Kinder Graduation

Jared and I have been indecisive as to what to do with Austin. Physically, he is on the smaller side and definitely one of the youngest in his Kindergarten class. Socially and academically, he is right on target and doing really well.

But....Jared feels strongly about him NOT being the youngest and smallest boy as school continues on for him...

Austin cannot repeat the Kindergarten as we had anticipated b/c he has been issued an SAIS number (State ID), therefore no matter where he goes, if he repeated Kinder, we would have to pay the $200 a month at the school. Since he started at age 4, they don't allow those children to repeat kinder, assuming that you could've just done preschool at that time. This last year, he had to go to school b/c I worked full time...it was my only option as a career working mama.

We had thought about transferring him to Marley Park elementary, out of convenience and location, but I just couldn't shake the feeling that my boys should go to ACA for another year. I LOVE the 2nd and 1st grade teachers, they have little friends, I am familiar with the curriculum, we know the staff, and I feel like they will be well taken care of even though I am not "full time" there anymore. It especially makes me feel good that most of the staff know who my kids are by name, and I feel like they will watch out for them while I am not there.

I loved Austin's teacher Mrs. Mitchell. Very educated, creative, and soft spoken with a huge heart for little ones. She made personalized narratives for each child this year and gave it to us with his Kinder picture. I love those personal gifts, especially when you know how much time they spend with your child during the school hours. There must be plenty to say!

I got emotional the minute I heard the processional music play for my sweet 5 year old to walk down the big walkway and up to the stage. It's hard accepting that your kids are growing up. I guess that is why we keep having more...the not LET GO of childhood.
It was like the paparazzi with all the parents taking pictures and crowding the stage! The kids did some cute songs with a lot of heart and soul. It was a bit uncomfortable for my 7 month belly to be squatting on the floor and trying to get the best angles, but well worth it.
I am not sure why Austin had this mug shot for most of the time...maybe he got tired of all the attention and just wanted to be left alone.

Austin is very helpful and cheerful with chores, washing mama's feet or sweeping.
Austin is very curious and is constantly asking questions.
Austin loves to play (and torture) Isaac.
Austin can do 103 full sit ups without stopping! He literally has an 8 pack and 0 body fat.
Austin loves to be your companion; errands, traveling, sleeping over or going for a walk.
Austin is great at building (legos or puzzles) and enjoys playing by himself with his imagination.
Austin is a jokester and constantly saying things to get you to laugh.




We were all trying to get a good look at the super star. Pipa and Grandma Wilson came all the way down for the big ceremony!
Wesley was by my side the entire time (and happy to be getting out of class early!) to watch his little brother graduate. He was very proud.



This is Steven Purvis, one of Austin's good friends....although Austin told me daily how he did not make good choices and was almost always on "red." A cute boy nonetheless.

Inside the classroom! My last day as Mrs. Wilson!
Ms. Hall...hopefully Austin's teacher for next year and a sweet friend.

I love Isaac's grin!

Congratulations Austin on a successful year of Kindergarten!

End of Year

ACA spring concert...Isaac, papa and Gpa Lowe.
A fine example of "Peace and Quiet."
Sweet boys I do admit.
The last week of school is a blur...lots of board games, pizza parties, end of the year book signing and grading.
I did grow to love these rowdy boys...not so much as students...but as little people.

Me and a few of my girls...their faces say it all.
My last few days at ACA as "Mrs. Wilson." I am so grateful that I could leave my class for special assemblies; student of the month and principal's list (Wesley got straight A's for all four quarters and was recognized...a great accomplishment. I hope it continues for my other boys and throughout their school career).

Little slugger's

I am glad Baseball is over. I do respect the sport...but, the heat and long pants and slow action on the field really gets to a big prego mama after a few weeks. Isaac is all over the place; batting cages, eating snacks, taking his sandals off onto the hot pavement and crying, and of course begging to be held....
This last game was a goodie. Once again, Pipa and Grandma came down to support our boys in their sports (Gpa Lowe and Tim Boom Baby came too). I am glad that the boys at least hit the ball this time around so that they could feel proud in front of their family.Welsey hit TWO home runs, and hit the farthest out of his team....almost hitting the fence!

Austin did hit off of the tee, but he did get one hit from the coach :)

Trophies were handed out (Coach Nick said Wesley hit the best and was a leader, and Austin was the most focused) and afterwards a swim party was enjoyed.

Wesley now really has a love for the game. He can be found constantly swinging in mid air with his arms, as if swinging a bat. I think his obsession from tetherball at school has helped his motion. He can't wait for baseball camp this summer with his cousin Jaden. Jared and Wesley can now play "catch" and "pitch" together at the park where Jared can give him hints and techniques to the game that HE also loves. It's good to be a boy right now.

I will skip the part where Wesley's trophy got dropped and broken (again)...a whole other family drama and crisis came from that...let's forget that part ever happened! Super glue works miracles.

Tooth fairy

Wesley is 7 years old. Lots of questions now about the tooth fairy. Not much gets past him.

It all started with a jawbreaker from Ms. Lee afterschool. The pressure it put on his upper tooth made a "crack" sound and Wesley decided to just yank on it and push it out! So...he did. I was happy for him and we did the whole letter to tooth fairy and putting it under his pillow. He asked for 8 dollars and some nickels (random!). He only got a dollar...which is what he will always get.

The next morning Wesley had to verify that I didn't write it...he even compared my handwriting! Good thing Jared wrote the letter this time around, so I didn't have to lie.
After getting dressed (same morning), Wesley decided that he wanted to pull the other tooth out! Who does that! So, amidst the madness of morning routine, he yanked and yanked and got it out.




He was very excited to show his new grin to his friends.
Now I have two toothless twins.
That night, Wesley delve into more questions for tooth fairy; what is your name, are you a boy or girl, why am I not "aloud" to see you, where do you live, etc.

Answers? Tooth fairy is a girl named Summer, who lives in the Land of Smiles (good job Jared for creativity), and no one can see tooth fairies b/c it's against the law.

Wonder how much longer we'll keep this up?

Got Belly?

Things NOT to say to a pregnant woman: (from my personal experiences)

1. How much weight have you gained? You look big.
2. Don't worry, I got just as big as you when I was pregnant.
3. Should you be eating all that food on your plate?
4. !Hola Gorda!
5. How are you feeling? (I get asked that daily...just try to rephrase it!)

Things TO SAY to a pregnant woman:
1. You are my inspiration here at the gym.
2. You look tiny (just lie about it!)
3. You are ALL belly, can't tell anything from behind.
4. You look beautiful and glowing.
5. You will lose all that extra weight, you always have.


The girls at my school thew me a little baby "bath" (as Wesley called it, vs. shower). It was very sweet of them...got some diapers, cute cards and bath time essentials. I thought I was looking pretty good, until I saw these pictures! Rolls all over!

We can't wait to meet Levi :) Yes, that is his name for now. It fits appropriately with Wranlger our dog and Austin...we sound like a family of cowboys!
Six months along

Side view, six months...on my way to work.
Seven months (today)
Victoria Simmons, my 5th grade co-teacher
I don't like being the center of attention! Only if I am in charge of it; teaching or speaking.
What a cute diaper cake from Mrs. Lee.
The boys were so excited to take the gifts home from school...we opened them back up at home and I taught them how to fold up tissue paper.

I am so excited for this baby to come!

Baseball and Boys

I love getting homemade cards from my boys. Even though they do them at school (vs. spontaneously), I sure do feel LOVED. Austin is really good at doing rainbows and Wesley is able to write some really nice sentences (complete with capital letters and periods!)

Mother's love is sweet to me.
Mother's are the best.
Mother's can be nice.
Mother's will give us hugs.
Mother's do awesome things.
Mother's say good things.
Mother's love us.
I love you mom, Wesley
Austin's Kinder teacher created a recipe book from the class. Austin wrote about my spaghetti and meatballs. My favorite part was, "She gets the packet and then she puts it in the pot. She puts the sauce in it and then she mixes it. She sometimes buys the meatballs. They are so good!" It was extra cute b/c I don't even make spag and meatballs very often! It's Jared's recipe.
This card says, "I love you mom because you take care of me." Austin


A few more baseball pics:
Austin on first base (he can hit it often without using the tee!)

Our little slugger, who LOVES baseball. He can be found "swinging" in the air 24/7.
Our cute little ballers.

The tunnel and treats are always the best part.