Flashback Friday

It really does feel sometimes that kids get older but we don't. Though most days I feel like I'm trapped in a 90 year old body, I don't think I look a day older than this picture.

Problem is, I am. I must be as Jeffrey just turned 18 and in this picture he was 5!

Jacob's B-day Party

Jacob's birthday always falls at a difficult time for celebrating with friends. It is always the second day of school it seems. He doesn't really know anyone so we haven't ever had a kid party for him. Two years ago I did Halloween parties for them instead. This year I promised him we would have one.

I saw this idea in the form of Valentine's Day cards, so I modified it for my needs.I definitely wanted to do something at a place that would take all the worry and work out of it for me. It is hard enough getting back into school and work routines without planning party details. We went with an indoor bouncy place.Pardon the yellow pictures as my Nikon camera does not like the flourescent lights and I haven't been able to figure it out yet. Still waiting on tips from my SOL.
The birthday boy had lots of fun.
Let's just say cakes aren't cheap!!!!! With or without the Hummer!!!

Auntie and Daddy got in on the fun too.The moment he had been waiting for...presents! Mission accomplished. We said we will make it an every other year event. The little boys will alternate years. I think I can handle that.

Happy Birthday Jeffrey

It's a busy month here in the Korsak household. Three birthdays from Aug. 3-Sept. 23. Today was Jeffrey's day. Jeffrey turns 18 today. I have been around Jeffrey for 13 of his birthdays. How the time flies. Here are some facts about Jeffrey.

1. He's into paintball and airsoft guns.

2. His girlfriend of a year is Audrey.

3. He is a good rollerblader.

4. He always wears jeans...they may be down his butt, but technically on.

5. He likes his hair long and wears a winter hat year round.

6. He still watches Nickelodeon even when we're gone and he has the remote.

7. He doesn't like Haunted Houses.

8. He just got his first real job at Sears.

9. His brothers love him.

10. He listens to heavy metal.

11. He loved to draw when he was little.

12. He is very smart but doesn't always apply himself.

13. His two best friends are named Jake.

14. He always had expensive tastebuds when we went out to eat.

15. Even though he is 18 he still has not turned into Jeff in our eyes. He remains Jeffrey.

Flashback Friday

I know this isn't this best picture, but it is the one that fits with the story and shows it best. This is the time of year that I start thinking about my dad. The Wed. after Labor Day was the day I found out he was ill. Each year around that time I start to relive all of the moments and can easily be brought right back by random things.

The boys have a snowglobe in their room that belonged to my dad. Inside is a border collie just like his Alex and it plays the tune "You've Got a Friend". I rarely wind the button as it makes my throat tight and tears well. Even now typing it...My dad loved his dogs. Truth be told, more than anyone or anything besides his Mom. He didn't really know how to deal with people, let alone be friends or allow others in, so thank goodness he had his dogs. The poor pups were so sad when he was sick. Alex would often lay his head on the floor just like in this picture so sad waiting for dad when he was in the hospital. It was heartbreaking to see.

My dad took his dogs with him when he went and I always envision them waiting for him when he came, running and jumping, together again...forever!

Flashback Friday

Today is the start of the soccer season. This picture reminds me how far Joshua has come. This was taken when he was in kindergarten and was first trying soccer. Like school, he was so excited about soccer starting until it actually did. It was the first time we actually say his anxiety full blown, though now in hindsight I can see it back to when he was a baby.

When Joshua started kindergarten he felt like all the other kids knew everything and he didn't. They raised their hands to answer questions and he didn't know what to do. The teacher did a little song with a dance and he was so uncomfortable because he did know what to do. Joshua was always one to practice something over and over until he got it. After that day, he did not want to go back to school.

Fast forward to the first soccer practice...."Guys, we're going to play a game. Have you ever heard of Red Light Green Light?" (A little look toward me...um 'Mom,, get me outta here') "Well in this version instead of stopping when I say Red Light you are going to Dance". What are the chances??................Let's just say the soccer season officially ended right then even though we tried a few more times.

Fast forward a few years........Joshua has just outgrown the shirt as a night shirt (it was pretty big), the shoes still don't fit Jacob (and he's in the 2nd grade) and Joshua loves soccer. He plays outdoor in season and plays indoor out of season. He goes to school without issue and his mom's ♥ is happy for him.

***You may notice that the picture doesn't quite match the tone of the story. This particular picture was taken on a day that we actually got him to participate (though Auntie had to be on the field) and he had a great time. We tried to remind him how much he loved it but that didn't get us too far.***

Happy Birthday Jacob!!!

Today is Jacob Paul's day. 7 years ago I signed up for my second c-section immediately after peeing on the stick! I had such a good experience the first time even though I swore the whole time I was in lamaze class that I wasn't going to be the 10% who has to have a c-section. I got to pick Jacob's b-day...kinda, within a few days. I picked the 3rd because I thought it would be cool to have Joshua's b-day on 8/3 and then Jacob's on 9/3. Ironically our anniversary is on 12/3 so it was fitting.

I think he was a few days early because he was totally coated in that white crap. I remember when the nurses saw him they said, "If he isn't 10 lbs (like Joshua was) then we don't know what he is". They were sure he was a big boy. {When most of you read the rest of the story you will still think he was a big boy, but for me...I was in heaven that he was technically in the average range.} So anyway, when they weighed him in the nursery and called into the OR he was 8lbs 10oz...I was so excited to hear he was in the 8's. He was so tiny compared to Joshua. I remember his cute little chicken legs.

Some fun facts about Jacob.

1. He did use a binkie, unlike his brother.



2. He was a taggie baby. He loved to hold the silky tag on his blanket.



3. He walked days before he turned 9 months.



4. He has been riding a bike without training wheels since he was three.



5. He loves babies.



6. He is THE candyman!



7. He holds a major grudge.



8. He has a great sense of direction and proves me wrong all the time.



9. He was pretty much born with excema. Though it doesn't seem too bad this year.



10. He is stingy with his hugs and cuddles.



11. He can make a different sound for each of his dirt bike and four wheeler toys that are spot on.


12. He has no fear. There is no such thing as too high or too fast for him. He is sure to give his auntie a heart attack.


13. Most people say he looks like his Daddy, but I can also see me in him. (Click on the links to make your vote. You'll need to cover up the hair and dress on my pix)
    

Flashback Friday

This week I started back to work. The boys don't start until next Thursday. Our friend Kristi helped us out. The boys roped her into taking a walk in the woods. She was a trooper so I am told. They walked the riverbed back so she wouldn't have to walk over all the twigs. Hey, Kristi sounds a bit like me :) A delicate flower. They have always loved to do that. This is a pic from Auntie's computer. Such a cute one!