was all smiles.

 He also had fun being pushed in the swing!

Walking home...

We saw this beautiful "masterpiece." A special THANKS to the hoodlums of Royal Oak for their artistic contributions to our neighborhood. I'm pretty sure it's not gang affiliated, but it did make us laugh. Grandma Shirlee is sure to appreciate this wonderful piece of art!

Where's Jack?

Jack likes to play a little game. He hides his face (usually under a blanket or in a pillow) and then I yell: "Jack? Where's Jack? Has anyone seen Jack?"

 And then Jack moves the object covering his face and I yell: "Ohhhh, there he is! Hi, Jack!"

Today he played using a diaper. Whatever works.

First Zoo Trip of the Year

 Jack took his Grandma Shirlee to the Detroit Zoo today. It wasn't warm, but it also wasn't raining - AND it wasn't busy. Yay!

 Grandma yelled at the polar bear because she was napping. By the time we got underground, she was swimming. Grandma's nagging really paid off.

 This seal was enjoying an underwater vent blowing on his face. Jack thought he "went to see Jesus." But luckily, he finally woke up and swam away.

 Here he is wondering how his Detroit Tigers were doing in their Opening Day Game. 

 Meeting a baby giraffe. 

Jack almost stayed at the zoo - permanently. He wasn't interested in riding in his stroller nor following us as we walked. The kid has a mind of his own and is VERY stubborn. My apologies to the hippo, as Jack probably woke him from his nap during one of his fits. Hopefully we are still welcome back - we have a lot of zoo days ahead of us!

Skype Date

Jack had a Skype Date with his Grandma & Grandpa Becker tonight. Just to say HELLO. Actually, he mainly said "Uh Oh" - which is his favorite thing to say.  He also throws out a random "uh oh" when I hit a pot hole or run over a curb. He's already a very observant back seat driver. Thank goodness he can't report me to his father...yet.

Mall walking & lunch at Coney made Jack one very tired little man. 

Guest Bather

Jack had a "Guest Bather" tonight. His Grandma Shirlee is here and she was on bath duty. After a lunch at Olga's (shout out to Carrie!), a lite nap, and lasagna dinner with Brooke & Molly - Jack was almost literally asleep before his head hit his crib sheets tonight. One grumpy tired boy!

We would like to send a special GET WELL message to Grandma Nancy, who couldn't come up this week because she isn't feeling well. Jack sends you a hug & lots of kisses for a speedy recovery! Love you!

Refrigerator Raider

Jack decided that he would raid the refrigerator today after a trip to the grocery store. Here's a valuable piece of advice: Don't leave your open refrigerator unattended when Jack is around.  He will empty it quickly and carelessly. 

"I found some jello, Mom!"

And the Winner is...

 I put Jack to work today - making his final pick for the BIG game tonight! 

It's a match-up between Indiana's Butler Bulldogs and the UConn Huskies.

This was a hard pick for Jack, since he has a soft spot for ALL dogs...

But, he made his choice:

"Trust me, Butler wins this game."