beginning of school

School starts in just 4 days. The nerves are kicking in. The stress is in the air. Butterflies are in my tummy. We have been in "inservice" trainings now for a week 1/2. I am exhausted from all the conversations about insurance, dress code, fire drills, "bad touch/good touch" policies, and lesson plan formats. My head hurts. Fried egg. Brain freeze. Good thing they have given us Krispy Kremes, Mexican food, chocolates and lots of water to keep us going. I do love being in a room full of people with purpose, passion and drive about kids + education.

I have this inner battle going on. I am so excited to teach. I envision myself as an educator, influencing all of these great children and really creating a learning and nurturing environment. We have such diversity and cultural differences in my school, that I really am looking forward to the challenges. I think about how I could stay at this school for years to come and raise my boys in this small school environment. I love feeling stimulated in my vocabulary, my new creativity as I think of my classes and I thrive off of the social friendships I am making with other teachers. I feel accepted, respected, educated, and cared about. It's a great feeling.

On the other hand, I feel guilty already that I am no longer tucking in Isaac for naps or feeding him his breakfast/lunch. I have really missed my boys all week long (I am exhausted from the trainings), but being gone from 8am-5pm is hard on me. I miss them! I come home and immediately (well, that is if they are not watching tv), they want to have hugs and be with me. It warms my heart...but, the guilt comes back!

Do I continue teaching as my boys are in school, or do I focus in on my sweet Isaac and go back home? Right now I HAVE to work to provide financially. But, I really enjoy the outside stimulation and opportunity for growth as a person that teaching provides. I can easily be home by 3pm everyday. Great schedule. Could I juggle it beyond this year?

For now, I am motivated and looking forward to this school year. Ask me again in November how I am doing. I may be ready to be back home...back to my play dates, trips to Costco, parent volunteering, an occasional nap, Oprah and a little boredom. It would be nice to hit the gym at 8:30am vs. 4:30am (like I did this morning) to fit in a little sweat and cardio.

I am getting my last finishing touches on my simple classroom done:

Bulletin board "What the Wilson's know:" for my objectives completed
Cheesy signs posted around the room
Desk organized
Bookshelf set up (but not organized yet. Will have a T.A. do that!)
Filing cabinet filled
Desks arranged
Decided on my first "center" for the month: Nutrition. I will have my students work on some hands on activities based on different themes every month. This month they will learn about the Basic 5 Pyramid, cutting out healthy snacks out of newspapers, looking at labels, etc. They do this in their extra time, and will get extra credit for the things turned in.
Organized all of the old 5th grade teachers JUNK and stored it into a filing cabinet
Stocked up on teaching supplies at Wal Mart and Office Max. I have yet to buy my own kids' supplies b/c I could barely get my own!

I really need to know focus in on the curriculum, lesson planning and behavior systems before my kiddos walk in through that door!

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.