2 Weeks Down - 9 more to Go!!!

I am of course referring to the fact that school has been out for 2 weeks and 9 more until school starts again!! The first week Caleb spent with Memaw & Papaw (Randy & Sherri). I can't tell you the difference there is when just one of them is gone! The noise level is drastically less and there is so much less fighting! I think this is one of the only times that Caleb has gone somewhere by his self and he had a BLAST. It was he and his cousin Connor and they ruled the roost for that week. One of the highlights of the week was Caleb catching 19 (yes 19) fish at Randy & Sherri's house. He was so excited to have caught more fish then anyone else in our family! Bless his heart he cried when I picked him up! He said he was going to miss Memaw and Papaw and that it had been so nice not having his brothers annoy him!! Joel & Christian enjoyed being the only 2 home. Joel made a double play last week at his baseball game. He caught a fly ball playing 2nd base and then ran off and touched first base!! He was EXTREMELY excited. (Of course he thinks he can coach the team his self so this reinforced to him that he is awesome!)

This past week was the first week with all 3 home! Monday was AWFUL. They all three fought and fought! I was at my wits end thinking how could it get any worse and then it did! I don't know what was wrong with Joel but he broke my lamp in the living room and then decided to play dodge ball in the media room and broke a window in there. By the time Craig got home I was ready to sale all 3 of them on Craig's list. Thankfully Craig had a little more grace with them then I did. Luckily we have double pane windows and he didn't break both panes so there isn't any heat or bugs coming in. That was such a blessing since they had to order the glass and it won't be fixed until tomorrow.

Tuesday afternoon I was getting ready for Caleb's last baseball game when Craig came downstairs with Joel and said he has fever. He had 101.6 and said his throat was hurting. He had just had strep throat 12 days before and had finished his antibotic on Sunday. I took him back to the Dr. and sure enough he still had strep throat. Craig took Caleb to his game and I got Joel's antibotic. (It explained a little bit why he was so bad the day before, usually when he is so mean it is because he is sick.) Caleb's team lost their last game but he had a good game! I think he is very glad baseball is over and he now says he doesn't want to play again!

On Wednesday Christian started band camp. He LOVES band and this is a camp that is put on by his band directors. They meet once a week for 2 hours, learning new songs, and trying different things that they can't do during the school year.

On Friday we kept a friend of mine's little boy named Micah. Micah is a year and half and he is so sweet. The boys (especially Joel) love him and love to play with him. I am going to start keeping him two days a week for July, August, & September and they are very excited. He truly is one of the most laid back little boys I have ever been around. We took him to the pool (we spend about 4 days out of the week at the pool) along with 2 other families and had a great time!

Saturday was Joel's last baseball game. He played catcher the first inning and while he didn't get any outs he really looked CUTE in his gear. For the 2nd inning he played second base and got two of the three outs for that inning. He came into the dugout and hollered at Craig and said dad I got the first out and the third out. (Again did I mention how much he loves baseball!). Whenever he gets an out he pumps his fist up and high fives the coach (and sometimes the other teams coach if they are near). He definently wants to play baseball again in the fall! I LOVE baseball but I am glad the season is over for now. It is simply to HOT!

I love my kids and they say the funniest things. Like Joel recently said - "I didn't know I had to brush my teeth since it was summer vacation and I didn't realize we still went to church during summer vacation." (I guess since this is the first time he has been out of school he thinks everything stops for summer vacation.) He was repeating his Bible story to me about Abraham having to move his whole family in obedience to God. So I asked him Joel where did Abraham move to and he said "God told Abraham to move from Texas to Oklahoma." Today I asked Caleb about his lesson at church and he said we learned about John the Baptism man!! They are so funny!!

Craig found out Friday afternoon that they settled the lawsuit against the hospital he worked for in Houston so he does not have to go and testify this week. He was VERY, VERY relieved and glad. I was glad for him as well because I know how much he wasn't looking forward to it but I was a little disappointed because I was going to go with him and I was looking forward to getting away without the kids and staying in a free hotel room - ha. ha!!

So I now think we are all caught up!

Last Day of School - Great is thy Faithfulness!

I just had to blog today -the last day of school! This school year was anticipated with much anxiety, prayers and yes even some tears and the fact that today is the last day is so significant to me! As all of you know one of the hardest issue with our moving was the fact that Christian would have to change schools as he was going into sixth grade. One of Craig and I's main prayer requests during this transition was that Christian would go to school with the same kids that he goes to church with and that the transition to middle school would be easy. God quickly and completely answered that prayer. The first Sunday that we were all in church Tracy Hook introduced herself and her family to us. Tracy & Jeff have a sixth grade boy named Hayden who was going to the same middle school as Christian. Hayden & Christian are the best of friends and that connection is one of the many reasons his sixth grade year has gone so smoothly. Hayden and Christian attend the weekly Jr. High youth meeting at church, play in the band at school and are families are close friends. I thank God for his faithfulness to send us the Hook's as friends!

Although Caleb has had a rough year (does anyone remember the great spelling meltdown ) - he finished very strong. He was awarded the Science award for his class and finished reading on grade level!! He is very much looking forward to the summer and a little bit looking forward to being a 3rd grader!

The last huge transition was sending Joel to kindergarten. I was so sad and yet so excited to see him start school. It has been VERY NICE not having any children at home during the day but it was VERY SAD as well that he was growing older. He (like Christian) loves school and has enjoyed kindergarten. He is very attached to his teacher Mrs. Hodges and he doesn't understand that she will not be his teacher next year. He however declared this morning that he was no longer a baby since he is going to be a first grader tomorrow!!

I have always known that God is faithful. But I think most of you would agree that when it comes to your children seeing God's faithfulness to them means so much more. So, if you are struggling with something in your life and your wondering will God come through - GOD IS ALWAYS FAITHFUL! Lamentations 3:22-24 "The faithful love of the Lord never ends, his mercies never ceases, GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS, his mercies begin a fresh every morning, I will say to myself the Lord is my inheritance therefore I WILL HOPE IN HIM. The Lord is close to those who depend on him and to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord." God is sovereign and he is truly working all things together for your good!

*The first picture is the picture I took on the first day of school this year. The next two are from this morning. The third picture is of Joel with his teacher Mrs. Hodges and the final 3 are of Caleb and his friends at his end of the school party and doing the limbo!

A Big Week for Caleb

Before I share all of Caleb's news, just wanted to share some of the week's happenings. We went to Randy & Sherri's over Memorial Day Weekend. It was the first weekend in a while that Craig was off and we had NO baseball games. It is SOOOO nice to only drive 2 1/2 hours rather than 4 to see family! We started out with lunch with the Shelton's at our very favorite Mexican food place of all time - Papacitas! Really it is my all time favorite place but I have brainwashed the kids into thinking it is there's as well. We then spent the rest of the afternoon with them! Can't wait for vacation!! Then it was off to Memaw & Papaw's. The kids had a great time fishing on Sunday. Our hooks were to big for the massive size of the fish (just kidding if you notice Craig & Christian's large catch!) so catching those little perch was HARD. But the kids had a great time. We enjoyed wonderful steaks and baked potatoes and just had a great time.

Then on Tuesday Joel talked Craig into shaving his hair. Joel HATES to have to fix his hair every morning so Craig told him this was the only way to change that. I was a little nervous but Craig did a great job. I don't know if you can really tell by the pictures just how short it is but it is VERY SHORT. Joel however LOVES IT!!

Now on to Caleb. Caleb is playing his 4th season of baseball. This year has really been hard for him. He is now in kid pitch and it isn't an easy transition to make. He has spent most of the season in left field and seen very little action. (Which if you know Caleb at all he NEEDS action!). Anyway on Tuesday at practice his coach asked him if he would like to pitch and Caleb said yes. The coach worked with him on Tuesday and encouraged us to work with Caleb at home. Christian practiced with him a little big on Wednesday before his game. The whole way to the game Caleb kept saying, "I really, really hope I get to pitch tonight." I was thinking I don't think there is anyway you will get to pitch with only one practice and I hope not because your dad is working. Sure enough bottom of the first and out to the mound he goes. He was SO excited at first. He did really well for the first 3 batters. They all got hits and he threw strikes to each batter. The bad thing was the defense behind him was sleeping so the bases were loaded with no outs. He then started to struggle - really struggle. The more he struggled the more upset and frustrated he became with his self which means the more bad pitches he made. The coach left him in and he pitched the entire first inning. Caleb was distraught by the time he got to the dugout. He kept saying he had been a horrible pitcher (his words not mine)! I really encouraged him that he had done a great job with only 1 practice under his belt. By the end of the game he seemed better and I think was proud of his self. I was certainly proud of him and the job he did pitching for the first time.

Earlier this week I got a call from his 2nd grade teacher informing me that Caleb was going to receive the Science award for his class. I was so excited on Thursday for me and Craig along with my parents to get to see him receive the award. He had no idea and I think was surprised. He stood up and got his award and sat down so fast I couldn't even get a picture until afterwards. I have shared many times how much Caleb does not like school and can struggle in specific areas so we were so proud of him to receive the award.

This is our last week of school - YEAH!! I think we are all ready for a break (and I an sure about week 2 I will be ready for them to go back - LOL)! They have big plans for the summer: 1) to spend a week with each of the grandparents (Billy & Jo and Mom & Dad I am sure you haven't heard of this plan since it was just discussed in the car today on the way home from the pool because they already are going to Randy & Sherri's so they think they should go to everybody's), 2) Caleb & Joel have free tickets to Six Flags so that is in the plans and 3) our vacation to Florida!

Week in the life of the Wilson's

As school is "winding" down it seems that our activity level is "speeding" up. This week was no exception. I am teaching/hosting a Bible Study every Monday night here at the house. I am really enjoying it but it does mean we have to get "creative" with what we do with the boys especially if Craig is working. This past Monday he was off so they left - which was great!! Then early around 3 am Tuesday morning Joel got up with a stomach bug. So far (thank you Lord) he is the only one who has had it.

Wednesday night was Christian's Spring Band Concert. He was very excited and participated in 4 of the songs. He played 2 songs with the jazz band and 2 songs with the beginner band. He was recognized for receiving a "1-Superior" at the Solo & Ensemble Competition. He also received a special recognition because he received a Judges Award. Out of 86 soloists only 6 received a Judges Award and he was one of them. He really loves playing and is very good at it (I guess he gets that from his Uncle Kyle). He is going to continue to play next year! (Sorry the pictures aren't very good - the lighting was really bad in the auditorium).

Friday was field day for both Caleb & Joel. They were both participating at the same time so I spent a lot of time running back and forth around the entire school. Unlike when I was young and did field day there day is a little different. They don't compete against other classes just against their own class and they do not receive ribbons or anything. The kids have a great time but I kind of miss the sack races, relay races, and a tug of war amongst classes. Anyway, they did have a tug of war between 2 classes and that was the kids FAVORITE event. In a close 2nd was something called "Jump the River" where they had to jump over 2 jump ropes laying in the grass. If they miss and land in between the ropes it is called the river. They also had several games of trying to "put" the golf ball into a hole, throwing noodles a certain distance, racing on scooters and carrying pingpong balls on a paddle. Luckily the weather was perfect- overcast and windy (the afternoon classes weren't so lucky!). (Pics of are both Joel's class and Caleb's class doing the tug-of-war)

Speaking of Friday afternoon we had received word that the pool in our subdivision that is closeset to our house would open on Friday. My kids are pool addicts. With 3 kids we spend A LOT of time at our pools within our subdivision because they are free and convenient. Believe me when we decided to build in our subdivision here in Dallas high on our list was how many pools do they have! Our subdivision has a total of 4 pools and the largest is the nearest to us! I decided yesterday to take the kids after school. I know that we had a chance of rain in the forecast for today (Saturday) and wanted to make sure they got to swim this weekend. The water of course was FREEZING but they didn't seem to mind and all 3 of them swam for two hours before we left. They had a great time and I enjoyed getting some sun and reading (it is so nice now that all 3 can swim and I don't have to worry so much about them)!

So today (Saturday) Joel was scheduled to play baseball. But the forecast was right and so far it has rained since about 4:00 am. Therefore baseball has been canceled and I am home with 3 boys who can't go outside and a husband who is sleeping from working 12 hours last night. So we have so far made 2 trips to Game Stop! They "pooled" their money and bought a used game - which of course didn't work -thus the 2nd trip back to Game Stop! My hope is that they will quietly play this game the rest of the afternoon - I don't really believe that will happen but I can hope anyway - right!! My plans are to continue reading the book I started yesterday, listen to the rain, drink some Diet Dr. Pepper and watch the Astros (who are playing the Cubs which is never a good ending for the Astros but again - I can hope!)!! (Pics - Caleb: jumping the river; Joel: jumping the river; Joel putting; Caleb putting & making a whole in one; more swimming).

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!