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!

Remembering 2009!

This year has kept us safe and healthy, brought us joy
and happiness with some sadness.

In January - David and i celebrated 6 years of marriage and

our anniversary of the date we met 15 years ago;

In April - I got braces; David and i finally got a night away (thank you to
our neighbors-the Guidry's); Andy turned 2

In May - we lost our sweet dog, Muffy;

In June - we had a visit from David's mom, our Ben turned 7;

In July - Will turned 5;

In August - David had his annual golf trip, but not to Myrlte - they went somewhere different for the first time ....Alabama; Will started kindergarten; I turned ... do i dare say it - 35!; Ben started 2nd grade; Andy started preschool (thank you Oma!); and my wonderful parents celebrated 50 years of marriage;

In October - boys got and recovered from swine flu;

In November - took Will out of Kindergarten; I had a trip to Florida and then to New York over Thanksgiving; I lost my sweet cat, Fluffy, after 20 years;

In December - David turned 45; we had a lot of fun with Family & Friends

sharing the Christmas Season

The boys were sick quite a bit during the year and actually so was David.
but overall it was a great year!
We are thankful for great family memories, our health and safety, great friends and

In 2010 we are hoping for a healthier year for our family and David's job
to continue at the bank.

Granny turns 69!

For our 2nd year in a row we went to Chuck e' Cheese for my mom's birthday. She loves playing ski ball. We couldn't go on her actual birthday (the 29th) because it was snowing and freezing outside - so we went the next day.

The party included; mom, me, Andy, Will, Aunt Charley (which there are no pictures of because she kept ducking out of the way), Cheryl and Taylor.

the birthday girl: my mommy

Will, Mom, Cheryl, Taylor, and that's Aunt Charley's white shirt.... she kept ducking my photos.

Will enjoying pizza and cupcakes while watching out of one eye for Chuckie - so he could run away : ).

The moment I discovered Andy loved black olives....

It was a fun time! I brought my mom a cheesecake (which she loves), Will sang his Granny the Happy Birthday song and Andy gave her a little song too.

Happy Birthday Mom - We love you!

A little bit of Andy...

I have taken several photos of Andy this month. It seems he's always the one around and smiling for me. These photos were all taken at different times, but definitely wanted to record them.

12/9/09: Andy was laying on the couch next to me - minding his own business. And my dog, Kuma, decided she wanted to lay on the couch too (which she always does). So she jumps up between us ... I'm thinking to lay down next to me. But then goes behind Andy and lays down - which in-turn, knocks him off the couch. When Kuma jumped up on the couch and moved toward him - I grabbed my camera because I couldn't believe she did that. But by the time I came back, Andy was falling off. He was laughing - he thought it was funny and wanted to do it again.

12/21/09: He got a haircut - which he badly needed. His hair was so long that it was over his eyes. I had to take him to the doctor, and the haircut place was on the way home. I wanted something to do with him - so I decided a haircut was the perfect outing. He loves LOVES getting his haircut.

I couldn't get him to look at me and smile. That would of been way to easy : )

So then he started blowing bubbles at me... nice, huh?

Yes, and so cute!

12/29/09: Will and I were out having mommy/Will time and I found these pj's for Andy. I had already bought him one pair of footed pj's that he absolutely loved. In fact, he loved them so much - he wouldn't part with them long enough for me to wash them. I found these and buzz lightyear on sale. I couldn't believe how cheap and oh - so cute!

Isn't he cute? Adorable! I am not sure what super-hero this is. Sorta looks like 'the Incredibles.' But definitely too cute to pass up. He still sucks a pacifier (unfortunately) - we are working on getting that away. And he still carries this blue blanket that my girlfriend, Miesa, gave him when he was born. Yep - 2 1/2 years and has carried it EVERYWHERE! The combination of the blanket, pacifier,

and this pillow (from Ikea) .... make up his "baby".

12/30/09: Andy takes about 5 baths a day - literally. I think he has excema or dry skin. But he gets 'itchy' and starts saying 'I'm itchy, I'm itchy - I need baths' and off he goes. So here's one of the many....

Him posing for me : )

and again..... my sweet boy  : )

We are also working on potty-training. Which I will spare you of and not show pictures : ). He's doing really well. He does #1 on potty and goes by himself when he needs, but still needs diapers for #2. Very normal boy behavior! I'm excited for him and he's excited for himself! He wears underwear during the day and diapers at night, and the occasional pull-up just to do his business : )

Christmas Boys!

The boys were playing around in their new pajama's and I had to snap a photo. Time goes by so quickly - I hope I never forget these simple moments at home as a family!

William (w/Alvin - he LOVES Alvin and the Chipmunks); Andy and Ben (notice Ben's red lips. They have been chapped for so long and they won't heal b/c he won't quit licking : (

William, Andy and Ben

My perfect, sweet boys!



A Reunion of Great Friends...

Facebook has really been alot of fun. It has helped me re-connect with friends that I have known for almost 30 years as well as friends from all walks of my life.

There's one group in particular that I was able to re-connect with that I have known since I was 7 years old. Suzette, Kerry, Misty, and Brad. We grew up living in the same park.

Here's a photo of -some of us- from our childhood. I don't remember how old we were here - and I think this was Christopher's birthday party. In this photo is my dad, Christopher, me, Misty, Suzette and Ceresa (sadly, she passed away this year).

We had a get together at On the Border, in Mesquite. It was so great to see everyone after all these years. I must say - everyone still looks basically the same. We haven't aged much at all : )

  This is us now... Suzette, Kerry, me, and Misty....

Me and one of my greatest friends, Misty...

Kerry, Me, Suzette, Misty and Brad

Suzette, Me, Kerry, Misty, Michelle (we met her in 7th grade, I think), Suzette's husband, Tracy

(he lived in the park next to ours), and Brad

Hopefully we can have annual get-togethers with everyone. Brad lives in VA, so he comes once a year. But the rest of us all live here in the area, and do actually get together often.

David's Family at Christmas

The day after Christmas, David's sister (Claudia) and brother-n-law (Ray) came over for a visit. We don't have the opportunity to see them very often so the boys were really excited to see them and anxiously awaiting their arrival.

The boys had fun showing them what Santa brought them. Ben showed Aunt Claudia his games he loves to play on the computer, and Will & Andy wrestled with Uncle Ray. They brought gifts and cupcakes for the boys - which they loved. Ben and Will got xbox games (Bolt and Wall-E), and Andy got puzzles, coloring books and bath toys. All big fun!

We went for a walk around the neighborhood - which was nice. It was actually a nice day! Not too cold, alittle windy in some areas - but for the most part a nice day!

We were so happy to be able to spend time with Claudia and Ray. We don't get to see them near enough. Now that Andy's getting older - hopefully we can change that.

Claudia found some pecans from pecan trees and they were quite yummy.

Aunt Claudia and Ben!

Uncle Ray and Will!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




The boys posing in front of the fireplace with Aunt Claudia and Uncle Ray!

My famous group shot in front of the fireplace! If there's a party - you'll see some version of this shot : )

And .... our family!

Christmas Day Walk!

The boys babysitter, Jamie, is home for Christmas and the boys love LOVE spending time with her. She was able to babysit them once and came by a few times to spend time with them. She and Jenna (her sister) came by on Christmas Day to give the boys some yummy homemade cookies and take them for a walk.

I had Jamie take my camera (which I often do) because I love seeing my boys from someone else's perspective.

Ben, Will, Andy, Kuma (my dog), with Jenna

Andy

Will, Andy and Ben standing in front of our neighbor's HUGE Tigger decoration!

Will....

Andy....

Ben....

Andy is walking with Jamie - holding her hand. So, so precious (although he looks alittle tired : ) ....

I love these photos. But mostly, I love that Jamie loves my boys so much. She truly loves spending time with them and it makes them feel so special.

Jenna, Jamie, Ben, Andy, Will (and Alvin!)

The boys and I will be so sad when the time comes and she decides to get a 'real job.' We will miss her terribly!

I feel so lucky to have been given Jamie for my boys. We are so thankful for she and her family - the Herings. Pastor and June Hering are definitely models that I look up to. They are extraordinary parents with four extraordinary children. It shows in Jamie and her siblings what great parents the Herings truly are. I aspire to be just like them....