Lukas

Lukas is SIX

2010-09-06T22:12:00.000-07:00

Lukas turned 6 last week!!! I can still remember going into labor with him (on labor day). I can't believe how time flies. We had a great time and many celebrations for his special day! One friend party, 2 different family dinners, and taking treats to school. He did not understand why we celebrated early (on Friday instead of Monday since it was a holiday and most people were gone). But he loved having all his friends at the park. And he wanted to invite girls this year even though it was a "Transformer" party. I'm so glad he did b/c the girls his age are so cute. Pat was home and he helped me out so much by playing games with the kids (which the LOVED) and just being there. Lukas is so grown up and getting to be so big. He got a bigger bike and a pillow pet (it's a pillow...it's a pet...it's a pillow pet)! And of course lots of presents from his friends and family. We're so happy to have this little guy in our life and had fun celebrating him.

Kindergarten here I come!!

2010-08-24T22:13:00.000-07:00

Lukas started kindergarten today. I was much more nervous that he was. It seems so surreal to actually be at this point in life...sending my first off to school. It was fun to help him get ready and pack his back pack. I walked him to the playground and waited for the teacher to line up her class. He got Mrs. Hansen for afternoon kindergarten, which I'm excited about. I'm not a morning person. He was a little shy and timid, but lined up and walked right in without looking back. He was so brave and after school he told me he couldn't wait to go back! Yay, Midas Creek Elementary and YAY Lukas!!!

Off and Riding!

2010-08-09T00:12:00.000-07:00

Lukas just recently learned how to ride his bike without training wheels. Pat worked with him several times before, but Lukas would get frustrated and give up before he made much progress. This time, we just took off his training wheels and there he went, no problem! He was so proud of himself. He is still riding the bike we bought him several years ago (which is waaaaaay too small). All his friends are riding bigger bikes, so we want to get him one for his birthday.

Lukas also likes to play with his friends (which include Carter, Holden, Tommy, Jake, Rachel, Madisyn). Every day he wants to have someone over. "Can I have _____ come over?" He is getting ready to start kindergarden and is so excited. He has been practicing his alphabet (writing), which he knows perfectly. He loves to color and write in bubble letters. He is very creative and thoughtful and will color me several pictures a day. His best friend is WOLFIE. They play and wrestle and sleep together. So cute.

More Lukie-Lie

2010-04-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

We thought it would be fun to sign Max and Lukas up for a little indoor soccer league. They are on the same team with all their little neighborhood buddies. It is so fun to watch them play. They have games on Saturdays and sometimes during the week we’ll go to the church to practice just for fun, so they get the feel of it. For never having played, Lukas does so well. He runs so carefully with his hands out to the side of him so he won’t touch the ball. He’s a good little player and will run up and down the field after the ball. He’s scored several goals and is just so proud when he does. He seems like he’s picking it up quickly, but that could be because he’s one of the older ones. He has fun, too, and he looks so natural out there.
“Mom, I’m next to my nerds with you!” (Nerves)
Lukas is really attached to this talking teddy bear he got for Christmas 4 years ago. You push one hand and it will record 5 seconds and you push the other hand and it repeats it. He loves this bear. He told me that he wished it was real and that he’ll never leave him. He always wants his picture taken with him and he’ll feed him (pretend) whatever he’s eating and buckle him in his seat belt in the car.
The other day I (Pat) was carrying something heavy down the stairs and Lukas was with his neighborhood buddies and said, “ Hey dad could you use a hand or two or three. I said no I’m fine. He was visibly upset and said, “you don’t like us you think we’re freaks,” and then the self proclaimed leader of his pack stormed off. It was hilarious.
I was upstairs doing something to the baby’s room and was really tired and so I sat down. Lukas came in and asked if I was ok. I told him I didn’t have a lot of energy b/c I hadn’t eaten and I was tired. A few minutes later he came up with a PB&J and some chips on a plate for me to eat. J He made it himself—with the help of Pat. How sweet and thoughtful.
He is the best cleaner-upper. He can get his toy room organized and picked up and looking so good. He can be so sloppy at times, but when I need him to, he is so good at picking up.
Both boys love to dress up (especially like Batman and Robin) and when they are Batman they talk in this low voice just like the movie. It’s funny.
Lukas will ask to go play at a friend’s house and I always tell him he can stay for a certain amount of time. He’ll come to me with a piece of paper and have me write the time down so he can tell his friend’s mom when he needs to come home. He always comes home on time, too.
I babysit my neighbors little 1 year old girl. They boys love making her laugh or getting her a toy. They are actually so sweet to her and careful around her. J I hope that is a sign of things to come.
Lukas HATES waking up and getting ready. He is so grouchy and whiney no matter how early he goes to bed the night before.
Lukas likes to write on things. We found him and Max outside with a magic marker coloring on the cement, the house, the garage, the hose box, the stepping stones. They got in big trouble and had to scrub it all off. Then the other day in the car Lukas asked for a pen and when we got out he had scribbled all over his new pants! Argh!!!
Lukas just loves Zoey. He'll wash his hands and sit on the couch to hold her. Then when he's done he'll say, "Want her?" and I'll say yes, then he'll say, "Need her?" and I'll say yes then he'll say, "Then have her." It's cute.
He said to me the other day, "I'm so glad Zoey is a girl. She's so cute. If she were a boy, she wouldn't be so cute."

Karate Kid

2010-01-17T17:02:00.000-08:00

Lukas is getting so big these days. Not just physically, but he's turning into a big boy! I signed him up for karate, which he loves and looks forward to. He does so many funny, interesting things. Here are the ones I remember:

I made sloppy joes for dinner and he said, "Mom, I love these floppy joes". He is expanding his taste buds and trying new things. He likes peas (but not more than 5), spaghetti, floppy joes, ranch dressing (not to dip, just to lick), corn bread and water. He doesn't drink milk as much unless it's chocolate. And he loves hot chocolate.
He is a really good helper. He takes Wolfie out to go potty, he helps Max get dressed, or makes the bed by himself, brushes and flosses by himself, cleans up the toy room as good as I could, and helps out with whatever I ask him to do.
He always wants snacks. He loves to munch on granola bars or cereal or fruit snacks. Anytime we're going anywhere; nana's, the park, the store, the car...he always wants to pack snacks.
He tends to freak out quite easily and screaming is his way to express his frustration. He can throw some serious fits. Full of fist pounding, body throwing, hair pulling and some serious whining.
He does NOT like bedtime. He could stay up all night I think and survive the next day. The kid doesn't like to sleep.
He is so good at the Wii or any video type game. He beats Pat and I on every game we play. He's a natural. And he loves the computer. He knows how to navigate on his favorite sites.
He has learned his letters and numbers. He is getting so good and spelling and writing (if I tell him what letter comes next). We'll be driving and he'll say, "What does 'C A R' spell?" (Or whatever sign we happen to be driving by.) It's really neat to see him learning.
When he gets in trouble for something, he always says Max did it. I have a hard knowing who is telling the truth.
He will not touch his food until we have said the prayer. His prayers are so sweet. He always prays for each one of us: "Bless Max that his lip will get better, bless daddy to pass his big test, bless mommy that she'll love the baby when it comes, bless papa..."
If he gets candy in class (at church or preschool or karate), he'll always ask if he can have two pieces...one for his brother.
Whenever Max is getting in trouble or being punished, he'll beg us not to do anything, "But he's my brother and I love him!" He's very protective, even though they may fight at times.
Lukas loves to play "kid" with Max. Lukas will be the dad and Max will be the kid or vice versa. They are so funny.

Early Christmas

2009-11-29T19:04:00.000-08:00

Tonight at dinner we were having broccoli for our vegetable. Lukas really dislikes trying new things and especially anything healthy like vegetables. Bribery is pretty much the only way to push him in the right direction. So I said, "Whoever tries their broccoli gets to open one Christmas present early." Lukas was immediately excited and happy to try it. He was laughing with joy, or so we thought, when suddenly it turned into tears. We asked him why he was crying and he said, "Presents are so much fun. It's so fun!" He was crying out of excitement! And sure enough he popped that broccoli in his mouth and now claims he likes three vegetables...corn, peas and broccoli. Nothing like a little bribery.

The Truth About Love

2009-11-11T13:23:00.000-08:00

Lukas said to me today, "Mom, you can have girls as friends and not be in love. Cause that means you have to kiss." And I said, "Where did you hear that?" Lukas said, "No where. The only time you can kiss is when you're married. Or if your mom does something really nice for you." And that is how it is in the eyes of a 5 year old.

Traumatized

2009-10-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

I sneakily took Lukas into SLVHD to get his 5 year-old immunizations. I knew if I told him where we were going and what to expect I would have to drag him in and pin him down to get him to stay. So I just said we had to stop at this place real quick to get his immunizations (not expanding on what that meant exactly.) He started looking around and saw a poster with a big needle and some funny fuzzy-germ looking things (see picture attached). He turns to me and says, "I'm scared. I think I'm gonna have to get a shot." I distracted him for as long as possible and then the nurse calls our name. We step into the little office and sure enough, he panics, and darts for the door. I had to restrain him and it took all my strength just to hold him and keep him from knocking the nurse down. The nurse was very understanding and went as fast as he could. Lukas was sweaty and hysterical. It was really sad. I knew he'd never trust me again. He was screaming and making such a fuss that I felt sorry for whoever had to hear him in the waiting area. (There was a long line of people getting their H1N1 shots). For several days after when Pat and I would talk about getting our flu shots, Lukas would get in panic mode and run out of the room saying, "I'm never doing that again!" I had to check where the shots were taken to make sure they were ok, and it took him awhile to let me. He had swelling on one arm and was so scared that he'd have to go in and get another shot. I told him he doesn't have to have shots until he's in 7th grade. Even then he said he didn't want to. And Pat, being the nurse that he is, is insisting that we all go get our H1N1 shots. Luckily they have the mist that you inhale, so I've been prepping Lukas for what that will be like instead of a needle. He seems ok with it, but man that kid was traumatized.

The Letter

2009-10-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

Lukas got in big trouble with his dad the other day. He felt so sad about it, but just doesn't quite handle it well. He's very dramatic (I wonder where he got that from...?) and will say, "I guess you hate me then." And on and on. He runs away (like into his closet or in the bathroom) and won't come out for awhile. We keep telling him that we all make mistakes and that we can't run away or be so dramatic. We just need to feel sorry and say sorry and then move on. Well, after this little fall out with Pat, Lukas came to get me to have me help him write a letter to Daddy. This is what he wrote: Dear Daddy, I'm sorry (smiley face) that I hurt your feelings and that I go away from you. I want to be friends now. I (heart) U so much. Love, Lukas.

Silverpups Preschool

2009-10-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

Another year of preschool has started for Lukas. He goes to Riverton High School where they have a preschool curriculum for the high school students to teach and there are just as many teachers as there are kids. He went here last year so he knew what to expect on the first day. He has looked forward to coming back ever since it ended. We love the teacher(s) and Lukas is learning so much. They have the funnest lessons and he comes home with the cutest things. He writes his name so clearly and it's fun to see how he is progressing. It's weird to think I have another year before he starts kindergarten. Then another year of just half day. YIKES! I need my kids to be in school all day so I will miss them. Haha. {I don't know what I'd do without them to be honest, but I sure would love some quiet.}

Lukas turns 5!!

2009-09-07T15:46:00.000-07:00

Lukas had such a fun TMNT birthday. He's been planning it for months and it turned out just perfect! He's getting to grown up. I love that he can help me with so many things. Now that he's 5, he says, he can get dressed by himself, get his own cereal, help with the garbages, not whine or cry anymore (sha...I wish), make the bed, brush his teeth, go to a friend's house without me walking him. He really is a big helper. I love that he has his own way of doing things. He is messy (like any kid), but when it comes to it, he is so good at cleaning up his toy room or organizing his things. He loves to dress up or pretend to be the Dad or the good guy. He gets on the computer and knows just how to play his games and go to his favorite websites. He is getting to be a better eater (although he won't touch vegetables). Pat and I will be talking in the other room and Lukas will yell out, "I heard that. I know what you're saying." As if Pat and I are trying to hide things from him. It's funny. He sleeps with Max on the bottom bunk (it's a full size) and stays there all night long. He's been waking up so happy lately and sometimes will come downstairs dressed by himself with his hair done. :) Happy days! We sure are grateful for Lukas and all the adventures and joys he brings to our family!

The Drawing

2009-08-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

It was Nana & Papa's 40th Anniversary on Saturday. We took a drive to surprise them with cake, flowers and a present. Lukas wanted to draw them a picture and this is the result. Isn't he good? I am in love with his drawings right now. He really likes to color and draw all the time. He spelled Papa and Nana on the picture. Quite a striking resemblance, don't ya think?

Almost 5

2009-07-07T22:55:00.000-07:00

Lukas is almost 5 now so I always try and remind him that almost 5-year olds don't act the way he does at times. He hates it. Here are a few things he does:

He rarely wakes up happy. How sad is that? He tends to whine a whole lot. I keep thinking he'll grow out of it.
He likes exercise. He'll put on his Batman tennis shoes and say, "Mom, can we run for exercise?" Or he'll move the ottoman to do his forward rolls.
He does not eat. The kid won't eat anything of any color. It has to be bland, boring, blah. He'll eat plain chicken, pasta, bread, rice, or corn. Nothing else. UNLESS it has sugar in it. He loves sweet things. Sour patch kids, muddy buddies, ice cream, cake, cookies.
He will ask me something in his whiney voice and then decide he'd better try it in a nice voice and HATES it when the answer is the same...NO.
He dresses himself and it's past the point of me trying to correct it. He is mismatched, but independent. As long as everyone knows that it's HIM.
He will squish any bug with is finger. ANY bug. Gross.
Every day he asks to play at Tommy or Holden's house. And if I say no to them, he'll say, "Can I go to Carter's house then? What about Carson?" He doesn't give up.
This kid doesn't sleep. He likes to sleep in, but he won't go to bed. He would stay up 'til midnight every night if I let him. And he NEVER naps.
He is a pretty good helper. I can ask him to do something and 9 times out of 10 he'll do it and do a good job. Hmmm, I like this...
He has learned to say things like, "I'll get dressed if you let me have a doughnut for breakfast." He likes to bargain with me. It never works though.
He hates it when I make him practice swimming. He will wear floaties in the pool, but is too afraid to jump in and get his head under the water.
I love that I can start the car and not worry about buckling him. He does it by himself.
He is a computer junkie. He sits at the computer and plays PBSkids or Noggin or Nick Jr. He is really good at navigating and figuring things out. I found him once trying to google his own name. (Which he spells Lukpas. For some reason he adds in the p b/c it's like an a to him. I better correct that.)
He talks in this throaty, yucky, growly voice. When I hear that voice something inside me wants to scream. It's my "nail on the chalkboard" voice.
He likes all the potty words.
He is a big tattletale. He tells on Max and tries to tell me what to do about it. "Max hit me. Put him in timeout."

Pat wrote some things down that he's observed about Lukas:

Anytime he is trying to think of a big number he'll say "fifty five fifty hundred sixty eight twenty".
He's good at saying the prayer and will always keep it short (bless the food, bless papa)
He loves to play pictionary with Pat and is pretty good at it.
He helps Pat adjust the sprinklers and knows how to do all the different stations. He'll lay on his belly and reach his hands in the sprinkler box and spring up as soon as they come on.
When Pat doesn't let him do something, he'll say, "You're not my friend anymore. You're a mean dad." Then forget 5 minutes later.
He'll say "You're my bestest friend. I like being around you."
He is in the "What if" and question mode. "Where does grass come from? How does it grow? Who grows it?"

Lukas at 4 and 3/4

2009-06-15T23:43:00.000-07:00

Lukas says and does some funny things. I wish I could remember them all, but here's a start...

Lukas and I were talking this morning about something and he responds, "That's why Heavenly Father gave us brains, to remember stuff." I agreed with him and then he said, "Mom, I'm smart, amen't I?"
Lukas is all about the "What If's". He can sit in the car and never stop asking 'what if' questions, "Mom, what if I grew so tall that my head hit the ceiling and I didn't fit anymore? What would happen then? What if we forgot to lock the door and then it opened on the freeway? What if we didn't roll up our windows and all the flies would come in? What would happen if..."
Anytime I am helping Max go potty, Lukas is standing right there saying, "What a big boy! Look Max, you're a big boy like me! Good job going in the potty!" He encourages him a lot.
Lukas and Max fight like cats and dogs. If I didn't intervene, they would rip each other to shreds. They pull, punch, hit, slap, push...you name it, they're at it! They taunt each other to no end. Drives me crazy.
Why is "poop" such a fun word to say? I'll never understand. Lukas and Max crack up anytime I say bum, butt, pee, poop...anything relating to the potty. Please get over this phase quickly boys.
We met my mom at Cabela's and were walking around looking at all the animals. He wanted to know how much each animal weighed and which one was his size. He was fascinated by weight this time around. (He weighs almost 40 pounds).
He has to be in charge of Max. "Mom, Max said the 's' word (which is stupid). Put him in time out." Or, "Max, if you say that one more time I'm gonna spank you."
Whenever he sees something he wants he'll say, "Mom, can I get this for my birthday?" At this point I think he thinks he's getting an entire store for his bday.
He loves being on the computer and really knows how to navigate his favorite sites: Noggin, PBS kids, Nick Jr.
He really picks up on things like commercials. He'll come to me and say something word for word that he heard on a commercial. One time we drove by Maverick and he pointed out the window and said, "Hey there's that drink. Not to heavy, not to light." It was beer.
We were at the store one day in the parking lot and he saw a girl smoking in her car. He leaned over to me and said, "Mom, why is that girl smoking? Does she want to die?" Luckily she didn't hear us.
Every day it's either, "Can we go to California today?" or "When are we going to Nana's house?"

Consequeneces

2009-06-06T12:29:00.000-07:00

Lukas was acting up and got in trouble. His punishment was that he had to miss his friends b-day party the next day. Pat and I are just at a loss of what to do to teach him proper behavior. We thought this was the best consequence to teach him that if he can't behave in public, he won't be able to go public places including a friends party. He was so upset. Well, I had time to think about it and decided to give him an alternative to his punishment. If he could do a small list of chores that I laid out for him before the party, he could still go. Instead of sulking and whining about it, he just went and did it on his own. He picked up his toys in the basement, straightened his toy room, made his bed, emptied ALL the garbages on his own and wiped the table and chairs clean. I was so impressed. When he puts him mind to it, he can really get stuff done. He went to the party and had a blast! Way to go Lukas! You made good choices.

Preschool Graduation

2009-05-25T19:09:00.000-07:00

What perfect excuse to make a big deal, right? Well, normally I totally would, he's my first!! But he will be going to one more year of preschool before he starts kindergarten so no big after party or graduation cake. Nana and Papa came to cheer him on and I know that made him feel special. He had a little speaking part that he memorized and did so well when it was his turn. He is quite squirmy and could hardly sit still in his chair for the program. Luckily he has more time to practice. I am amazed at how much he has learned this year. He started out not knowing how to write any letters and coloring crazy all over the page and now he can spell his name and color details in the lines!! I'm excited for him to learn more and for the fun experiences ahead of him. Thank you Silver Pups and we'll see you next year! :) Now what am I going to do with my rowdy 4 year old all summer????

Papa and Nana with the little graduate!

Can you fast forward 13 years and picture these guys at high school graduation? Best Buddies!

Kindful

2009-05-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

Lukas saw me cleaning the kitchen today and came over to help. I told him he was my best helper. And he replied, "Yea, I saw you and wanted to be kindful." I love my little kindful helper!

Lukas' Thoughts on Marriage

2009-05-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

Lukas' CTR5 teacher told me today that another girl in Primary (Kylie Kener) said to Lukas, "I'm 4 years old and you're 4, and so we could get married."

I wanted to know what he thought about it so I said, "Do you want to marry Kylie?"

He said, "No."

I was thinking, he said no b/c he didn't get along with her, but instead he said, "I'm not big yet. I'm not a daddy. When I'm a daddy or a mommy then I can get married."

So then I asked him, "So when you're big do you want to marry Kylie?"

And he responds, "No, I am going to marry you."

4 1/2

2009-02-22T15:54:00.000-08:00

Lukas is 4 1/2 and growing so much. I am so proud of him b/c he has slept in his bed for 12 night straight! He doesn't get up in the middle of the night or come in my bed to sleep. He gets up to go potty, but doesn't wake me up. He'll just get up and go and get back in bed. This is monumental for us!!!!!!!!!! YAY Lukas! The bedtime fairy is practically out of rewards. (And we're still working on Max)... Lukas is way into TMNT and loves to fight like one. He is getting better with Max but at the same time is so bossy and totally freaks out if Max doesn't do just what he wants. He still hasn't mastered his impulses and hits or pushes Max all the time. He loves preschool and knows how to spell/write his name. He likes to write Max's name and daddy's name, too. He is learning his letters (identifying them and sounding them out) but is far from reading. He likes to play with friends and always wants someone to come over. For the most part he is well behaved, however I find that I'm a little bit controlling and have to have things a certain way so I get frustrated with the kids if it isn't going as planned. (I'm trying to relax. Really.) He is so smart and picks up quickly on things. He likes playing games, doing puzzles, coloring or playing ninjas. I can't belive he'll turn 5 this year.

2009-01-01T22:56:00.001-08:00

I can't believe how big Lukas is getting. He helps Max get his pj's on, brushes his teeth on his own and can get milk himself. He is such a great helper and loves to cook, clean and help me with anything I ask. He is still very emotional and does not like to take NO for an answer. Although he is learning so much and maturing every day. He has his crazy hyper moments, but entertains himself so well. He loves to play on the computer, playstation, color (which he totally colors in the lines and can spend hours doing), he loves to go to Tommy's or Whitney's or just play with his toys. He does so well in Primary and Preschool and LOVES his teachers. He has a very shy side to him and does NOT like to get up with the Primary to sing during sacrament or gives talks in Primary. He is a great big brother most of the time and helps Max a lot. It's really fun to see his personality come through as he gets older.

From Buzz to Batman

2008-10-29T17:04:00.001-07:00

Lukas went from Buzz Lightyear, Diego and Disney Pixar to Spiderman, Batman and Transformers. It's funny how he just sort of grew up over night. He can be so helpful to me and do things that I ask. He is a big boy. The other day I heard him in the bathroom with Max and he said, "Max, do you feel like you need to go potty? Here, I'll help you." Then proceeded to undress Max down to his onesie and get him to go on the potty. Max just ended up playing in the sink and Lukas was so frustrated with him b/c he wouldn't go potty. Then Lukas was trying to get Max to share and he said to him, "Max, do you want to do this the hard way or the easy way?" Hmmmm, I wonder who he gets that from. Lukas LOVES to color now. He will draw all kinds of pictures and he loves to paint with watercolors. He colors inside the lines and he really takes his time. It's awesome. He will get my evelopes and paint or draw a picture for someone and want to put it in the mail. Mostly it's to me and Pat and he'll come up with a stuffed evelope and say, "Special Delivery". He really loves to color. He is also very shy. He had a primary program a few weeks ago, and Nana and Papa came to see him. When it was time for the primary kids to come up, he refused. We finally coaxed him to go up, but he sat on his teacher's lap the whole time! I was baffled! He's given talks before and LOVES to talk in the microphone. I don't know what happened, but he has really turned shy. He had to give a talk last Sunday and he absoultely would NOT look at anyone and he wouldn't stand up, so through the entire talk (which I gave) he crouched behind the podium. I was so embarrassed and a little upset. I tired to think what he might be feeling, but I was just mad. Then he had a Halloween parade at preschool today and they did a little performance singing songs and he just hid behind this pole and his teacher. I don't understand. He used to be so outgoing and friendly. I don't know what it is lately, but he does not like to be in public with attention on him. ?? Total opposite of Pat. We are really struggling with his bedtime routine, too. He can not go to sleep himself. One of us has to lay with him until he falls asleep, then in the middle of the night he finds his way to our bed. I don't know what to do. I've done charts and rewards and stickers and bribes. NOTHING is working. He and Max share a room, so you'd think he'd be fine since Max is in there with him. I just don't know if my sanity will last much longer if my nights are taken up with bedtime! We do love Lukas and hope to help him develop and grow in a positive way even amist our frustrations.

Silverpups Preschool

2008-10-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

(October 2nd...a little late with the post...) Today was the long-awaited day of Preschool Orientation! Lukas has been asking me for months and days "Is today preschool"? Finally, I got to say YES! He woke up this morning and I asked him to get dressed (thinking it would take me asking several times for him to actually get dressed) and a few minutes later he came into my room dressed and ready to go. He said, "See how I did it the first time you asked? It's 'cause today is preschool." I couldn't get ready fast enough for him, he wanted to go RIGHT NOW. Richel & Tommy picked us up so we could all go together (Richel is Tommy's mommy). I knew right away that I was going to be one of those moms...the kind that takes pictures of every cute little thing and bawl when I take them on the first day of school. I was embarrassed to take my camera out, but I knew I would regret it if I didn't and LOOK HOW CUTE! Lukas just loved everything about his "brand new school". He goes to Riverton High School, so you think he'd be scared or intimidated of such a big school, but no, he was very excited. And he should be, it's a darling preschool and his teacher is awesome. It's actually the high school students that teach the preschool directed by Mrs. Hicks. Their classroom is so fun and I know he will learn so much this year. He wasn't scared at all and he didn't cry or anything. He just got right into things and started playing as soon as we walked in. They sang him Happy Birthday during rug time and he did so many cool things. He was very excited to put things in his cubby. There are several other neighborhood kids that go there, so it must've helped to see familiar faces. I can't wait to see what he learns and watch him grow this year! My little guy is growing up.
__________________________
Now that preschool has started, he just loves it. It's so fun for him to go to his "stations" and learn so many cool things. He has lots of friends in there and he loves his teachers. It's cute to see what he brings home and to hear him talk about what he did that day (most days I ask him what he did and he responds by saying, "I don't remember"). He gets to bring things to share with his group. His classroom has so many fun learning things in it. I wish I could be a fly on the wall and see how he acts.

The Squishy Dinosaur

2008-10-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, Lukas got some money from his Abuelo for his birthday. He spent it here and there and pretty soon it was almost gone. He saved his last little bit and pulled it out at the store one day. He said, "Mom, I want to buy something for me and my brother". I thought it was so cute and waited to see what happened. We went to the toys and he told Max, "You can pick whatever you want. My treat." I knew how much money he had and he still wanted to buy something for himself. He picked out a cool Transformer and was helping Max find something. Max's eye caught a dinosaur (no surprise there) and that's what he chose. It was just a few dollars and Lukas had enough to buy it for him. It was so sweet that he wanted to share with his brother. Max still loves the dinosaur and he calls it his squishy dinosaur (b/c it is very squishy).

Goodbye Buzz, Hello Batman

2008-10-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

I don't know what happened, but overnight Lukas went from Diego, Buzz and Cars to Batman, Spiderman and Transformers. He seems so much bigger now. He loves to paint and do puzzles and draw. He can color inside the lines and his pictures of people are so cute. He can get the milk jug out of the fridge and pour himself a cup of milk. He is amazing at the computer and can get to Noggin without help. He runs to Primary and Preschool without even turning around to say goodbye. He rides his bike to Tommy's and can play for hours and hours. He loves to quote movies. Currently he watches Night at the Museum almost everyday and we rented A Bee Movie and he watched it over and over. He is pretty good and quoting things. His favorite food right now is Wheat Chex cereal. He can eat a whole bowl and want more (with a spoonful of sugar, of course). He likes showers now, but will still take baths. WOW! My little guy is growing up. He still has his whiney moments, but he is learning and growing so much. It is so fun to see him figure things out.

My Dad, the Nurse

2008-09-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

Lukas was outside playing in the sandbox with Tommy. I was inside doing dishes and Pat had just gotten home from school. Lukas came running in, went right past me with Tommy in tow. I could hear Lukas say to Tommy, "It's okay, Tommy. My dad's a nurse" . Apparently, Lukas got a little owie on his finger and came in to have his daddy, the nurse look at it! Pat looked at it, bandaged it up and then checked his heart beat with his stethascope to make him feel all better. It was too cute!

Growing Up

2008-09-14T22:28:00.001-07:00

I feel like Lukas is growing up so fast. He loves to color and concentrates so hard at staying in the lines. He does really well. He can put puzzles together and enjoys them. It's fun to see how many things he can do by himself. He likes to play with Max, but it doesn't last long before they start fighting. :( And Max is at that cute age where he's just learning to talk and everything he says is adorable. Lukas picks up on that and will start talking like Max to get attention. Pat and I have tried to compliment him when he does big boy things so he gets that positive attention. It's hard not to be annoyed, but we love him. He is looking forward to preschool which starts in October.

Birthday Boy

2008-09-06T21:53:00.000-07:00

This is the day Lukas has anticipated for the past month! He's turning 4 today! We've been planning and sending out invites and getting things ready all week. We baked and decorated cupcakes on Friday and for days we counted how many more sleeps until this day finally came. Yesterday his Tia Patty came over to give him his present b/c she and Uncle Andres couldn't make it to the party. He loved getting a present early and was so excited. He got the coolest Batman toy from them, and I think I like playing with it as much as he does. Then today we woke him up early by singing to him and Max gave him a present. He was grumpy to be woken up and then realized what day it was and he immediately had a smile on his face. We started early and I wore everyone out by planning three seperate parties. We had a friend party in the morning and Pat's family for lunch and my family for dinner. (I just feel that it's better to keep them seperate and smaller so that Lukas can focus his attention on each family and not be so overwhelmed). I think it turned out wonderful! He chose a Go Diego Go! theme for his parties. Everything turned out so cute and he had a blast ALL day! We had the first 2 parties at the park and the kids loved playing on the playground and just running around. Except I forgot to put sunscreen on Lukas and now he has a little red face and neck! Oops! And it was at a splash park and Lukas got soaked.

I didn't think the water would be on, but sure enough it was! He had lots of fun running around with his friends (Tommy, Holden, Eli, Eliza, Jeffrey) and then when his cousins came later, he still had energy to run around with them. We had dinner at the house and my family came for that. It was great to see how happy Lukas was all day and how cute he was saying thank you and hugging everyone. Wow, he's 4! He is sure smart and it's amazing to me how much he knows and learns each day. We love him and feel so blessed that he is part of our lives! All day he kept saying, "I'm the Birthday Boy".

You could tell he felt special and I hope he knows how special he is! Each time a new party would start, his eyes would get wide and he'd say, "Another party? Is it still my birthday?" He has cupcakes 3 times and got so many fun gifts! He is worn out and will probably sleep in tomorrow...oh wait, we have church at 9. And he has to give a talk in primary. So he'll have a nap after church, then. :) We love you Lukas, Happy Birthday! And THANK YOU to everyone who came to the parties and gave such cute, fun gifts.

I Can Do It By Myself

2008-08-30T00:48:00.000-07:00

Lukas is at a fun age where he really likes to be independent and do things himself (I think he's always had this desire, but can now actually do things himself). And I really like this because I no longer have to change his diapers, make his bed (unless I want it to look good), force him to brush his teeth or dress him. However, there are some disadvantages to this. He dresses himself, and therefore he grabs the first thing he sees and puts it on. Nothing new, right. But it can be embarrassing. EXAMPLE: I took the kids to the Thanksgiving Point Barn to meet up with a friend and her kids. Lukas dressed himself for the day and was wearing his too-small Buzz Lightyear PJ top (that he wore to bed the night before), his new batman socks with crocks and shorts and batman tatoos all over his legs and hands. I love his independence, but c'mon! Today he wore his cute shark shorts with a long-sleeved striped polo shirt. It just does not go together, but I what can I do? I am just happy that he can do it himself. :)Other things Lukas can do himself:

get a snack from the pantry

go to his blog and play Toy Story games or games on Noggin

make his own bed (not very neatly, yet)

get himself in and out of the tub (as long as I get the water temp right)

walk to and from Tommy's house

open the garage to get his bike out

put his helmet on and go for a bike ride

clear his place after dinner
say a prayer for the food or our nightly family prayer

Funny Things I Say

2008-08-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

Lukas says some funny things. Like this week he said...

"You lost your luck, Mom".
I was telling Lukas that Abuelo (Pat's Dad) was coming over. Lukas said, "Is he the one I'm shy of?"
Lukas was telling me that he wanted me to lay with him for bedtime. He was pleading with me and saying, "But mom, you're my girlfriend. I like being around you. You're my partner".
We were driving to the park and I took a wrong turn and had to flip it. Lukas said, "You went the wrong way, Silly".
"Me needer" aka me neither
He calls McDonald's "Old MacDonald's"
"I'll just be happy when you get me milk."

Meanie

2008-08-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Lukas is quite the character. He gets frustrated easily and starts acting the way I act when I get frustrated (uh oh!). He'll stomp out of the room and say "fine then". He constantly is fighting with Max. The second I'm out of sight or my back is turned, he'll hit, push, bump or be mean to Max. It gets me so mad, but I don't know what to do to stop it. He goes to time out a lot or gets threats, but nothing seems to really work b/c he keeps doing it. Some day Max will turn on him. And I'll turn my head.

I Can Draw

2008-08-19T23:58:00.000-07:00

One of Lukas' new favorite games it to play "Bic-tionary" (aka pictionary). He basically draws the same thing, but labels it different. Here is my favorite...it could be a dinosaur, Max, Buzz or Mike Wazowski. You decide!

Lukas at age 3 and 3/4

2008-08-13T23:26:00.000-07:00

Lukas has grown in many ways...some good, some bad. He no longer wakes up screaming (well, most of the time). However, he wails on Max whenever he gets the chance. Usually when I decide to step out the room for a second. I can't understand why he wants to hit and torment poor Max so much. I was talking to a neigbor with older boys and she says it gets better. I'll just hold my breath and wait... Lukas is awesome on the computer and can navigate almost anywhere. He plays games, watches trailers, and blogs (with my help). He loves to play pictionary and draw the coolest looking dinosaurs. I'll have to take a picture of his drawings. The eyes are always my favorite. He is better at eating, but still loves milk and chocolate milk. Every moring he wakes up and wants a popsicle. Or a cookie if we made any. He has a hard time sleeping in his own bed and by 3 in the morning usually ends up in ours. He is the worst at going to bed unless he is really tired. Some nights he'll stay up as lat as Pat and I (midnight) and then sleep in the next morning 'til 9. He gets really fiesty and back talks a lot. If he's mad, he'll storm out of the room or slam the door. He also will come up to me and hug me out of no where and kiss me wherever he can reach. Every day he wants to play with Tommy. And he loves riding his bike with his helmet on. He is a great cleaner-upper and freaks out if he's cleaning and Max is playing and making a mess. He likes to paint pictures and then mail them to friends and family.

Here are some funny things he has said:

Let I see. (Let me see)
Is this water seasoned? (water proof)
In his prayers he'll say..."thank you for that we don't have bad dreams".
Don't talk mean!
I just have something to tell you.
You're my best friend. (Said to daddy)
I wonder where he learned that.
See, I told ya.

I say the funniest things

2008-07-21T22:10:00.001-07:00

Here are some funny things I've heard Lukas say lately...

Pat and I were hugging and he walked by and said, "Hey, is there room for three?"
Someone was telling Lukas to be careful or go wash his hands or something and he gets frustrated and says, "You're not the parent!"
I asked him who his friends were and he quickly said, "Tommy, Nana, Aunt Mindy, Karsten, Polly is my friend. And Whitney is my friend. Karsten, oh, I already said him didn't I? Daddy and Max too."
We were at Gma's house and it was getting late so I laid my head down and said, "Can you drive us home, I'm tired." He got upset and said, "Only parents drive mom and I'm a kid!" I also told him that I was going to document this conversation for when he was 16 and wanted to drive.
He likes to disagree with everything I say..."No, it's not. Yes, it is. No, it's not."

July 10th, 2008

2008-07-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

I started a blog for Lukas so I can journal his life. My mom kept a book of things she had written down from my childhood (funny things I did or said) and I cherish reading it. I want the same for him. So, this will be where I document his daily doings. And eventually this will be turned into a blog book (blurb.com)! Here are some fun facts about Lukas at age 3...

He is very particular about his clothes not turning inside out when he takes them off.

He picks up words from songs and can sing them. (Like from his shows/cartoons/movies).

He loves to play with Tommy, a little boy who lives a couple of houses away.

He has endless energy and muliplies it the second I get on the phone.

He doesn't like to have a dirty bum after going potty, and will come out of the bathroom naked so I can check him.

He can almost make a PB&J sandwich all by himself.

He picks up quickly on things we say...and don't want repeated.

He dresses himself in long sleeves and pants in 100 degree weather!

He likes to have a blanket on his lap when we're driving in the car.

He still loves milk and drinks way too much of it.

He could watch Noggin all day if I let him.

As soon as I'm out of sight, he'll sneak Max's binkie, or bump into Max to knock him over, or squirt water on him, or throw sand on his head or...you get the idea.

He loves taking pictures with my digital camera.

He can turn the sprinklers on manually (he lays on the dirty concrete and reaches inside the scary spider-filled sprinkler box on the ground)!

He will answer the phone when it rings and have conversations with whomever called.

He saves his money and picks out what he wants at the store and pays for it by himself.

He is really good with dogs (especially Rascal).