Glen Rose / Spring Roadcation : ) Day 3

My girlfriend, Angie, and I had the brilliant idea to take this years spring break on the road. So - we did just that. We packed up our combined 5 boys and set out for Glen Rose to visit Dinosaur World and Fossil Rim Animal Park.

We started our trip by meeting at the Science Place on Wedneday. Which was a lot of fun. They all  had a great time. David and I have a membership and haven't really been since we got it. I had forgotten how awesome the Science Place is for little kids. We will definitely be going back more often.

Some photos from our day.....

Andy testing out gravity; Ben and Andy playing with huge bubble makers;

our 5 boys (Ben, Jared, Ben, Brayden, and Andy)

A kalidescope that you get in - it's 5 of Will : ); Andy in his fireman outfit. Will and Andy's favorite part was the dress-up area. It was so cute. They had a 'mock firestation' and they LOVED it.

Andy; Will; Will & Andy in the firetruck going to put out a fire : )

Will has said pretty early on that he wants to be an astronaut. He was pretty pleased to find a costume he could try on; Will climbing up the rock wall .... another one of his favorite things to do - CLIMB.

In the car - headed to Glen Rose ... well Cleburne actually - to our hotel.

Ben, Jared and Will sat in the back; and Andy and Brayden in the middle seats. Andy was pretty worn out from the science place so he took alittle nap; we stopped at Whataburger for lunch/dinner (Andy, Ben, Jared, Brayden and Will).

Ben and Jared; Brayden and Will; and Andy

After eating we found a cool park near-by and decided to take the boys there to exert some energy.

Is that possible with 5 boys?

Will found a tree to climb on - he loved it - as he loves, LOVES to climb;  Will at top of tree (in red); Ben climbing up (in green) and Jared (blue stripes) and Brayden (red stripes) at the bottom.

The tree was a big hit; Andy found this wavy slide and that was his favorite.

He kept going up and down, up and down .... so fun!

The next discovery for Will was this HUGE rock. He loved it and pretty much planted himself on it; Jared and Ben on the tree

Will and Andy on the rock; Will laying on top of the rock; and laying across both rocks

I didn't take my big camera - was afraid of handling it w/the 5 boys. And my Canon G9 got broken when my husband dropped it - so I had to go back to my Sony. And for some reason the flash kept going off, the camera kept switching to manual.  Didn't notice till afterward - but that's why these pictures are a bit blown out.

Will, Brayden, Jared, Ben and Andy; and my 3 handsome boys (Will, Ben, and Andy)

After the park, we went back to the hotel and got the boys ready for bed. Once they all finally fell asleep - Angie and I were able to relax and enjoy a few drinks to un-wind from our fun - but busy day!

What's on tap for tomorrow: Fossil Rim Animal Park and Dinosaur World here we come .....

Spring Staycation - DAY 2

Well .... today wasn't quite as exciting as yesterday. We had plans with my girlfriend, Angie, and her kids for today - but things didn't work out. So .... we hung around at home and tried keeping ourselves busy (it was pretty difficult).

I went to the doctor this morning because my throat and ears have been bothering me for about 3 weeks and I wanted to get them checked to make sure it wasn't something I needed medicine for. It was ok - nothing, I guess just drainage. However - my blood pressure was slightly low .... no big deal, but just not normal for me. So we decided to do bloodwork. I wanted to know my vitamin D levels as well as other levels just to make sure I'm healthy! You never know : )

I brought McDonald's home for the boys (and David) - which they were all waiting for. Our cook is on spring break too. Ha! We ate lunch and then tried to entertain ourselves the rest of the afternoon / evening.

I .... filled out my Census form! Very exciting and fun! Interesting to know I could have had 12 people living in my home according to the Census. No, thank you ... but nice to know there's the option!

Snapped a photo of my handsome husband while he was slaving away working .... Isn't he cute? I love him!

(I should of photoshopped that mess behind him or cleaned it up. But that would definitely break the no cleaning or cooking on spring staycation rule I made up. Ha!)

Boys (this is Ben) played on the computer;

Andy watched a little TV in his room with his stylish glove and hat on.

Not sure what this outfit was for - he put it on himself ....  : )

I did a little cleaning.... very little! Ben and Andy even helped. I got pretty bored of that fast. Afterall, I'm on spring staycation right? No cleaning or cooking on spring staycation : )

And thankfully today we got "Princess and the Frog" from Netflix so the boys watched that. If you are wondering why they aren't watching it on the big flat screen tv in front of them. Well .... the DVR is broken - so they get to watch it on my laptop. It's just as good, isn't it?

Overall it was a good day! A little of everything to bring our 2nd day of spring staycation to a close! Hopefully .... hopefully - tomorrow will be a bit more exciting and include more adult beverages. Afterall - it's spring staycation for mommies too : )

Stay tuned .....

Spring Staycation - Day 1

My girlfriend, Angie, and I typically spend Spring Break together. Our 2 oldest sons are BFF's - so we try and get them together during spring break, since the school year is so busy. Not to mention - it's a bonus for us because we enjoy each other's company as well.

We had planned to go to the Zoo today, but decided against it since all the area schools are on spring break the same week and we were afraid the zoo would be packed and crazy crowded.

So today - DAY 1 - of our Spring Staycation we went to Joe's Crab Shack. They have an outdoor playground surrounded by a huge sand box. The kids LOVE it! They loved it so much that we spent 5 hours there. We couldn't believe it. We're fortunate our kids get along really well and enjoy each other as much as we do : ) The kids played, we ate lunch, the kids played, we ate some more. When it was time to go - they didn't want to leave. They had a great time.

Will, Ben and Andy

Will throwing sand up the slide; Jared, Ben and Will sliding down the slide;

Brayden, Ben and Jared playing in the sand

Will, Ben and Andy playing in the sand; Andy playing in the sand; and in the slide.

Andy had such a great time. He was in his own world. Playing, pretending, digging -

it was fun to watch him!

Friends: Brayden, Jared, Ben and Will

(where's Andy?)

and .....

Andy on his 2nd bowl ... or 3rd (he ate Will's) of mac n' cheese. The food was pretty yummy!

Awh - my BFF, Angie, and her 2 boys, Jared and Brayden....

I should of gotten a photo of me and my boys .... tomorrow for sure! : )

A huge added bonus for two mom's of 5 boys under the age of 7 is happy hour which means that my BFF and I get to celebrate Spring Break too : ) Here's to a Fun, enjoyable week!

What's the plan for tomorrow?? Possibility of rain tomorrow - so maybe someplace indoors or maybe back to Joe's for more drinks .... I mean FUN!

It's a good day!

At last, at last - Andy is potty-trained. We've been waiting hoping for this for awhile. I really do think he was ready weeks, maybe months before this - but someone (not naming any names - ME!) might of been a little lazy.

On Monday & Wednesday - I sent him to school in underwear! He did fantastic! Yea Andy! And then on Tuesday, Will, Andy and I went to the zoo with my girlfriend, Angie, and her son. And I took Andy in underwear - didn't even give it a second thought. He was ready ..... he's been ready and he's doing fantastic!

I am so proud of him! He's out of his crib, out of his diapers ..... now - just have to get his pacifier away from him. My plan is to only allow him to have it in his bed. I think it's going to be harder to get away from him than the diapers. He has the pacifier and his blanket (my girlfriend, Miesa, gave him the blanket when he was born and he has carried it everywhere for almost 3 years) that he LOVES! So .... we'll let him hang onto the blanket whenever he wants - but try and wean him off the pacifier.

There's a couple reasons for weaning him off the pacifier. (1) He's almost 3 and I think he's too old; and (2) it's affecting his teeth already. My dentist told me to take it away yesterday.

Next week is spring break - so my intention is to take it away before he goes back to preschool on Monday, the 22nd. Wish me luck!

Fancy Day

Ben's class read Fancy Pants last week - so today was "Fancy Day" at school. They had a field trip at school as well and went to Furrs Cafeteria for lunch. They learned how to be Fancy and how to set the table (yea me!)

Ben's idea of fancy is eleastic sweats without holes in the knees. In the past year he has declared that he does not like pants with buttons or zippers only elastic.

I wasn't sure what he would wear - he has nothing, and I mean NOTHING, fancy. I posted something on facebook about needing a suit in his size. Luckily, my girlfriend (thank you Star!), has a son, Eric, alittle older than Ben and was able to loan me one of his suits. Ben loved it! However, the pants were alittle too tight. So - he wore the jacket and shirt. I bought him some jeans (that are obviously too big), and a little tie.

And here's my almost 8 year old boy! Isn't he handsome?

Please excuse the unfolded blankets in the basket next to him : )

A Sunday morning ...

It seems there's never a time when I can lay on the couch (alone) and rest if the boys are home and awake. If I lay down they all want to be laying with me. I have to admit, I do love it - except for the fact that Ben weighs 72 pounds, Will weighs 65 pounds, and Andy weighs 32 pounds and at times they crush me : ). It's a lot of weight on me, but I do try and stand it as long as I can.

I know these moments are fleeting and I want to savor them and enjoy them for as long as I can.

Living in their home!

On days when it's raining or snowing and the kids can't go outside - they play indoors. They ride their bikes, their scooters and whatever else they can ride. It sometimes can be trying - but I wouldn't have it any other way.

I want them to live in their home. I don't want it to be a place they avoid because everything has to be perfect. I want them to enjoy being home and feel comfortable being themselves in their home.

On this day in particular - it was raining pretty hard out and Andy wanted to ride the scooter. He taught himself to ride his brothers 2-wheel scooter in the house. He was having such a good time and was so very proud of himself (and so am I!).

Snow Day in Texas

Lots of snow... Basically all day and still going into the evening... So what is the forecast for tomorrow?

More Snow!


...funny thing about new Texans - they really don't like so much snow... Poor little guy was having lots of fun at first - but we're just not well prepared for this stuff...



david

Sometimes I have an "AH-HA" moment

Today all 3 boys were out of school for MLK Day as was David from work. David went golfing and would be gone for the biggest part of the day - so I had to find a way to entertain the boys.

My plan was to clean - ALL DAY! I know, doesn't sound like a lot of fun for me or the boys, does it? But it was the plan. I finally got David out of the house (something that rarely happens since he works from home) and I could clean and recruit the boys to help me - well at least Ben.

By noon, the boys were bored. Luckily - my girlfriend (Angie) called and she needed to regain some of her sanity as well : ) So we decided to meet at McDonalds. She has 2 boys. One that is Ben's age and the 2nd that is in between Will and Andy. So it works out well when we get together.

We arrived at McDonald's and I got the boys Happy Meals, but they weren't too interested in eating. They ran around and played. Andy and Will came back to the table to grab a few bites every once in awhile. But I didn't see Ben for awhile. Finally, he came back to the table. He was sitting over his food and I asked "why aren't you eating?" He said "because my hands are dirty." I sat there for a minute, staring at him - wondering who this kid was. Could it be true? Was this my oldest boy who I had to fight and aruge with to get him to wash his hands on a regular basis? The one who typically has no problem eating after doing anything that involves dirt or germy substances? Yes, this was my boy. He had been listening to me - paying attention everytime I told him he would get deathly ill if he didn't immediately wash his hands everytime i told him. Well maybe not deathly ill - but it was believable to him.

After this moment - I was feeling pretty happy, feeling like my job as a parent had finally paid off. When suddenly I hear Andy crying. I motion to Ben to go up and get him out of the tunnel. And then I look up and see Will carrying Andy down the tunnel through the crowd of kids. I stand aside and wait for Will to bring Andy down so I can hug and cuddle him and make whatever happened ok. Then I hear Will talking to another boy that's coming down behind Will and Andy. The boy must of been about 10 years old (Will is 5). I couldn't really make out everything Will is saying - but it appears that he's really giving this kid a lashing. Ben is standing by, Will's hanging tightly onto Andy and he's talking pretty 'grown-up' (it appears) to this boy. So once they all finally make it down, I cuddle Andy and I ask Will "what happened up there?" He said "Oh - nothing, I just told that boy that I wasn't going to let him treat my brother that way and that I was going to tell his mom what he did and that he wasn't nice to my baby brother." Again I'm standing there staring - pretty shocked at this point. Thinking aliens have taken over my boys bodies. Twice in one day?? .... oh my goodness - I am feeling like a pretty awesome parent at this point. My boys are finally listening to me as I repeatedly say "treat others as you wish to be treated," "stand up and protect your brother." I couldn't belive this! I immediately praised Will for protecting Andy and told him how happy and proud I was that he stood up for Andy.

Ok - so the kids are playing .... and very well, I might add. Angie and I keep looking at each other thinking that any minute they'll want to go home. She keeps asking her boys if they are ready and everytime they say no. So - after 3 1/2 hours - we decided it was time to go. We gathered the boys and headed out to our cars. Together we have 5 boys. Jared and Ben walk out together; Will and Brayden walk out together; and then Angie; Andy and I follow behind. Will and Brayden are in the lead - Brayden runs across the street to the car (which he NEVER does - normally it's Will); and Will stops at the curb and waits for me. YES WILL! I know, right! WILL - my Will! He actually stopped before crossing. I can't tell you how happy and proud I was at that moment and thought "Ah-Ha" ...... I have done it!

I was so proud of my boys! Normally my boys are the craziest of the bunch. And today - they were like different kids. It was a breath of fresh air! I don't know if it was my awesome parenting (which I would love to believe) or the fact that Ben was with his BFF and Will & Andy were with friends playing - which they love to do.

It was a great day! David got to enjoy a full day of golf with his friends and the boys got to have lots of fun with their friends and I got to gloat in my own glory! "Ah-Ha" at last ..... I have arrived as a parent!

Happy 7 Year Anniversary David!

David,

I typically make you a handmade card on our Anniversary - but this year I thought I might do something different. What better way to tell you how I truly feel on our Anniversary then on our family blog - so one day our 3 sons can see how much their Mother adores their Father.

David, I have loved you since I was 20 years old. The first time my eyes caught yours at Gloria's Restaurant 15 years ago (January 9, 1995) - I knew you were the one who would steal my heart. I am so thankful that you accepted my phone number and called me. I was on cloud 9 to be with you! I felt like the luckiest woman in the world that you chose me.

That one phone call led to 15 years of wonderful memories. We have shared great memories, not so great memories, and sad memories. But through it all - you have remained my Prince Charming!

Thank you for loving me - unconditionally with your whole heart; for giving me three handsome boys that I pray someday turn into the gentlemen that I am so proud to call my husband; for working hard for your family; for sacrificing and compromising when you may or may not want to because you know it will please me and your sons; for being strong and patient when I am not; for believing in me and making my dreams come true whenever possible; for looking at me the way you do that just melts my heart; for making the worries of the day go by just by holding me.

You are an incredible man! A Gentlemen - in every sense of the word! You are my dream come true! I am truly thankful for every day that I get to spend as your wife and the mother of your children.

Happy Anniversary! I love you with ALL that I am!
Kate

What a great, great joy!

What a great night! I had an opportunity to have dinner with one of my greatest friends, Stephanie. I have been so excited for the past 2 days, waiting for tonight. What a great, great joy! Stephanie looked amazing - the same as she did 12 years ago when I met her!

She hired me to work for her at Dallas CASA .... I think 12 years ago. I don't remember the exact year - my memory is terrible! She and I had more than boss/staff relationship. She was my dear friend, and still very much is! I loved LOVED working at CASA. But mostly, I loved working with Stephanie. We had a great working relationship as well as friendship and really worked well together.

Tonight, as I was sitting across the table from her - reminiscing about the last 7 years we've been out of touch, I realized how important this friendship is to me. I have missed her so much! I have missed this friendship! Alot of my characteristics resemble hers. I almost feel like she raised me through my 20's. Giving me advice and helping me along when I needed it. I have so many incredible memories with her. I didn't realize until now, how essential that advice was. As a girl in my early 20's - I really looked up to her and admired her so much. She gave me opportunities and chances that have helped me along the way, and for that, I am grateful.

The last time I saw her was on my wedding day when she did a reading in my wedding. Monday is my 7 year anniversary and I can't believe it's been 7 years since I have seen her. It wasn't purposeful - just life! We have communicated throughout the years .... but not nearly enough. I definitely vow to change that!

I am excited for the possiblity of an opportunity to work with Stephanie again. It would be the perfect job for me - and truly a dream come true. The sky will be the limit and I will be able to do what I love. Plus working with Stephanie is a BONUS! I am praying that it works out and that I'm able to pursue this if presented to me.

Out with the BABY bed in with the BIG BOY bed.

Andy is officially out of his crib! I took it down on January 8. He absolutely hated it and wanted nothing to do with it. So I did what any mother would do - moved him to another room and totally messed up his sleeping schedule. Ha!

Will and Ben were sharing a room and Andy had his own room. Both Andy and Will don't like sleeping alone and Ben really needs restful sleep since school is very taxing on him. I decided to give Andy's room to Ben and let Andy and Will share a room.

It's been great for Ben. He loves having his own room. It's not been so great for Will. While Will and Ben shared a room - Will pestered the crap out of Ben. He would not let him go to sleep for anything. Well - guess what? It has come full circle, because Andy is doing to Will what Will did to Ben. And although it's a little payback for Will for making Ben miss out on all his precious sleep (yeah, right : ) - it's not been real pleasant for David and I. Will and Andy are our two wildest and they absolutely don't want to go to bed before 10pm. So everynight is a constant battle with them! And funny enough, wouldn't you guess ....  Will wants Ben back in his room with him because Andy bothers him too much! You gotta love it!

So - for now, this is what we'll do. Soon we'll have an extra room (when we build David's office in the garage) - but I don't think we'll separate Will and Andy. They both like having the company. I just hope that soon - they decide to Sleep and Sleep Soundly .......

Update from Funny Boy Post...

http://wilke-family.blogspot.com/2010/01/funny-boy.html

Andy woke up a few times during the night. Sat up - saw he was in our room and went back to bed. He slept till 5:15 am. Yes - 5:15 am it was very early! But he did go to bed at 6:45 pm. He didn't have a nap and fell asleep early. So if he had gone to bed at normal time .... my hope would be that he would have slept till 8:00 (if I'm lucky).

Now we'll try and move the baby bassinet into his bedroom.... i hope - oh how i hope ... he'll still sleep in it. I just want him to sleep.

Funny boy...

Andy has been really tough at bedtime for the past few weeks. He doesn't want to sleep in his bed, he's too loud to sleep with Ben and Will. Not to mention, Will has bedtime issues too. David and I have been really frustrated at bedtime - trying to figure out a way to get these boys to go to sleep without a fight. Trying to figure out different room configurations for them. Right now Ben and Will are together and Andy has his own room. I thought about giving Ben Andy's room and putting Andy and Will together. But do I really want to put the two loudest, non-sleepers together?? Probably not!

So today David and I are cleaning out the attic and we pull down Andy's bassinet from when he was a baby. Andy immediately started getting excited by it and calling it his baby bed.

We are doing dinner, David's playing games with Ben and Will and we look over and Andy's asleep in the baby bed. So I moved the baby bed into my room next to my bed and I'm hoping (crossing my fingers and toes) that he stays asleep. I don't really care where he sleeps (preferably not in my bed) - I just want him to sleep. If this works for him ... it works for me : )

More updates tomorrow.....

A special time for a special friend....

My great friend, Grace, has met, fallen in love with and is now engaged to the man of her dreams and I couldn't be happier for her! I can't think of anyone who is more deserving than she is. She has had alot of hard times, loss as well as triumphs in her life .... and he is the greatest blessing for her. She is overjoyed and I am there with her!

The wedding date is set for July 10, 2010. And I, with all honor, will stand up for my great friend on the biggest day of her life and support her as a bridal attendant. I am so honored that she wants me to be a part of her special day. I, along with Cyndi and Rhonda, two more of her childhood friends will be there through all that planning this amazing day entails.

My biggest responsibility starts even before the big day (and has already started) - and that is as her wedding planner. Yes - wedding planner! A big job - but I am excited to be able to help her with every detail of her special day!

My third responsibility in her wedding is photographer. I obviously can't shoot all of her wedding (since I am in it), but I will shoot as much as possible and we will seek other ideas for coverage during the ceremony.

I am overjoyed and so excited for Grace and Doug! I can't wait for this day!

Congrats to my dear friend, Grace, and the man who gives her the glowing smile .. Doug!