Jack's Quote Book

Saturday January 22, 2011

"Hey Mom, things at the restaurant are going REALLY good today, huh?"

January 2010

I can't wait to see what this year holds for you, Jack!

You are a wonderful helper around the house and are working on listening and obeying me. You help put your shoes and coat away when we get home every day and put your dirty clothes in the hamper at night. You also do a pretty good job of cleaning up toys. We have a new little vacuum that is perfect for you to help me with all the cleaning!

The weather is getting a little better after a very cold December and early January. Its perfect for you to learn to ride your new bike you got for Christmas. At first you were not too happy with it and could go much faster on your trike. But you seem to have mastered it and are really enjoying how much easier it is and farther you can go with less effort.

You started Sunbeams and are in class with your friend and neighbor Brigham Hart. Your teachers are brother and sister Bland. You were really nervous and cried a bit when I left you the first Sunday but hopefully things will get easier each week. On the way home from church I asked how class was and you said, "My teacher talked about the Holy Ghost, Mom, just like you tell me!"

I loved that you paid attention for long enough to at least recognize some of the things we talk about at home. We are reading scriptures together every night and saying family prayers. You never let us go a night without remembering to say them. We also got some darling quiet church books for Christmas that have the prophet and apostles pictures in them and you are working hard to learn each of their names. We are also working on the first article of faith and you can say it pretty well with some assitance. You're well on your way to becoming a model sunbeam....and great future missionary!

December 2010

December was a wonderful month for our little family and we felt very blessed throughout the month. I had a wonderful time teaching you about the Christmas story and the birth of our Savior as we read Christmas books and scriptures each night. We went to the temple and saw the nativity display and you were thrilled to recognize the characters we had been learning about all month.

It was also fun this year to see your excitement about Santa Claus, the North Pole and elves. You love the movie Polar Express and when we were in Kamas for the weekend, we decided to ride the "Polar Express." I loved seeing your joy as you thought we were truly going to the North Pole! You asked me what I was going to do while you were riding the train to the North Pole, and were slightly disappointed when I informed you that I would be accompanying you.

We made cookies for our neighbors and friends, bought gifts for teachers and family, and thoroughly enjoyed the holidays and the excitement and joy that comes with it.

Washington Fields 2nd Ward Christmas Breakfast

Making cookies for neighbors and friends...and ourselves...

What a cute little baker!

Christmas Morning/Afternoon

This year you spent Christmas morning with Dad in Logan. That afternoon he brought you to Woodland to Grandma and Grandpa McNeils home where Santa had left you even more presents. I was worried you'd be over the excitement of presents by time you got there....but I think the look on your face says otherwise!

Jack (3) and Noah (5)

Jack (3) and Rajko(20 months)

November 2010

One reason we love St. George is the wonderful weather! Even into November we can play outside and not be bundled up. 2 boys moved in next door to us, Brigham and Stockton, and you love to ride bikes and play with them when we have time.

Sometimes you get so busy playing that you don't even have time to go in for a bathroom break. I guess its time to have a discussion about when and where its appropriate to use the restroom!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween was fun this year as you really got into your costumes and trick-or-treating. I had purchased a football player outfit that you were so excited to wear, but then at the last minute I saw a CARS pitcrew outfit and knew we had to have it too. Luckily we had two separate occasions to wear the costumes.

Halloween night

Dixie Regional Daycare Halloween Carnival

Jack the football player and Liv Hatch the kitty

September/October 2010

I love how handsome you are in this picture just prior to leaving for church. I'm amazed that at 3 years old you are still toting this monkey around night and day. Its so adorable to see how elated you are when you see him after daycare. Its truly like he's a long-lost best-friend that you've been reunited with.

The next two pictures actually concern me a little...for a number of reasons.....

You LOVE the movie CARS, and are completely obsessed with all the characters. Your dad and I(and grandparents) have completley over-indulged you and managed to purchase every cars character known to man. The funny thing is you know each character and notice the subtle differences in each car and cannot be fooled. For instance, some of the Lightning McQueens have bugs in their teeth, or red rims instead of white walled tires....and don't even try to trick you and give you the car you don't want! Nothing gets by you!

Additionally, I'm amazed at the way your "sort" the cars. Sometimes its by color, sometimes its by make...etc, etc. You mind is always turning....and I love it!

I've already mentioned how much I love your daycare/preschool! Here you are one fall morning ringing the doorbell and getting ready for another fun-filled day!

October 2010

Happy Birthday, Jack!
I can't believe you're three years old. Time has flown by since you were born, and in such a short amount of time you have grown so much and learned even more. You have been so smart since very early on. You could talk very early and walk as well. You continue to amaze me with your eagerness to learn, grow and develop. I feel like I should be doing more as your Mom to help facilitate your learning. You are so curious about your surroundings, conversations going on and the world around you. You always seem to be listening and chime in with questions that I can't believe you come up with! You know all of your letters and numbers, and can put numbers together to make even bigger numbers. You know all the sounds of the alphabet and are constantly trying to figure out what words start with what letter. You can identify your name, as well as many of the names of your class mates. You can also identify Mom, Dad, cat, dog, and stop. You also can spell each of those words when asked.

This year for your birthday you got a few cars, some clothes and a couple other toys. We woke up and you opened presents, then went to daycare while I worked. At school they made you a crown that you wore all day, and you took cupcakes to share with your classmates. After school I picked you up and we drove to Provo to meet Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Rob for dinner. Then your Dad met us and you went to Logan for the weekend. You had a Cars themed birthday party there and spent lots of time with your Johnson cousins.

Jack, you are so loved by me and so many other people. I pray everyday that I will help you live up to your potential and raise you to become an amazing man.

I am so proud and happy to be your Mom.

Happy Birthday Jack boy!