WARNING: Proud Mommy (Potty) Moment!

If you've been keeping up with this blog, you know that The Diaper Man came to our house and took away all of Andy's diapers. So lovin' Diaper Man : )

Andy has been doing FANTASTIC! He can't believe how easy it is to poop on the potty. He's so proud that he's a big boy. When Diaper Man came - he left Andy some pull-ups to wear at night (only) and they are for those "just in case" times. Andy has worn them for a week or so everynight, but he doesn't really need them. So we will more than likely stop using those.

So, I bet you are wondering what the proud mommy moment is ..... Are you ready? Drum roll please! ANDY WIPES HIS OWN BUTT! Yep - that's right. He's 3! Ben didn't wipe his own butt till he was 6 or 7 (he'll love me for announcing that to the world : ). And it took Will till he was 5, maybe 6. I try and help Andy and he doesn't want any help. From the bathroom he shouts "I'm a big boy mommy - I've got it." Praise to the Diaper Man! I am astounded that he wants to do this totally on his own and not to be to graphic here .... but does a good job with it.

I am one proud mommy. No more diapers and no more butt wiping! I am officially done with potty-training and have come full circle.

Walnut Glen Academy #1 Elementary School in TEXAS!!

So proud of our school! Congratulations! Out of 3,407 elementary campuses in the state of Texas, Walnut Glen was voted number one by Children at Risk in their annual public school rankings. Way to go staff and students!!

Will's Art Show

Will's teacher selected a piece of his artwork to be on display at the Districts Art Show to be held at the Library. It's a pretty big deal to be selected.

Here's Will standing on the wall w/his artwork.

Here's his butterfly. I asked his art teacher what made her select his artwork. She said his use of colors and creativity. She said out of all the kids, his artwork is always the most different, the most unique. She wants me to have him audition for the Enriched Art Program in 2nd grade.

Ben playing w/my camera and taking pictures of himself.

Cute boy : ) 

 William : )

I am so proud of William. Congratulations to you, son!

We love you!

Toy Story 3 on Ice

Andy saw a commercial on tv for Toy Story 3 on Ice and he got so excited. He loves LOVES Toy Story and Buzz Lightyear. Buzz is the coolest hero ever in his book. I decided to take him as part of his birthday. We went on a weekday - so there wasn't much of a crowd.

Here's Andy w/his Buzz sword : )

He got this hat w/some cotton candy. Totally cute, huh?

Andy and I had a great time and really enjoyed seeing this together. It was a great day w/my special birthday boy. Thanks Disney for making this special show for kids.

Official "BIG BOY"

Andy has been potty trained for a while now - peepee anyways. But he would not poop on the potty. He had to have a diaper. Will was the exact same way : ) Andy will be 4 on April 23, so I told him that during Spring Break, the Diaper Man (a phrase I borrowed from my good friend, Erica : ) would come and get his diapers to take them to a baby who needed them. And of course, anything that has to do with a Superhero is cool : ) We packed them in a bag and put them outside the door, I set the timer for 10 minutes and said the Diaper Man would text me as soon as he had taken the diapers and left a surprise for him.

I am not sure what the Diaper Man looks like - but I would think something like this:

Diaper Man flew in, grabbed the diapers, dropped the surprise, sent me a text and went on his way. Yea Diaper Man!

After I received the text, we went outside to see what Diaper Man had left.

Andy got pull-ups for nightime (just in case), and a little Imaghinex Airplane : )

Andy is doing great pooping on the potty. He's so proud of himself that he's an OFFICIAL BIG BOY. He pooped 4x's last night : )

Finally ..... we are out of diapers. Yea ANDY!

St. Paddy's Day

Morning: Today, was a school holiday so we decided to have a playdate w/some of Andy's friends. He doesn't ever get a playdate and now he's getting old enough. He really wanted to have his friends over.

He has two friends from school, Zach and Jay, that he really enjoys spending time with. So we invited them over to play.

Jay, Zach and Andy

Here they are playing on the climbing dome : ) 

The boys really had a great time. It's cute to see Andy play w/some of his friends.

Evening: My girlfriend, Dena, asked me to dinner and I accepted before I knew it was St. Paddy's Day. One of our favorite places is Blue Goose on Greenville. So yummy! If you are from this area - you know around St. Paddy's it's PACKED.

Despite the crowds, we had fun and had some great food at Blue Goose and then went over the Dubliner for a drink - which was also packed.

We didn't stay long at the Dubliner. I guess it's the getting older, or being married that totally makes going out nights like this unappealing. Not my scene anymore. haha!

Regardless - I had a good time and glad I got to hang w/my friend, which is always a good time.

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Spring Break Chores!

The boys are on Spring Break this coming week and I have plenty planned for them. I do not want them getting bored. Boredom = fighting. And fighting = crazy mommy. haha!

One of my goals for this week is to clean up the backyard. The month of March is clean up month for our city. The City is providing dumpsters and a dump location all month. So it's a perfect opportunity for me to get rid of a bunch of unwanted trash. There's lots of old broken toys and the old fence from when David and our neighbor, Dave, replaced part of our back fence.

The boys were VERY excited about helping me break up the fence. 3 hammers, lots of wood = 3 very happy boys.

They figured out if they prop it up on the wagon, they have better swinging leverage on the fence. I was so thankful for their help. They really helped me get a lot done.

10 years already?

10 years ago, today, was one of the saddest days of my life. I lost one of the greatest friends I will ever know, Cristi Roach.

I met Cristi at El Cento Commumity College, where we were both studying to be paralegals. It was 1993 and I was all of 19 years old. She was alittle older than me (29), but I didn't care. I was my normal out-going, bubbly self who didn't know any strangers and felt everyone should be my friend. Ha! As soon as I met Cristi I felt that way. She was in a couple of my classes and I would always sit next to her and constantly talk to her (you know me : ). She later told me I pestered her into being my friend. :) Maybe that was true at first, but it definitely turned into something more. She became my best friend.

She and I were inseparable. We hung out all the time. We jogged together daily (yes....... I did say jog. She and I would meet at 4:45 am and jog 8 miles every day), we had dinner together (we were regulars at Desperados), partied together (loved Country 2000 & Cowboy's), we even lived together (only a few months, but it was sooooo fun: ). We were a great pair!

I have so many great memories of her. The memories flood my mind and my heart everytime I think of her. I am so thankful for the time I had with her. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of her. I will remember her and cherish the memories she and I had for the rest of my life.

I love you, my dear friend!

Meet our addition ....

Remember my dog that I adopted from my great friend, Cristi, after she died? His name was Tony. I got him at 8 years old (when she died) and had him until he was 12. He was an Aierdale Terrier and was a smart, smart dog. We love the Aierdale Breed and have always considered another one. We loved Tony so much and miss him even more.

Here's Tony : )

We have been considering getting another dog. Our dog, Kuma, is 11 yrs old. Although she probably didn't want it - we have wanted a companion for her. And the kids want someone they can play with and toss the ball with. After some research and going through the rescue sites - we found a dog we thought would be a good fit for our family.

Since we love Airedales, we checked the Airedale Rescue, and found Sky (not sure where they got that name from). He's a 4 months old Airedale Terrier / Lakeland Terrier Mix. He was surrendered after his owner lost his job and could no longer care for him. We arranged w/his foster parents to go and meet him. The whole family, along w/Kuma loaded up to go and potentially meet the new member of our family. He seemed like a sweet dog w/a great personality. The boys loved him and Kuma seemed to tolerate him : ) However, I am not sure he is mixed with Lakeland Terrier - he looks more like an Airedale. He has a great personality. I was really worried about getting a puppy, but for a puppy, he's not really that crazy - he's pretty calm - which is fantastic.

So .................................... we adopted him!

Meet Teddy Wilke!

We got home and he has been doing really great w/Kuma and the kids. I'm actually surprised at how well he's doing. He HAS snapped at Kuma a few times, but I quickly disciplined him and Kuma looks at him like he's crazy : )

The neighbors brought their dogs (5 different neighbors and 5 different dogs) to meet Teddy. He didn't care for them so much. I really thought he would be good w/them. I am thinking maybe b/c he met Kuma on his own turf - it made her okay. Or maybe b/c he knows she's an old lady and she can't be bothered w/him : ) The neighbors dogs are all young (like him). I hope over time he'll learn to love or at least, accept them : )

After our meeting, his adoption, the drive home, settling into his new home (that includes pooping and peeing on my bedroom floor), meeting all his new neighborhood friends .... he was exhausted.
 

Andy and Teddy :)

And while I sit and update this blog about our new family member ..... he is resting at my feet : ) I had hoped he would let David or one of the kids be his "person" (as I am already Kuma's person), but it looks as though he's chosen me. So now, I have 2 dogs following me around the house : )



I hope tonight will be as easy as our first day w/him has been. He is crate trained, so we will continue the crate training. I have never crate trained a dog, so hopefully he does okay and is accepting of it. I'm also hoping potty training goes well, and Kuma continues to tolerate him :) We'll definitely be enrolling him in obedience school. He jumps a bit and although 4 months old, he can pull up to our kitchen counters. So - we must get that under control : )

With that ...... Teddy, welcome to our family! We love you already : )

Dragons Basketball Party

Ben had his last game today, and then the team met at CiCi's Pizza for a End of Season Party. The Coach had cupcakes and trophies for them.

This is the Coach's Wife, and two kids.

Boys having pizza and Coach Jeff giving them a little pep talk.

Ben's on the right side w/the glasses on : )

Ben getting his trophy from Coach Jeff. 

Yea Ben!

Ben doesn't look real happy here - but he is : )

Ben, Coach Jeff and his team

The League doesn't usually keep teams together, but Coach Jeff is going to try and keep the team together. We were so pleased with the team and Coach Jeff. He did really well w/the boys and Ben really responded to him.

Ben is undecided if he will play again next season - but I hope he does. I know he had fun!

Andy Valentine Program and Party

The kids always do some type of little Valentine Program for Valentines Day and a few other special occasions. It's always really really super cute. Since Andy goes to school Monday - Friday, he got to participate in the program two times instead of just one : )

Here's the program for the event

Here's his first performance. He's on the front row in the red shirt w/black stripe. I was really surprised, b/c he did really well. With Ben and Will - they would usually just sit and stare at me : )

Here's his second performance. It was pajama day. He was superman. He did really well again. So proud of my little man : )

Since I am room-mom for Andy's class, I am in charge of parties and class activities.We got lucky and Valentines Day actually fell on a school day. We have all the parties send money and we did Chick-fil-a for the kids instead of having them bring their usual lunch. It's a real treat for the kids and the love it.

Andy's on the right side of table in white shirt - looking at camera : )

And what party isn't complete w/o a little sugar. Cute cupcakes from Tom Thumb : )

 Andy really enjoyed his programs and so did I. His party was fun and a really special treat for the kids. I love our school, our teachers and the staff so much. They are such a great team and really genuinely love the kids.

Letters to my Valentines

David,

I don't feel like Valentines Day is for married couples - your anniversary becomes your Valentines Day : ) And actually you and I don't need a special day to tell each other how much we mean to one another. But I love any excuse I can get to let you know how much I cherish you and our life together. What can I say? I am the luckiest girl in the world. You are my Prince Charming - my dream come true. I have loved you since I was 20 years old and I know I will love you for the rest of my life. Thank you for giving me the wonderful life that you have. Life seems to always be crazy and busy for us - but I love that I can look at you, or rest in your arms and feel like everything is perfect. There's never a day that goes by that I am not thankful and honored that you love me and our boys. You are the greatest Valentine a girl could ask for. I love you with all that I am, my dear sweet, handsome, sexy, husband : )

Lo

David and I in October 1995. A few months after we met.
Look how young we are : ) I was 20 and David 30.

Picture courtesy of Roy Adair :)
We were at his house about to go to the Halloween Party in Oaklawn.

----------------------------------

Ben, Will & Andy -

From  the first moment I looked at you and held you in my arms, my life has been forever changed and forever wonderful. I love you more than all the stars in the sky and to the moon and back. You are all the greatest gifts a mommy could ask for. You make me the happiest, most proud mommy in the world. Thank you for the honor of being your mommy. You are my forever Valentines, my sweethearts, my sweet boys .....

I love you,
Mommy

---------------------------------

I am so blessed today, and everyday. I not only have one Valentine who loves me so completely ... I have 4. I love you guys and am so proud of our little family.

Here are my special Valentine Gifts for my Boys. Each of the boys got a pillow pet, a balloon, and some candy:

Will

Ben

Andy 

This is a flower that Ben made for me. It was so sweet of him. It really was quite creative.

Love my Valentines!

David and I don't usually do Valentines Day gifts. We celebrate all year long :)

Happy Valentines Day to my four boys! I love you with all that I am.

More snow?

We woke up this morning to another snow storm and FREEZING temperatures. What is the deal? It's been like 2 weeks of this weather. Very unusual for Texas. Although, this storm isn't as bad as the last one - I was awoken by loud sleet coming down. There's not much snow - but it is soooooooo cold outside. The temp is 20 degrees, w/a wind chill of 10 degrees. The wind is blowing hard. You can't stay outside long.

And so .... w/the weather this cold, the sleet, freezing temperatures .... there's no school AGAIN today. This is the 5th missed school day. The school calendar has only allotted 2 make-up days. I have heard the school can file a waiver w/the district for the kids not to have to make up the days. I hope they do that. It would be sad for school to run an extra week into summer.

I think the temperatures are supposed to be in the mid-60's this weekend. So ready for that. The kids are even tired of it. Thankfully, they didn't ask to play in it today. Of course, there's not much to play in ... but sooooo thankful. Way too cold outside.

Come on spring.....

Ever wonder why I blog?

I use to be a scrapbooker. I actually really enjoyed it. I did a book of Ben's first two years and it was great. I went on scrapbook retreats - which was really relaxing. I loved it!

And then William was born. He was pretty busy. I couldn't get my scrapbook stuff out w/o having to pick it up when I was done. And that was even if he'd let me scrap in the first place. It became very tough.... So - I went years w/o doing anything. Felt very guilty about it, but just didn't have time or space to scrap anymore.

I didn't really know about blogging at that point. David knew about my frustration and sadness about not being able to scrap. So he started this blog for me on June 3, 2008. He entered the first post. Which you can see here: http://wilke-family.blogspot.com/2008/06/post-number-one-its-great-to-be-here.html.

I do plan to go back to the beginning of our little family and update it here on this blog. My hope is to create a digital scrapbook for my boys. I haven't completed a year yet. I need to go back and make sure that I haven't left anything important out. And once I do that, I will print yearly books from this blog. It will be a book of our life and stories during that year. I will print 4 books of each year. One for me and David, and for each of the boys. I will place the books in their memory box that I have for each of them. And when they are grown and have their own families - they will be able to share their life, their journey w/their own family.

As an adult, I have hardly any pictures from my childhood and my past. And we all know, as you get older - your memory starts to fade and you forget. I don't want to forget and I want my boys to remember .... that's why I blog!

Andy's Laundry

Andy loves to help me with any chore I am doing - it doesn't matter what it is, he wants to help. Which should be a great thing, right? I wish I felt that way. I usually am overloaded, have a to do list a mile long and just want to get done. But this day ... he really wanted to help, so I let him.

He hung his own laundry ..... er socks!

Silly, silly boy!

P.S. You see the little flower pot w/his picture on it. It's that soooooo cute (and sweet)? He made that for me at preschool - for Mother's Day last year. Sweet, sweet boy!

Grace's 40th birthday!

It's coming that time during my life when all my friends are beginning to turn 40! Lord, help us : )

The first one is Grace. We usually get together and have dinner to celebrate our birthdays.

This year - we had dinner at BJ's to celebrate.

Here's Grace w/her cake I made (bought) for her :)

Grace and her hubby, Doug

She had a pretty good turn out of friends : )

I am in blue/white sweater : )

Happy Birthday, my sweet sweet friend! I love you!

Crazy weather I mentioned ....

Here's some photos from the snow that moved in last night .....

David and I went out to take some pictures and I guess I forgot about the sheet of ice that was under the new snow and ..... ummmm... yep - you guessed it. I busted my butt! David had his camera but couldn't get the photo to take quick enough. Or maybe he was laughing to hard - not sure. But nevertheless - it was a memorable moment : )

Front yard (last night)...

us :)

I couldn't get this picture to come out. For some reason, would not focus : (

it says "I love David"... awhhhhhh :)

Back yard (last night)....

Front yard (today)...
crazy snow for texas.

Since we got crazy snow - there was no school. So boys were excited to play.

Here's Andy ... so happy : )

Ben, Andy and Will rolling snowballs ...

Looking down our street (our house is on right).

you can see our car and truck there...

Down the other way of our street.

crazy, crazy snow.....

Will

Andy is DONE :)

Our house :)

David, Will, Ben and Andy

and Kuma : )

My handsome hunny ....

who desperately needs to shave :)

Kuma... the back of her anyways. I couldn't get a good shot of her. At first she didn't want to go out. I think she held her bladder for like 14 hours b/c she was afraid of the snow. Then she finally went out and she was laying in it and eating it. She loved it!

Me and David : )

Ben, Andy and Will building a snowman...



The boys had a lot of fun in the snow. Wish we had sleds for them. Would of been more fun. The snow is great, but we are ready for it to go :)