Picnic

We had a great picnic lunch with some friends yesterday. It was absolutely wonderful! We all had good food and enjoyed each other's company. The kids played in the water, got to go exploring, and played some ball with the dad's.






Things I realized after our picnic:

1. I end up getting more pictures of Clarissa because Joey seems to now avoid the camera at all costs. Getting a picture of him without him doing his "cheesy" smile is near impossible.

2. Joey doesn't know how to tackle in football. I blame myself from not letting him play too rough. He was flabbergasted when Luke came after him yesterday. He held his own, but Keith's new mission is to watch a lot of football with Joey and play some football with him.

3. Clarissa is really starting to make friends. Before it was just playing with kids, but she's really making friends, now. If you're a mom, you know what I mean.

4. Joey is a little person. He speaks his own mind and has his own thoughts. He's a really fun person to know and love. (Actually, I already realized this but it was really evident yesterday)

I hope each of you enjoy the rest of your Labor Day Weekend and Happy Belated Birthday to Princess Lacy. We love and miss you bunches.

First Day of School

Joey had his first day of year two of preschool today. He was REALLY excited to go back to school. He was lucky enough to have his same teacher and most of the same kids in his class this year.


After I picked him up from school he told me he had a lot of fun, played on the playground and with friends, and didn't like his snack so he threw it in the trash. We'll blame Keith for that one. What was he thinking? Buying low-fat animal crackers? Disgusting.

Finally . . . a post with pizazz!

It seemed like the Truman's were in a rut for a while, but this weekend was actually jam packed with fun.

Friday evening we (Keith and myself) had a triple date with our friends while the kids played with their friends. Here's Clarissa getting ready. Yes, she's wearing one of Bree's shirts as a dress. That girl loves looking stylish. She had spotted the shirt and was determined it was a dress for her.



Saturday Joey had his second piano lesson and still loves the heck out of it. Mind you, his teacher (Mister Vic) is also introducing new instruments to him. I'm told the hammer dulcimer is one of his favorites. They just kind of dabble on the piano. Joey won't actually "learn" the piano until later. I guess this is more of a music appreciation class, but he's learning proper etiquette when playing the piano, learning rhythm and beats, and where some of the keys are on the piano.



Sunday was the funnest day of all! Our town hosts a summer celebration every year and it was fantastic this year. Joey enjoyed it last year, but had a BLAST this year. Clarissa was even able to participate this year. Joey rode on a horse (named Sugar) all by himself this year. Both Joey and Clarissa had fun in the bubbles. Joey wanted to do EVERYTHING. He wanted to do the rock wall, but you had to be five to do it. He had a blast trying to dunk people in the "dork tank." He actually hit the target several times, but the force wasn't hard enough. The night was ended with a marvelous display of fireworks. Joey loved them and Clarissa was a little apprehensive. Anytime a loud firework was popped she would plug her ears. It was hilarious and adorable.

What to do, what to do . . .

For some reason Joey only likes to take naps during the day if I lay in bed with him. So, the past couple of weeks I netflixed a favorite TV series of mine from when I was in junior high. My So-Called Life. I would watch them on my laptop while the kids slept. Then, I found out Hulu had them online.

Click on Jordan Catalano's face to watch.



Anyway, that's what I'm doing right now. Joey is sleeping next to me and I'm just wasting time doing nothing productive. I am bound to the bed, because if I move Joey will wake and he's not a happy camper if he doesn't take a full nap.

Ladybugs

Yesterday I had a horrible day. It was filled with school stuff for me and financial aid. When I came home I was just exhausted and frustrated. Suddenly, I saw the BIGGEST ladybug. Seriously, it was ENORMOUS. I wish I could have gotten a picture to compare it next to something. It stayed there HOURS.

Gosh, I miss Breezy.

Play me some rock & roll!

Have I mentioned that my husband is the best father? He plays guitar with the kids at night and they love it.

Thanks, Keith, for being so wonderful. Love you. . . even if you NEVER read the blog anymore.

Call me

Living 2,000 miles away from family means we spend a lot of time on the phone. The kids have gotten to know their grandparents through hours of phone conversations. Luckily, we have sprint-to-sprint and we talk daily and I absolutely love having my kids talk to their grandparents. I love that both kids recognize each grandmother's individual ringtone and will yell "Grandma" or "Grammy" for the appropriate ring. I love that both kids realize morning time is for Grandma and evening is for Grammy.

Yesterday morning Joey had his first piano lesson. While Keith and Joey were out Clarissa and I went outside for a bit and then came inside after melting. The first thing she wanted to do was call her grandmothers. Below are pictures of her talking to my mom:



Clarissa making her silly face. I think she thinks the other person can see her.



Clarissa kissing Grandma. Yeah, I always enjoy getting my phone after the slobbery kisses.



Apparently, my mom said something really interesting.

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I'm disappointed with myself that I did not get any photos of Joey before his first piano lesson, but it was because we were all too excited! Keith went alone with Joey and said he did absolutely wonderful. The teacher and Joey clicked and Joey truly enjoyed himself. The teacher had Joey do a few games and was thoroughly impressed. He mentioned to Keith that Joey was already doing things some of his six-year-olds were not able to do. Joey has always been musically inclined. He even attempted to play twinkle, twinkle little star yesterday. Obviously, he's still got a lot of practice before he can play himself, but just the fact that he tried was amazing.

I promise to take pictures next time and have a better, more appropriate blog entry for Joey.