lost tooth

Wesley had been wiggling his tooth for days. He was obsessed with getting it out! Either he was going to pull it out, or we'd go crazy listening to him talk about it.

Right before going to bed, he kept pulling it. I asked him if he wanted me to pull it just one time. Well, I yanked on that tooth...and out it came! We didn't know how to react! Lots of juicy blood starting spilling and Wesley was thrilled. What a big boy he thinks he is now.

This was our first go around with a loose tooth. What the procedure for the tooth fairy? How much should she leave? Does a letter get written to her? Should she write back? Leave a toothbrush? April Ashton, who is a dental assistant, told Wesley that the tooth fairy takes the tooth and sends it up into the sky to make the brightest start the next night. I hadn't ever heard of that idea, but it was was cute and stuck inside Wesley's head!

So, the letter was written.

"Deer tooth feree. I lost a tooth. Can I hav a babee pupee girl plees and aftr you are dun I wil be hapee."

Wesley was begging for a baby girl puppy. Yeah right! He said that the tooth fairy could leave her on his bed for the morning. I had to tell him that she ONLY leaves money. Santa Claus is who he needs to ask for gifts (but even that won't happen). Wesley's writing was not very clear, and I wanted him to re-write his letter (the teacher in me was coming out!), but I kept it in the original format.

He got $5 for that first tooth, and the tooth fairy told him only $1 after that. No money for cavities!

The best part of the event was Austin's sweet prayer for his brother. "Estoy feliz porque Wesley esta feliz. Estoy feliz porque el diente salio. Estoy felize por Wesley." My heart was full.

This is a side note too: Isaac bumped his eye at the gym childcare. Sweet boys was trying to climb the train table and slipped. It turned a nice purple shade of eyeshadow. We love Izzy.

updates

Here are my boys' attitudes as of late:

Wesley: "Damn it." Yep, that is what keeps on coming out of his mouth. Not sure where he picked that one up, maybe Jared? That slips out every so often. Either way, we keep reminding him that we don't say that word, and how he will have to go to the principal's office at school if he says it. He is now praying to remember to NOT say it. He is also my manipulator. He will ask Austin to ask me for what HE wants! Or, if he is choosing a certain candy, he will convince Austin why he should pick out the same one. A sweet thing that he does require everyday is his, "daily touch" (I call it). He comes over and wants to be held, climb on my lap (a big boy he is!), get a massage, play with my hair or hold my hand. He is also an excellent reader! Not beyond his level, but he is doing a great job at reading his Clifford, Bob, or Biscuit books.

Life is unfair if Austin has a friend over, he will put the blame on Austin as well if something goes wrong (like he gets in trouble for not making his bed, "But Austin didn't!" or if I ask him to bring it "I gave it to Austin."). He is obsessed with being big; eating more than everyone, doing push ups and sit ups, and really thinks he is older than he is. He asks daily to play gamecube, or watch movies or t.v. I give him plenty of hours in the day to play (no more than 2), but it's never enough! He also has a hard time listening; getting out of the pool when I ask him to, get dressed, or brush his teeth. What's his deal-io?

Austin: Last night, an hour after I tucked him in, he asked me, "Mama, porque tengo que tener otra familia?" He was confused about why he'd have to belong to another family someday when he grows up. He didn't want to. I thought that was the cutest thing. I explained how we will always be a family; especially when he has babies and I am the grandma. He liked that answer and told me "gracias mucho mama." He is also a great companion to whomever and very willing to do chores (pick up dog poop, clean baseboards, carry groceries). He loves to sleep with a nightlight, lots of stuffed animals and music. He lately has been having nightmares at nighttime...probably from all the PG movies he goes and watches with dad and Wesley. He loves to bother and also love on Isaac, depending on the hour. He knows how to float on his back in the pool and does a great job at it.

Isaac: a screamer and slapper. He must be held and loved on and fed on my lap every morning when he wakes up...or total melt downs. He takes 1.5 hours of a nap and sleeps about 10 hours at night. He loves to wear hats, point his finger, and if we are lucky he'll give you a kiss or wave good-bye. He is also very daring in the swimming pool...which makes me nervous! He will just leap off of the baja ledge, or the side of the pool...even if no one is around. I need to find him some perfect life jacket with floaters or something b/c he is way too confident. He is now eating strawberries and cantaloupe, and still loves his quesadillas.

Jared: a job offer in the works from EMC insurance (they do bond underwriting for contractors who need insurance). We are very grateful and excited. Been a looooong 9+ months of unemployment. He's been enjoying his time at the gym, working investments on-line and swimming with the boys. The madness of two full time working parents, two kids in homework, after school soccer (I signed Jared up to be coach), planning nightly family dinners, and rotating early a.m. workouts (5am for me, 6:30am for Jared) begins in a few weeks! We need to be out the door by 6:30am; dropping of Isaac to the babysitter and getting to school by 7am for their school breakfast. I hope we can juggle this all.

Adrienne: I am getting my classroom ideas, management, room and curriculum set up as we speak. I am really excited to be working with another 5th grade teacher whose style is similar to mine, yet she has 6 years + teaching experience on me to back it up! We have brand new classrooms that were built over the summer (and are adjoining), new desks/chairs/projectors, and only 15 students per class! Because ACA added the extra 5th grade class this year, there aren't as many students to split up. I am grateful. Grateful for 100% insurance coverage.

I am taking on the math and social studies load; while she focuses on language arts and science. Math is NOT my favorite or speciality (I love language arts!), but this way, we can plan only two lessons per day, while rotating classes. I just hope that I am "smarter than a 5th grader" when it comes to math. I will also incorporate some writing blocks, read alouds, journaling and spelling just so that I can still enjoy what I am doing as a teacher! My kids are all set up to go to Kindergarten (all day) and 1st grade. Next on my list are the school supplies, buying fabric for my bulletin boards, contacting parents and students with postcards and attending staff meetings. And I still want another baby.

Ballroom Dancing

I got sent these old SUU and high school ballroom dance pics recently on Facebook. Been at least 13 years! It got me missing my ballroom days...so....




I took Jared ballroom dancing last night! I wish he loved it as much as I do. He is a good sport about getting ready, driving the 45 min. to get there and even putting a pleasant face on.

We arrived at Fat Cat Ballroom dancing, which I had been researching on line. It was a perfect setting for us: only $5 for two lessons (each dance changes per weekend), and then a dance party after wards. Last night we learned the Tango.

Switching up partners in a large circle is how it takes place. That way you have the opportunity to meet new people, learn from better dancers, and even help out those who are beginning.

I had so many flashbacks to my BYU ballroom dancing workshops as a youth. This is exactly what I did for years! Words like, "rotate, find a new partner, the next heat up, tracking, promenade, posture, leading, and break" were like music to my heart. I have missed dancing immensely. Without a partner, all of my ballroom dancing moves seem to just go to waste! It's like knowing how to play a sport, but not being able to b/c of an injury. Your desires are there, you love the motions and music, but can't do anything alone.

I don't think I was ever really good at dancing; I lacked the flexibility, money, and body to really draw a crowd. But, I sure did put forth my best effort with a big smile, lots of practice, and heart. Just looking at my old pictures reminds me of how insecure I felt compared to other girls and how I always wished to be selected for the solos, front spot, or partner routines. I usually had to ask the boys to compete with me, and only the ones that were left over from the other "better girl dancers." We would practice a few times a week, but didn't have a lot to back us up (expensive costumes or paid choreography from a professional). I never placed bronze, silver or gold in any event...ever. But, I sure did try! I remember feeling that excitement whenever we would approach the dance floor, under the big flood lights of the auditorium, trying desperately to smile and impress the judges while dancing to the Jitterbug on the loud speakers. If we made it past 1 or 2 heats, that was always an accomplishment. I never really thought we'd go far, I just always dreamed of it.

Those were the days. It's hard to move on sometimes! It's hard to not realize your dreams of something you used to do and love... Anyone who ever wanted to be a professional singer, writer, athlete or performer can relate.

Jared did a great job leading me and learning along the way. I kept asking him why he wasn't smiling from ear to ear (like I was), and he kept saying, "look around. No guy is smiling b/c he is trying to remember the next move." It was true! Us ladies have the easy part: we just follow.

After learning the Tango, I chit chatted with a few of the instructors there and felt like I was coming home. I danced 6 + years from high school to college. We were only 1.5 hours into the night, but Jared was ready to leave and catch a movie! No way!

I convinced him to stay for a bit longer as we danced to a variety of ballroom music. The cha-cha, waltz, hustle (we sat out for that one), samba, and salsa were a few. I was even asked to dance the Foxtrot by a stranger and I was thrilled! I felt like I was floating on air as he whisked me away around the dance floor. I felt like a princess in a fairytale as we were in sync together. I was surprised at how easily the dance moves came back to me, considering it has been YEARS since I danced a real foxtrot.

Oh how I would LOVE to do real lessons, competitions or be on a performing team. I was telling Jared that perhaps when the boys are older and out of the house, it is something that we could do. (He kept telling me that I wouldn't commit him to doing something 30 years from now. But, I just argued that it was a dream of mine...and could really be fantastic! What else can we do in between missions and grand kids, but dance!)

Whether the guy be sweaty, tall, old, hairy, fat, bald, handsome, short, or smelly...if he can DANCE and lead...I want to be his partner! I loved moving my hips once again, thinking about the right posture and training I had had from college and keeping my head aligned to his. I miss it already.

I compare it a lot to why I teach aerobics. Although they are very different, I still can satisfy the craving of "performing" when I am in front of a class. Between the sweating, the upbeat music, mirrors and stage presence, there is a lot that goes into being an aerobic instructor. The satisfaction you feel after finishing up a great class is very rewarding, although nothing can compare with those crazy costume changes, stage make up, cute partners and butterflies that comes with ballroom dancing in front of a crowd.

This might be why I have THREE BOYS. I have THREE future partners! You bet I am going to teach them how to dance! Climb up onto my toes boys and I will lead you through the moves. If your papa doesn't enjoy the ballroom stuff, maybe you will? I can't wait 'til you are a bit older an and a bit taller. Will you dance with your mama?

So...maybe this is something we could do every 3 months? I would LOVE to go out dancing regularly, but unfortunately, as much as Jared is a great dancer...he doesn't share the ballroom itch like I do. I will take him anyway. It is a great way to connect as a couple and share something different together.

Now I just need to convince Jared that I need dancing heels!

Swim lessons

Summer is coming to an end in AZ. While the rest of the USA is still living it up, we are getting ready for school in August. We hit the local Surprise pool for some family fun, as well as swim lessons. My boys are little fishies in the water and love to swim. I think of last year, with newborn Isaac and Jared living in Cali. I am so glad that I can now go with them while they swim alone (Austin was just learning last year), and I can happily sit with Isaac in the shallow ends.








After two short weeks of swim lessons 4x's a week at 8am, the boys learned some basic swimming skills. Austin can float, toes out of water! Wesley learned some basic freestyle (although he never uses it when he is swimming), and Isaac just had fun opening up the lockers along the pool side. By 8:30am, it was always well into the mid 90's, so it was hot. The boys loved being with their friends Barik and Cooper. I loved their "jammers."

4th of July

Up on the mountain.

This is the place to be during the 4th of July in Arizona.

Small town of 6,000 turns into 20,000 overnight. Makes it pretty interesting for all the local folk. All the grocery stores and restaurants have to stock up for us! Bags of ice for the parade so we don't melt away, extra Tacos on Thursdays, etc.

We went up a few days early for the Bosen funeral. Jared loved waking up at 5am to go fishing (he never gets up that early!), and the boys loved camping out with pipa and grandma. Things got even better once their primos arrived. I never really saw them much after that except to remind them to wash up before eating, helping serve food, and then getting them into their pj's.

The boys love the freedom that comes with being up in Eagar. They eat what they want (lots and lots of sugary treats), go to sleep after 10:30pm, and play hard all day long. Great weather too.

Jared and I enjoyed exercising on the jr. high track (as did Wrangler. He ran 8 laps with me daily, keeping right by my side). Isaac was a mess with his new environment and had several time outs, melt downs and screaming fits.

Ice box pie is another family favorite. There is never enough to go around.



Austin is Pipa's little sidekick.


A German brown trout. Good job Jared!

Waking up from his nap. I love his bed head and sleepy smile.
Jared bought us all matching shirts to wear as a family. It was cute to dress up.



Que dice el perro? woof woof woof
Pipa, Jared, Uncle Ronny and Isaac.
4th of July pancake breakfast from the local firefighters. A yearly tradition.

Isaac loves to feed himself. Lucky for me, he doesn't try to do it too often b/c it's a mess!
Driving around town without seat belts, lots of sweat and smiles.
I painted my toes red, white and blue. My adoring boys wanted their nails done too. I have no girls, so you bet I was excited!
A typical meltdown for Izzy. Good thing he laid on top of the basket when he went down.

The candy at the parade is always the best part.


This was the best picture I could get of everyone standing still.
A cold slip 'n slide.
Stuffing marshmellows.

Fireworks at 9pm at the airport. Isaac had a genuine expression of thrill when he saw them light up the sky!
17 people all under one roof; a 2 bedroom "cottage" and a motor home parked outside.
Let the good times roll.



On a side note:

I also went to the midnight premier of Twilight's "New Moon." My girlfriends Trisha Mariner, Darbie Hall, Leslie Boley and Niki Thrower all joined me for a fun girls night out. We loved eating all our treats, cooing over Jacob's abs and listening too all of the shrieks in the theater. It was madness with the lines, saving of seats and 105 degree heat at 11pm.

English vs. Spanish

Jared and I have come to a fork in the road.

Do we continue speaking Spanish to our boys, or do we start introducing more English?

It hurts my ears to hear such terrible Spanish, especially when I know that my boys can speak better. We want them to speak Spanish so that they can talk to their abuela in Argentina, or tia Olga in Mexico. We want them to be bi-lingual to help out other students in school, or to obtain a great job b/c of their language abilities.

With boys in school now, they are using English in all areas; playing with friends, church, playing video games, talking to neighbors and family.

Here is my proof:

"Muchos ants me hizo bite a yo," (Austin: A lot of ants bit me).

"Yo quiero el movie del rabbit, el unico one." (Austin: I want the only rabbit movie).

"El seed hizo grow." (Wesley: The seed grew).

"Yo hice break in half y no quiero esto." (Austin: I broke it in half and I don't want this).

"Yo hice loose a un pound." (Wesley: I lost a pound. He is obsessed with growing bigger, eating more than anyone else, being the tallest and strongest. He is now at 53lbs).

Do we give up speaking Spanish after 6.5 years? Each day brings a new challenge of encouraging vocabulary, conjugations and correcting them. Will we continue doing this or just give up???

AEPA

I have been studying for my AEPA (Arizona Education Proficiency Assessment) exam for over a month now. It is this SATURDAY. It is serious crunch time for me.

Education is a silly thing. They have you focus in on one specific thing during college so that you can teach it with fluency as a career. But, with this test, they now want you to know ALL subject areas K-8; grammar, science, history, math, reading comprehension and social studies.

My biggest area of concern is math. I have been trying to re-teach and remember all of those algebra formulas, my basic multiplications, geometry patterns and how to put decimals into percents, etc. It is not easy for me...and very frustrating at times b/c my brain hurts!

I get up to my fussy Isaac (who is now into slapping me and glaring), take boys to swim lessons, hit the gym, then study study study 'til boys are bouncing off the walls and driving us all crazy from being inside during this 112 heat.

There are two tests; Elementary Education and Professional Knowledge (where they give you a bunch of examples of things teachers should and shouldn't do in situations, etc).

If I don't pass, I have to pay more money to re-take them and it could possibly mean my 5th grade teaching job. I think my charter school would let my scores slide one time, but who wants to go through this again! I am scared enough about teaching math to my 5th graders, let along pass a huge boards exam.

Wish me luck...lots of it.

Update 7/10/10
Just took the test. It was intense! I hadn't sat in a classroom environment (Gilbert high school) in years. It was weird to be the one as a pupil, vs. as a teacher. The assessors were very strict; no talking, no sharpening pencils, no leaving the room without a pass, ID out at all times. etc. I took two 4- hour tests; Elementary Education and Professional Knowledge. I really did study my hardest for over a month, several hours per day and wracking my brain over simple math.

The math section was actually easy. Go figure! The science and history were tough. A few qeustions that I left not knowing:
- An example of Newton's law
-What were the Reconstruction Acts
- A phrase from the Constitution
-What were Lewis and Clark helpful in providing for the Oregon Trail
-What causes Thunderstorms
-Examples of a fable story

They don't seem to difficult, but when you narrow down your choices and see the great options, it really makes you second guess yourself. I tried to read the question slowly, figure out what they were really asking, and then decide for myself the answer BEFORE reading the options. That worked sometimes. Some questions were so easy for me, and others I kinda knew, and others I had NO clue about.

It was hard to focus with so many distractions; papers shuffling, people coughing, squeaky chairs, people going in and out of bathroom, pencils tapping, etc. If I spent too much time on a question, I really felt like my brain was turning to mush. I purposefully rushed through as many questions as I could, knowing that after 2 hours, my mind would not be as sharp. I also skipped to the back of the tests to read the essays first, jot down thoughts and ideas, and then as I went through the tests, I had a better idea of what to look for.

It was stressful! I know how people must feel with the LSAT or GMAT. Not at the same degree, but it sure did give me butterflies and a scratchy throat. I will find out results Aug 9th.