Merry Almost Christmas

The house has been full of Christmas Music (thanks Pandora!), hanging new LED lights (thanks Chris), tree trimming, cookie baking and decorating, candy making, present wrapping (and peeking!), and most of all anticipation. We had a great pre-Christmas visit with Grammie Diane and Pap Pap last week as well.

I have one fun story to share (there are so many). Jacob brought home a pre-school made gift for mom and dad. It was nicely wrapped in tissue paper and ready to be placed under the tree. Well, Jacob had other plans. He decided to tear open the paper and destroy the plaster hand print to "gift" us special "jewels" that were encased into the lovely hand print. After my initial, "what are you doing!?!" I just went with it... especially when I saw him pick out his favorite red heart "jewel" and "wrap" it in paper and put it under the tree for me. Maybe this pre-school gift idea is best suited for little girls who don't seem to see the "jewels" as having super hero power. Or maybe archeology is in his future. Boys! Smiles.

Precious Moments

One of those moments when your heart gets all warm and fuzzy just looking at your boys playing. Precious moments.

Jacob had this brilliant idea of what to do with his Halloween Candy. Decorating left-over cupcakes from his end of season soccer party. Cool for three reasons: (1) Jacob thinks these extra treats are way cool and (2) it helped empty his Halloween pumpkin and (3) the cupcakes have been left untouched on the counter for 3 days!

Jacob is learning about stop lights at pre-school. Therefore, I am constantly being instructed by my four year old to "STOP" Red Light. "Go" Green Light. and "Caution" Yellow Light (not slow, I was informed). And I thought it was hard to get things done with two little boys before this fun game began. Smiles.

Ta!

Moving on to Karate.

Jacob and his little best buddies Kenny and Von are loving karate. The instructor is simply

amazing as he keeps a class of 30 students of all ages and skill levels engaged and moving for an entire hour. It is exhausting just watching. Since Jacob will never be a giant (sorry buddy, it is all in the genes) a little self defense and self confidence can not hurt :)

Jacob's Favorite Day of the Entire Year

HALLOWEEN of Course

(my little sweet tooth)!

We had such a fun Halloween day and evening with friends. Jacob was in all of his glory. James was a trooper. Only 363 more days until Halloween. Although Jacob was trying to speed-up that countdown yesterday by knocking the leaves off of the Oak Trees at the park (when all of the leaves are gone it means it is Halloween... my stalling tactic each year when he starts asking in July when Halloween will be here). Too cute.

Kiddo Speak

Jacob Speak
Over the course of the last year, big brother Jacob has come-up with some very silly nicknames for his little brother. Mostly silly that is because we do have some clues as to where a few of the nicknames originated. Who knows where he dreams-up the other silly names. We love them. So much so, Chris and I find ourselves referring to James in these enduring terms:

Mow-Mow (Pronounced: Wow-Wow, but change the "w" to an "m")

Munko (origin?)
Cooper (one of Jacob's preschool mates has a little brother named Cooper)

Gilbert (origin?)
George (which technically is his middle name after his pap-pap)

James Speak

James has started to repeat the funniest things. Chris, Jacob and I love huddling around James and each taking turns saying, "Boo!" "say Boo James" "say Boo James." "Boo!" And then we all start clapping and giggling as he lets out the most adorable "boo" and grins from ear-to-ear.

It just occurred to me last week that James has started to roar when ever he picks-up a teddy bear stuffed animal (he has many in his crib... a crib that we just lowered as he is pulling-up on everything), a dinosaur toy (we are a house with a 4-year old boy so have many of those too), or a lion (mostly in his books... we have MANY of those in our house because we are huge kiddo-book zone). James will just keep letting out his too-cute baby "roar!" and yes smiling from ear-to-ear.

Pretty soon we will have two talkative little boys to contend with in our household. We often get told that Jacob is a very articulate little boy. He has been from an early age. We can only hope that James follows suit. But, be careful what you wish for... as they say: "first we teach them to speak and then we want them to shut-up." Bring it on... I now have an i-pod. Smiles.

Settling into a Fall Routine

Above Photo LEFT: The perfect back to pre-school photo: Spiderman backpack, Dino sweatshirt, mountain patrol shirt, his blanket, and the obligatory over-the-top smile.

Above Photo RIGHT: James was squealing with joy as he and Jacob rode the "pretty pony".

Thanks Auntie x2 boys.

Go Sharks!

Chris and I have had the sheer JOY of watching Jacob start his organized sporting career. It is probably safe to say that we are a little over-the-top about the whole practice and pre-game hype. Jacob eats it up though! It has taken a few weeks, but I've finally mastered the socks, ankle guards, cleats, and shin guards. Jacob has two terrific coaches (and mostly terrific parents- there has always got to be one, no?) who never forget to provide a treat at the end of each practice. It is all about the snacks baby! The Pirosko's are in charge of game snacks for the season closer, Halloween Day. We are not taking the responsibility lightly... a little parental competition dare I say?!? Mostly kidding.

James has officially mastered the crab-crawl and loves assisted walking. He is starting to play with brother more and more (yeah!) and his little vocabulary increases weekly. His latest: ah-oh!, thank you (well he kind of says it), and tractor. Although Mama is still his favorite word :)

A few oh so cute stories to share before I sign-off:

1. In early September Jacob was having a rough week (almost dinner in his room level) listening to mom and dad. Let us just say that his little world closes in pretty fast when he is consistently out-of-line. Evidence, Jacob: "mommy, are you going to send my jammies to somebody else?" I had been collecting a box of James' items to pass along to a friend expecting her first baby. Talk about a turn-around in behavior. (For the record, NO I had not threatened to send away his P.J.'s.)

2. Moment of the Month: Imagine Jacob and I flat on our backs (James is laying flat on my tummy snuggling) in the back yard, staring up into the swaying pine trees as the winged-pine seeds whirl and twirl to the ground from way up high and a variety of little birds chirp into the wind. What a sweet moment. Besides the beauty of the moment... an opportunity to talk about reproduction in trees and migratory bird patterns of course! What can I say?

Side Note #1: man-o-man is there a BUMPER crop of pine seeds this year. Might this mean a wet winter is ahead of us? Side Note #2: Jacob, our little collector... has taken the opportunity to collect as many pine seeds as he can possibly manage. If there is something to collect, Jacob is the little-man for the job.

3. I put a photo of my mom, sisters, and I (Lake Tahoe: Girl's Weekend 2009 baby!) up on the refrigerator. Jacob immediately declared: "mom, you can't go on a boat vacation without me." How he knew it was a photo of us gals on a boat cruise on the lake is beyond me (did I say, "Lake Tahoe: Girl's Weekend 2009 baby!"... o.k. I already said that... can you tell that we had FUN?) because we are standing in front of a life preserver with mostly sky in the background- no boat in sight. The photo could have been taken anywhere. Jacob has seen a life preserver at swim lessons, but not associated with a boat. Go figure. So, to the part of the story that is extra-cute. The next day, Jacob: "Mom, if I bring candy corn and candy pumpkin snacks, will you take me on the boat trip next time?" Heart melting, "of course Jacob," I reply.

The Pirosko Family is settling into a fabulous fall routine- we've even gott'en our first "family" cold of the season. Now nothing says "welcome back to pre-school" than a fever and snotty nose that is passed to each family member over a two week period.

Summer's End; Bring on the Fall

SUMMER FUN and COUSIN POWER!

SUMMER'S END

My goodness how the end of summer just flew right by! August was full of fun adventures: "Marine World" with Grammy Joyce and Fairy Tale Town with Cousins Carson and Gemma. Birthday's abound in August too! Jacob is officially 4years old and little brother is a BiG 1 year old. As I do each year on the eve of their births, I relive the moments of going into labor, the excitement of driving down to the hospital, and the moments up until each of the boys made their debets. Bless Chris' heart as I tell him every few hours, "four years ago today we were..." or "last year we were just about to..." :)

Jacob had a FUN Lightening McQueen Birthday down at the Lake. The pinada was his favorite... for obvious reasons (although mommy got much smarter about stuffing the pinada this year).

James' Birthday was more low-key of course, but certainly not shy on cake. Jacob has enjoyed all of James' Birthday gifts too! It is as if he now has two birthdays!

James is officially scooting along and should be walking before we know it. Like big brother he will likely skip the crawling altogether. James reached a big milestone- he gets to sit in a car seat that faces forward. What a BIG boy! The smiles and giggles from this little "mini-man" in the back seat are simply priceless. James loves to push buttons on his toys and books, unscrew caps off bottles, and take blocks in and out of their bins. He points his pudgy little arm and finger at anything and everything asking "dis"? He still adores his big brother (unless he is taking his toy away or Jacob is not offering up his toy). James is even more sensitive than Jacob as alligator tears will flow the minute mommy even mentions "no-no". I wonder where he gets that? (Hint: Not Chris!). Jacob is James' constant protector, "mommy, James needs you..." "don't make my brother cry" (as I just scolded James for hitting Jacob, go figure!).

Jacob started pre-school sporting his new Spiderman lunch box and backpack (goodbye Little Mermaid until College... Chris and I have hatched a plan already :) He also started soccer- I know- too stinking cute. You should see his tiny cleats and the skin guards that practically cover his knees. Chris and I are so jazzed about watching him practice and even more excited to begin our official sideline careers. Jacob has zoomed to another level of independance this summer. He not only dresses himself, but I can't remember the last time I had to assist with a wipe. His imagination is simply soaring. He is our little collector. If there is something to collect/gather in our house it will be dumped into one of Jacob's many treasure bags. He uses these treasure bags in reinacting Easter, Christmas, Halloween, and "Birthday party". Can't imagine where he gets this need to collect, can you (Hint: not me!).

BRING ON FALL!

Fall is in the air as the temperature changes and the days get shorter. This is my absolute favorite time of year. Bring it on!

Our Good Old Mazi

My 1989 Mazda MX6 has been a good car. She is affectionately referred to in our household as the "Mazi". Chris' coworkers at the Tribe call it a Rez car. Chris still gives her a wax at least twice a year. Jacob loves her because she has a fine collection of dead insects in the back window and because, let's face it, he does not know any better. The old girl has many quirks. Jacob asked me one day, what is that stuff hanging from the roof. O.k. the interior has been falling from the ceiling for years. Only one window works, the passenger's side. The A/C still cranks and the tape deck works fine. Two more cool features still admired by the whole family: (1) a rotating air conditioning vents and (2) the spoiler. Ah, the 1980s!

Chris and I are at a crossroad with the Mazi. The tires need replaced and the battery won't hold a charge. Not that we haven't tried to diagnose (Les Schwab tested battery and alternator) and solve the problem (Chris purchased a trickle charger).

This week may have sealed her fate. Chris had to take our personal truck up the the XL Ranch. No problem. I would simply outfit the Mazi with the boys' carseats (Chris or I usually drive the Mazi solo) and run my errands. No big deal right; after all I am a Benefield and nothing slows us down... N-O-T-H-I-N-G!

My plan is working beautifully. I unplug the trickle charger, disconnect the black and then the red cables from our RV hook-up (this outdoor outlet, "RV hook-up", was a selling point presented by the Agent upon purchasing our home). The moment of truth (or so I thought)... the engine turns over. Yahoo! Jacob groans in the driveway because he had envisioned taking the wagon. James is stoked because he gets to sit in a big-boy car seat, facing forward. I even go as far as to text Chris on the way out of the driveway, "Mazi started!" (by the way, we have a new phone and I have turned into a texting hound, a little late, but what the heck)
First stop, the post office. No problem, boys out of their car seats, Jacob even manages to open the door to the post office (you see he insists on doing everything himself these days). I am thinking, what a big boy he is becoming. The post office transaction (mailing cousin Carson his Birthday present and little Gemma her Baptism gift) goes smoothly. Boys back in their respective car seats. Keys in the ignition and the Mazi is completely dead. Bummer!

But you know what... this did not even phase me. Two reasons: I am a Benefield! and I am a AAA Plus member. I call and they will send a truck to jump the battery in a jiffy. I am actually feeling pretty good because I can finally get my monies worth for my AAA membership. That is what it is for after all, fast roadside service. Burney Towing is just two minutes away. I will stay on track with my errands and still arrive at the park for our play date on time.

During the next hour of waiting the following transpired. Boys placed in shade. Boys fed snacks. Boys drank CapriSuns. (Thank goodness I had lunch packed for the park, our final destination after was supposed to be errands to the post office, library, and grocery store). Mommy remaining calm. Mommy proud of fellow Burney-ites offering help; faith in humanity growing by the minute. The tow truck will be here any minute. I actually even turned this into a fun game- "look at the logging truck go by... look at the hay truck go by..." "Is that the tow truck mommy? No, that is a cement loader." Jacob pees on a tree. Many weird stares (mother of the year award right!). Carri trying to confidently tell strangers "no help needed, help is on the way." I would also slip in, "... an old car from college days" or "... only the battery." I was trying desperately not to look like a single mom, two kids, old car. Jacob loosing patience. Mommy's faith in humanity in tact, however faith in AAA waning. Jacob commenting that the wagon would have been a better idea. Mommy not willing to admit he was right.

Finally the tow truck arrived. It was just as COOL as mommy promised Jacob it would be... "like tow-mater" only yellow. (Cute side note: when I mentioned that tow-mater was coming to help us, to my surprise, Jacob got a bit worried and asked, "are we going to jail?" Flashing back to the point in the Cars Movie, I quickly added that tow-mater was only going to use some cool cables to help start the Mazi battery and that we were not in trouble. I don't think he quite believed me until he actually witnessed the tow truck in action). And you will love this... I managed to quickly run to the library and keep our park play date (only 15 minutes late- Sorry Karen!) by simply leaving the car running. You see another oh so cool feature of "our Mazi" is that you can take the key out of the ignition and she still runs!

We fear the day may have come to let her go. What a car she has been. Purchased for $5,000 from a fellow Graduation Student at UC Davis in 1996, she has faithfully served us for 13 years.

Mid-Summer Fun

We are fast approaching a household with a 1 year old and a 4 year old- HARD TO BELIEVE! James is big enough now to ride in the wagon with big bro. Too cool.

We had fund with Grammy Joyce this week- she is the best!

Jacob's latest- scuba diving in the bath tub. Yep, that is part of his potty training seat around his waist, his "tank." The goggles are from his tool bench.

A Few More Happenings

Jacob and I took our first summer ride on the mountain bike, he rides in the "jump" seat, officially called a kangaroo seat. Sorry, no pictures- need to get one though. I have been enjoying my touch ipod- LOVE IT. Now I fall into the category of folks that can't hear somebody approaching and/or asking a question (what? did you say something), so rude, but what is one to do the sound quality rocks!

Summer Arrives (and it is already July)

After a very rainy June, summer has finally arrived. Swim lessons and the 4th of July have come and gone for yet another year. Camping, visiting with cousins, and more swimming are on the horizon.

Hoping for a Healthy and Fun Summer

I am BACK! Goodness gracious. Between being down and out with two smack-down viruses and crazy busy with work I have had no time to socially network :) The Pirosko Family is ready to stay healthy this summer.

The latest with the boys:

Jacob

• Finished his first year of preschool


• Will begin swim lessons soon; signed up for soccer this fall
  
• CAN OPEN THE REFRIGERATOR all by himself (I know!)


• Has spent several evenings with his dinner plate in his room
  
• Is non-stop energy, imagination, and combo of sweet and trouble

James

• Has added the following words to his baby vocab: ma-ma (Yes!), dog-dog, bird , and almost brother (or a version of it anyway)


• Weighs in at nearly 20 lbs and is in 18 month clothes (only 9 months mind you)


• Still adores his big brother and da-da


• Has discovered a binky


• Woke-up at 4 A.M. today wanting to play
  

Chris and I are busy with plumbing (toilets backed-up on Memorial Day, lovely), a bathroom make-over (why not ?!?), garden and yards, planning a baptism for the little guy, and just trying to keep our heads above water with work (our busy time of year) and family.

Grammy Fun!

We had SO much FUN with Grammy Joyce this week!

Grammy took Jacob to preschool and danced/sang along at Tiny Tunes, as well as helped make bumble bees! Jacob and Grammy did a shopping run: Ben Franklin, Rite Aid, and Safeway. We made Grammy a Birthday strawberry pie and took her to dinner for her special day. We took a trek to Mc Cloud to find that most all of the shops (including the special Old Fashion Candy Shop) were closed until summer. Instead we explored Fowler Falls (Mc Cloud River) where Jacob and Grammy threw rocks for over an hour. And of course... Grammy played, took both boys to the park and library, and played some more. Thanks Mom/Grammy, we LOVE when you visit us in Burney!