This has been a very BUSY week for the Wilson household. It all started last Saturday when the boys and I (Craig worked Friday night so he was sleeping)traveled to Canton to celebrate Austin Kyle Duran's 2nd birthday. Kyle & Leeana had his party at Leeana's parents house in Canton so that it would be close enough for all of the family to attend! My entire family was there along with Leana's parents & grandparents to celebrate. The day started off with storms but by lunch time the sun had come out. The boys really enjoyed all of the open land and riding the 4-wheeler. They played baseball, blew bubbles, fished and just had a great time.
(Pics-Kyle & Leeana along with Autin & my boys; Austin feeding his self his birthday cake - notice all of the cake already on him; My boys, Austin and my cousin Alicia running and playing once the sun came out).
On Tuesday my mom and I left to go to Houston so that I could speak at Lakewood's Women's meeting on Wednesday night. Because of Craig's work schedule we were able to go on Tuesday and leave Thursday morning, this made it a little more enjoyable. Mom was able to spend some time with her sister and I spent all day Wednesday preparing for Wednesday night. I had so much a fun time teaching and seeing all of my friends from Lakewood! We left by noon on Thursday to be back for Caleb's program Thursday night.

Caleb's second grade program was all about Animals. Caleb's class was the laughing hyenas. It was a really cute program and the kids seemed to really enjoy doing it. Although Caleb doesn't like being the center of attention (like Joel does) he performed all of the movements and sang every song! He really seemed to enjoy his self.

Saturday we had two baseball games along with Christian's Solo & Ensemble competition. Randy & Sherri joined us for Joel's game at 10:15 am. Joel is so funny. He seems to really love baseball. He played first base the entire game. He made 2 outs and didn't let one ball get by him. He also did great hitting. We left Joel's game and grabbed some lunch. Then it was off to Caleb's game. Caleb's game was delayed by 40 minutes so after being there 30 minutes early (total of 70 minutes waiting) we were REALLY READY for the game to get started. Caleb played a good game. He was EXTREMELY frustrated at not getting a hit but it is just all apart of the "kid pitch" experience. During Caleb's game Christian was scheduled for his Solo & Ensemble competition with his trumpet. Craig who again had worked Friday night got up after only 4 hours of sleep and took him to his competition. Christian scored a "1" Superior rating which is the highest you can score. Then today (Monday) we received an email from his band teacher. The teacher said that the judges had a choice to recognize up to 12 students for outstanding solo performances. They only awarded this recognition to 6 students. Out of the 86 students who performed Christian was one of the 6 who received this special recognition! We are so very proud of him! (Pics-Caleb catching and Joel playing first base.)

Sunday was busy as well. I have been asked to lead a Women's Bible Study (YEAH) and Sunday was our "Groups Expo" of all of the new groups. I had a great time meeting new women and answering everyone's questions. We are going to meet every Monday night for six weeks here at the house. I am quickly writing and developing the outline for the group and can't wait to see what God does in all of us.

This week is full already! Christian has TAKS testing Tuesday & Wednesday. (He came home on Friday explaining to me that he MUST have a balanced breakfast on Tuesday & Wednesday so... I needed to take him early both days so he can get 2 sausage biscuits each morning from McDonald's - his idea of balanced!). Joel has a make up game on Tuesday, both he and Caleb have practice on Thursday then Caleb has a makeup game on Friday. (Of course it is supposed to rain all week in Dallas and will probably rain out our make up games!) Then on Saturday we are off to the Wilson Family Reunion. (More Pics - me and my niece Nicole at the party; Christian "helping" Austin play baseball; Gift time).

Baseball & Easter

So our baseball season is well under way. Both Caleb & Joel are playing (Christian didn't want to and that is a good thing because I don't know that we could have done three at the same time). This is Joel's first season ever to play baseball so he is in coach pitch/tball. Caleb has played before and he is in a modified kid pitch - where if the kid pitcher walks you then a coach comes in and finishes pitching.

Opening weekend they both had games and team pictures. Craig missed Caleb's game because it coincided with Joel's pictures. I made most of Caleb's game and then drove over for Joel's game. My mom and dad stayed at Caleb's game until it ended and then brought him to me.

Caleb has only played one game so far (he plays again this Wednesday night) and he had a really good game. It was very cold that morning but like most kids he didn't seem to mind. He popped up to the pitcher both times at bat which made him really upset. But considering the majority of the players didn't even get a hit I tried to encourage him. He played outfield the whole game and made some great back up stops. They were winning 2-0 with 1 minute left on the time (they played 65 minute games) and although they were home team because there was a minute left they had to go ahead and let the other team bat. Well you guessed it the other team scored 2 runs and we ended up ending the game in a tie. (I don't know why but all of the pictures I took of Caleb is batting - none fielding but here is some of him hitting).

Joel has played 2 games. His first game the very first inning he played pitcher. He had a blast and through out 2 batters to first base. He was so excited about getting those outs. He would jump up and down, throw his fist in the air AND high five the other team's coach who was on the mound with him! The next inning he played in the outfield where he dug in the dirt! The third inning had him back at short stop but he didn't get any action. He hit the ball and got on base both times. This past Wednesday night he played his 2nd game. They started him out at 1st base where he caught all 3 balls for all 3 outs. Craig said he was PUMPED. The next inning he was back at short stop with no action. The third inning he was once again on the pitchers mound. He kept throwing the ball to the first baseman who kept missing the ball. Finally the 4th ball Joel caught he just ran the runner down and tagged him out before he got to first base. (They are not supposed to tag the runner out they are supposed to throw the ball to get them out). So Joel's coach came over to talk to him about throwing the ball rather than tagging the runner out. Joel explained to the coach that if the boy on first base would catch the ball he would throw it but since he kept missing the ball he needed to tag the guy out - YIKES. The coach explained to him again that he needed to throw the kid out but Joel obeyed but didn't agree with his reasoning. Two days later he was still talking about the issue! (Pictures of Joel are at pitcher and hitting).

We didn't have any games this weekend due to Easter. We had a real laid back weekend which was nice. The boys had a great time at church with an Easter egg hunt and a petting zoo. It was storming Easter morning but by the afternoon it was a really pretty day to celebrate what Jesus did for us!

The Lawnmower!

For the last 2 years Christian has had the job of mowing the front and backyard. Craig does pay him to do it but Christian HATES it. In fact it was so funny while we were looking for a house in Frisco besides Christian's room the most important thing to him was the size of the yard! Our yard in Sugar Land was very large! We looked at one house where the subdivision mowed your front yard for you and Christian was all for that house!! Anyway as the mowing season started coming around Caleb informed Craig that he would really like to mow the yard. Craig and I debated if Caleb was old enough and decided that as long as one of us were outside with him he would probably do okay. So on a very windy Saturday (about 2 weeks ago) the mowing commenced!

Craig at first mowed a square around the back yard so that Caleb would know how to follow. Then he talked and showed Caleb how to follow the pattern. Caleb did an okay job. He had a very hard time pushing the lawn mower but once he got it going he was fine. The other hard time he had was turning. He had a hard time lifting the wheels up and making the turn. The only other difficulty he had was staying along a straight line. He did have to go back over a couple of rows where he had "missed" some weeds.

I was so proud of him for not giving up! He pushed through and finished the whole backyard. He was very tired and had blisters on his hands but wants to do it again!

Spring Break!

Well my kids were so looking forward to Spring Break. We started the week off with Craig having a rare day off on Monday. The kids requested to go fishing at the lakes in our subdivision. It was a little slow going but finally the fish started biting. We were getting ready to go when all of the sudden Joel caught 2 fish right in a row. Now Christian had been very patiently waiting to catch some fish and when Joel caught those two he was like Joel I am going to beat you. Thus the competition ensued. At that time the count was Joel 2 Christian 1. Christian said the first one to 5 wins. Joel quickly caught another one and was up by 2. Then Christian started coming back and the score was Joel 4, Christian 3. Joel landed a fish and headed it toward the shore. The rule was you had to get it up on the bank. Joel lost his fish right before it hit the bank. That renewed Christian's energy but Joel quickly caught and got in 2 more fish winning the competition 5-3. Joel REALLY enjoyed beating his older brother. Caleb caught 2 fish and I caught 2. Poor Craig spent the whole time bating hooks and taking fish off that I didn't think he had a chance to catch any! (My battery in my camera died so that is why I only have the 2 pictures.)

On Tuesday I took the kids to Rowlett to see Sherri who is staying with her mom (Gran Reba) while she is recovering from pneumonia. Aunt Diane's house is fully equipped with a pool table, 2 computers a Wii and a PlayStation so they had a great time.

Wednesday they stayed around the house and played with some neighborhood kids in a field next to our house. While Joel took a huge spill on his scooter that produced a lot of skint up skin but no real blood - Thank goodness!

Thursday I decided with Christian's help I would take all 3 of them back fishing. Boy was that a nightmare! Christian hooked Caleb in the back, Joel hooked Caleb in the foot and we had one fishing pole totally DESTROYED! Needless to say I will NEVER take them back without Craig. I was the only one who caught anything and after about an hour we came home! (Needless to say I have no pictures of this adventure!)

I did our taxes this year for the first time in our 14 year marriage. Craig said if I would do them and if we got any money back I could have it. Wellll I did them, we got money back and I bought a dining room table last Saturday! The table was delivered on Wednesday and I LOVE it! Craig also got my pictures hung in the dining room as well so that once totally empty room is now FULL!

We start Baseball in full swing this week. Caleb plays in a tournament beginning on Wednesday and Joel's first ever baseball game is Saturday. Caleb's tournament is single elimination so he may only play on Wednesday or could play Wednesday - Saturday depending on their win streak. We play baseball from March 25th - June 20th! LONG SEASON. I am sure the blog will be full of pictures and updates as the season goes on.

So we started back to school this morning with a lot of complaints. Mainly from Joel who wanted to know why he couldn't be someone else and not have to go to school - we had a LONG discussion about how God made him special and had a plan for his life that only Joel can fulfill ALL before leaving for school. Of course they were in good moods when I picked them up this afternoon!

Open House

As all schools do last night was Caleb & Joel's Elementary School's Open House. Now Thursday nights we normally have baseball practice for Joel but due to the heavy rain it was canceled. So Caleb said, "Mom can we PLEEEEASE go to Open House." I was like Caleb I really, really do not want to go to open house. I had a horrible headache and the thought of fighting the traffic and all of those kids was not my idea of fun for a Thursday night PLUS I felt like I had been set free since we weren't having baseball. Caleb dropped his little head in sadness so I said okay I will take ya'll.

I am glad we went. The kids had some really cute posters and projects in their room. I LOVED this wanted poster for Joel that his teacher made. She said she just thought of each kid and things they told her and then made them. It fit him to a tea! Obviously Joel's class was focused on Texas History and all of his work had a "Texas" flair to it.

Caleb had done a slide show presentation for his Possum project. I HATED that project. I looked forever for a plastic possum to use for his diaraoma and ended up finding a rat and painting it to look like a possum. He did the power point presentation at school and did a great job. He had really cool effects on all of his typed out facts!

The kids are out on Spring Break next week and they can not wait!!

Things that start with S......

Sickness. My prayer is that this is the LAST time for a LONG time that I start a post about sickness. But Caleb finally got the flu last Sunday evening. He was out of school Monday - Wednesday and was very mad to have to go back on Thursday!! (Remember school is not his favorite past time). He had it just like everyone else - high fever, coughing and just wanting to sleep. So since all 3 boys have had it I feel like we are done with the flu!

Shelton. My great friend Tina Shelton had a birthday yesterday. Since this is the first year in a LONG time that we have been close enough to get together I just HAD to see her for her birthday. I ended up driving to Canton on Friday and we spent the day at 1st Monday. We did a lot of shopping, eating and TALKING. I just love spending time with her and we never run out of things to talk about. She is such a special friend and I thank God for her regularly! My mom jumped in and picked up the boys from school so that I didn't have to rush home. Joel ended up spending the night with them on Friday night and as he says when we go to Grammy's we get to do WHATEVER we want! Which for him means ice cream, donuts and a trip to Chuck-E-Cheese.

STARS. Randy and Sherri were already coming into town this past weekend for David's tennis tournament. Randy called a friend of his and got ALL of the family box seats at the STARS ice hockey game on Saturday. Christian was the only one who had ever been to an ice hockey game - my dad had taken him while we were in Houston - so everyone was very excited. Craig and Christian really liked the game. Caleb was really in to it at first and then was done. Joel NEVER got into it...he watched cartoons on the TV in the box pretty much the whole game. It was not my favorite sport simply because I do not understand the game, plus I did not make the connection about how cold it would be. Thankfully they had blankets that you could use in the box. We all had a great time though and really appreciated the chance to attend in such style!

We are off on another week. The first week in over a month that I have not had some one sick at home! The kids are looking forward to Spring Break coming up and the start of baseball games as well.

Sickness, Lost Tooth, & Baseball

Since I last posted we have had much more sickness occur. Ten days after Joel had strep-throat and an ear infection, Christian came down with strep throat. Then two days after that we discovered he had the flu. He ran really high fever and was just laid out for 5 days. (As the picture indicates.) I always know he is sick when he doesn't want to go to school!! We finally got him back on the mend when Caleb started coughing. I watch him like a hawk checking him every morning for fever and convinced on some days that I would probably have to go get him again from school. But he has made it - so far he hasn't caught either strep throat or the flu. Joel on the other hand started running fever again yesterday. Craig took him to the Dr. while Christian, Caleb & I went to church. He has and ear infection in the other ear..in fact it had ruptured. The curious thing is that Joel never runs fever with his ear infection and despite being on the antibiotic for 24 hours hour he is still running a fever...soooo I am thinking he probably has the flu as well. He has laid around most of the day and took a long nap this afternoon. (This is him sleeping on the stairs today). It is time like this that I want to get down about everyone being sick and then I re-focus. We have some friends of ours who has a son in ICU in Longview fighting for his life...puts everything else in focus!

On a happy note Joel lost his first tooth!! A week ago Saturday he realized it was loose. He was so funny immediately that night he went and got a sandwhich bag. We were like Joel what is up with the sandwhich bag and he said it is for when my tooth falls out tonight. He didn't understand (or probably more correct didn't WANT to understand) that it would not fall out immediately. In fact later on that night when he was supossed to be sleeping he came and said what if my tooth falls out while I am sleeping and I swallow it and die. Only Joel would have this line of thinking. To him it was such a major event even though I assured him people lost teeth everyday and I had never heard of anyone dying from it!! Of course on Sunday he HAD to let his Sunday School teacher know and couldn't wait to tell Mrs. Hodges at school on Monday. He worked and worked that tooth and lost it Wednesday at school. He came home so excited. As you may or may not know the Wilson tooth fairy is not very good at all. She probably needs to be fired as she is so forgetful. The only thing she is consistent about is forgetting and she came through again!! When he got up Thursday morning he said mom my tooth is still here - OOPS. I quickly laid some money out by his breakfast plate and told him the tooth fairy must have wanted him to keep his first tooth so she left his money at the breakfast table. He then said wellll I am going to leave it under my pillow again tonight and get more money - whose child is this??? While laughing I informed him that plan would not worked...then I made a note on my to do list to get rid of the tooth!

We have also started baseball. Can I tell you I really wasn't looking forward to it. Although baseball is my favorite sport, it sure was nice when they played flag football on the same team in the fall and only had one game a week. In baseball of course they play on 2 different teams - which means 2 different practices and at least 2 different games each week. Joel is practicing twice a week while Caleb practices on Saturday so we don't have any conflicts - which is WONDERFUL! They practice a really long time before the start games and then there games are FOREVER! I am lucky that Christian is satisfied with not playing sports right now because I don't think I could do 3!!!

Craig is so far had plenty of work. He has been approached several times about coming on staff at the hospital he mostly works but he has turned them down. As long as he can work agency making his own schedule and getting more money per hour he is going to do that. I am continuing to love my Bible Study Fellowship class I am taking on Wednesday mornings. Plus this past week I was asked to help with our church's upcoming Women's Bible Study where I will have a chance to lead one night. In addition I will be going back to Lakewood to speak at the Women's Meeting there in April. I am VERY excited about both opportunities!!!