Baba and I dropped NJ off at school and couldn't resist going over to the grand opening of our favorite bakery really close to us. We got free drinks, keychains, and mugs with our pastries. We didn't know it would be such an event, the mayor, counsel woman, and other city people were there for a ribbon cutting. We were surprised by that and so many people there. 

We were supposed to meet at the bakery, but we decided on lunch instead. A belated birthday lunch with my best friend. It was really nice, I always love the time we can spend together. 

When he gets home from school we always ask him to change and wash his hands. He was excited about a surprise I had for him, but first his hands need to be clean! 

We got him a small tart which he quickly devoured.

He's working on some coloring. We ask him regularly now since it seems to be getting messier. 

Baba made dinner for us tonight, some mac & cheese. He and NJ shared some sausage. 

He was asking for juice all day, which makes me not want to even buy any anymore! We asked that he finish his dinner and milk nicely before having a little bit. Baba let him get it out and poor it himself. 

After dinner we had what we call a family meeting and prayed together. It's a great way for NJ to express himself to us. And we can talk to him about random things or important things. He was talking about how much he loves school and how sad he was to miss his teacher. She's been sick the last couple of days. He was in near tears all day since picking him up, I couldn't tell why. I thought he was having a bad day or tired, but didn't expect to hear it was because he missed his teacher. He really can't wait to have her back. NJ also talked to us about fire drills and what to do if there was an earthquake. When we asked him if he had anything else he wanted to talk about he said, "Baba, there's just one thing and it's really important. When there's a fire, you have to line up and go out of the building. If there's a earthquake, you have to go under the desk and then you go outside." He went on to talk about the fire alarm and drills they've had. Interesting to find out what's on his mind. 

This morning I came out to NJ curled up on the couch like this. So unusual. He's always up before us and he's usually already dressed, helped himself to some cereal, or playing with his legos. When I asked him he said, "I woke up too early and I was still tired so I went back to lay down."

Awww, my snuggly boys. 

I found NJ sitting by himself at the top of the stairs. I was wondering why until he was pointing down the stairs. He had a big smile seeing his Uncle Dan walk up. 

Mmm, a Auntie made a delicious dinner (as always) of steak, chicken, potatoes, and corn. 

We were full and rested our tummies while we relaxed to talk. We got to catch up, hang out, exchange gifts, and celebrate our birthdays. But as of three years ago, we celebrate both our birthdays, but also sharing a special day. Every year she tells me getting a liver on her birthday was her best present. And every year I tell her that I'll do my best not to nearly die on her anymore (or at least try). 

Dessert was too good, we all wanted more! We had a molten chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. I have to try making it at home now. 

We watched some olympics and NJ got into it, cheering with excitement. He kept asking why Auntie wouldn't change the channel back to the races. She was trying to explain to him that it was commercials, not a changed channel and there was nothing she could do about it. She made fun of him not being exposed to much tv. Someone got into their pi's and had their teeth brushed. He's bundled up and ready to go. He was so excited and awake! It's impossible for him not to be with his uncle and auntie. 

He's done with his homework for the week, but I still convinced to practice some more letters. His writing is getting sloppier so the more practice the better. He asked me if he could watch a show so I said he could after some writing. 

I thought it was cute the way he was lounging. 

He gave me a smile after I asked him to. Silly.

Still making some more love notes for friends, uncles, and aunties. This is his chance to make what he wants before I put away all the Valentine's craft stuff. 

Baba took NJ to get a quick haircut since it's gotten kind of messy. I put a jacket on him and put my camera around NJ's neck before he left. NJ took a picture of Baba while on the way there. He told Baba, "Your eyes are kind of squinty, but that's ok."

Before...

During... He was asked if he wanted his hair washed. Baba said he really enjoyed it, he closed his eyes and looked so relaxed. Baba also said that he and the lady were both quite chatty. He talked about school, what he's learning, what he likes, and talked a lot about his legos and what he's building. Wish I was there to hear it the conversation. Sounded so cute. 

And after.

His view from the back seat. Turned out kind of cool. 

My dinner took longer to make so the boys sat to read together. Baba knows how to entertain while reading and makes NJ giggle a lot. On the third book, though NJ asked Baba: "Can you read it normal please?" 

Dot was my warm company today while I did some work. I miss when she used to always sleep in my lap or next to me. She's not allowed on the furniture anymore, but I got a blanket for her to lay on.  As I typed, she'd nudge my hand for me to pet her. 

I thought it was so cute that they were sharing a happy meal Mom bought. I'm sure he convince her to go so he could get the lego cup. I asked him to give her a hug and say thank you before she left. Then I asked if he'd pray for her since she's going on a trip. I encouraged him even though it seemed like he wasn't sure. He did great! And Ah-ma seemed appreciative and impressed. He prayed for a safe trip, to come back safely, not get hurt and not drown. 

Dotty and NJ relaxing and laying around. NJ helped me with the laundry before getting a shower, reading some books, and going to bed. 

Homework, Dinner Date, and Birthday Cake

There were so many things we were thinking of doing, invited to, and trying to plan on NJ's day off, but we ended up staying home. It took us much longer than we thought to do his homework with him. It took us half the day to do the writing, cutting, tracing, coloring, decorating, math, and reading. I probably missed something, but it was a lot. He did a good job, though. We need to work with him more on a daily basis. 

NJ went to Mom's while Baba and I went on a short date night for dinner. We had a belated anniversary, birthday, Valentine's, and new liver celebratory date. Lots to think about, talk about, and to be thankful for. 

Wow, my lovely little community of girls made me a delicious cake, gave me gifts, and prayed for me for my birthday. I was unable to make it last week, but they saved it for this week which was so sweet and thoughtful. Definitely feeling blessed tonight with lots of celebration. 

We went to visit some friends out a little further than church. We went to a burger place and NJ got the treat of playing with Uncle's phone. 

It didn't take much convincing for the boys to stop in at the toys 'r us next door. When we looked around, they had a buy one, get one half off. So dangerous! Baba found a couple of rare ones that he can keep and sell on line later. I don't feel as bad about that. NJ was happy just to look at the boxes as usual. 

NJ loved their sweet dog Max. Poor guy is scared of kids, but did great with NJ. He was very persistent with trying to get close to him, give him toys and treats, and pet him. 

A break for some quality reading! 

Back to staring at the cute doggy. 

Great spending time together, it's been a while. Wish we lived closer, but God still put us in each other's lives for a reason and we're thankful for that. 

Magic Sponge & Pizza Face

Another pizza night with the leftovers. NJ liked working on rolling his dough out. It's always nice when he helps with dinner and has fun with it too. 

While we waited for our pizzas to bake, NJ was asking me: "Mama, do we have anything dirty?"
M- "What?"
NJ- "Do we have anything we need to clean?"
M- "Like what?"
NJ- "Anything. See... (he points at this box) we can clean the bathroom, the car, even dishes! Can we? Look, we can clean all these things!"
I walked around to look at it with him
M- "Oh yeah, it can do all these things. You think that's cool, huh?"
NJ- "Yeah!"

I told Baba about it and he said: "This is your fault, you know?"
Is it so bad to like cleaning?

Pizza's done! He's trying to make the same smile as the face he made. He insisted on adding hair to it (the tomatoes).