Fall Ball

Up to bat!

Nice Swing!


He looks so grown up here to me.

Running to 2nd base.

Score!

Technically it IS still fall...though t-ball has been over since the beginning of October! Luke played fall ball with his cousin Trey and enjoyed it most of the time! He was on the Wildcats this fall. I think his favorite part was the snack after the game!

First T-ball Game

Wilson played pitcher during the entire game and helped get almost all of the outs! He stopped the balls and threw them to the first baseman who was good at catching them and stepping on the base! They made a great team. Wilson was down and ready and focused the whole time. So proud of him!

Luke was up to bat. He swung several times and finally hit the ball! He was so happy and proud of himself. The expression on his face is truly priceless. Pure joy!

Wilson up to bat. He hit well!

Finding out he got the game ball! First game ball of the season! Wow, Wilson!

He got to do the 3-2-1 REDS! Wilson used to not participate in this part. He hated it and thought it was too loud. He led it this time. He's just all grown up!

Opening Ceremonies

Luke was so happy to have his very own uniform!

Friday night was Opening Ceremonies for T-ball. I think they're ready! I loved the personality showing through in these pictures!

The T-ball Shrine

I have my camera back now that Andy is home. Remember the post where I described Wilson displaying all of his t-ball stuff on the mantel? Here is a picture to go with my words!!

I love long weekends!

My mommy makes delicious desserts!!

We're having a good weekend. I was so exhausted on Friday so we ordered pizza and had salad from a bag. But I did make a delicious Apple Strudel that Andy, Luke and I enjoyed. Wilson didn't care for the cooked apples. We'll definitely make this easy recipe again! While it was baking Andy and I made our to do list for the weekend. It had 15 things on it, to which the next day I added at least 6 more things. It keeps growing - BUT we keep crossing things off too! Andy and I split up who was doing what so we can hopefully finish up the final things before Tyler Wade arrives. We have already managed to complete 13 things from the list! Go us! Still have several left but I know we're getting a lot accomplished and we still have tomorrow. Saturday morning Wilson had a t-ball game. He is playing fall ball right now and he is doing so well! He was up to bat first for his team on Saturday and it didn't phase him one bit. He is on the Brown Bear's team. Here is a great action shot of our big boy!

Yesterday after t-ball I took the boys swimming with my mom, Terry, Cara & Co. It was fun. The pool closes tomorrow so it was our last swim. I got there and realized I didn't have my bathing suit bottoms (pregnancy brain) so I called Andy and he graciously brought them to me. The water was cold but it felt so good! The boys had a great time swimming with their cousins. Then I came home and took a nap with Luke. It was just what I needed. My feet were propped during the whole 2 hours which was just what they needed! Last night after dinner we went and got our new piece of artwork framed for the living room. I can't wait to post a picture of it when it is up hanging on the wall. We've been wanting a new one for a while but realized we had different taste when it comes to what we wanted hanging on our wall. Andy found this great print of light shining through trees online for 20 bucks and we both liked it. I won't tell you how much it is costing to get it matted and framed. They even gave us 50% off - though our coupon was for 40% off... It's going to be really nice though and it is neutral so it will be hanging on a wall of our home forever!!

I have started reading Twilight, as recommended by my team teacher Jenn. I'm over 100 pages in so far this weekend. I'm sure she'll be proud of me! I'll let you know what I think when I'm done. Later today the boys and I are going over to Mom's to watch the big game and eat dinner together. Tomorrow we're celebrating Silas' 2nd birthday! I hope you are enjoying your long weekend as much as we are!

Updates from the week

- Still no A/C. For some reason they gave away our Friday appt while our financing was being processed so now we'll be getting our new unit on Monday. The house feels good right now. Yesterday it was so miserable we had to get out!
- Wilson decided to play fall ball (t-ball) instead of soccer. He has his first practice today. Hopefully he'll enjoy it - he's already wanting to be on the same team as Spring with the same coach and the same team mates. That boy sure doesn't like change! I've talked to him about his new coach etc so pray that today goes smoothly.
- Tonight our church is having an end of summer carnival. The boys are so excited- inflatables, carnival games, food, and a concert by our praise band. Carnival starts at 5pm, concert at 7pm. Everything is free except for a small charge for food. Come if you can!
- I'm finding a new long term sub for maternity leave. I'll be calling her today. The sub I had lined up has gotten a full time job as an assistant. She really wanted full time work so I'm happy for her. Pray that the person I'm calling today is able to be my long term sub because if so, I've got a lot to tell her in so little time.
- I'm tired of swollen feet, waddling, people looking at my HUGE belly, and having to explain when I'm "due". My due date is Sept. 26. I have an ultrasound on Wednesday because Ty is measuring so BIG. After the ultrasound my doctor is going to check to see if I'm dilated at all. I'm also guessing at that point she'll tell me our plan- I know nothing right now other than what she said 3 1/2 weeks ago, that she didn't want the baby to get too big- so she didn't think she'd let me go much past 37 weeks. So my prediction is that we'll have a baby during the week of Sept. 8-12. In 2-2 1/2 weeks. Who knows!! That is the 37th week...
- We still have a lot to do to be ready for Ty. His room is a mess with everything pulled down from the attic. I had a long list of other cleaning things I wanted to do. Today is a day I can actually get some things done since I don't have to work all day. When I get home from school I'm so worn out and tired and swollen that I just can't do anything other than spend time with the boys and make dinner. Hopefully it won't get too hot in the house that I can't get anything done today.

Enough for now!!

Updates Around Here

* We're getting the basement floor of the house we made an offer on checked out tomorrow. After we know the cause of the uneven floor we'll continue with the counter-offer process. I really hope it's nothing major. I'm ready to know if the house is a possibility or not!! If it passes tomorrow then we'll just need it to have a good inspection. I'm just praying for peace about the situation and I know if this is the house we're supposed to have it will work out. It's just hard to wait and see!
* Wilson had two t-ball games this past week. He struggled at the beginning of each one since Daddy was working and couldn't be there. He pulled through though, each game and played in the outfield and batted! I'm SO proud of him when he hits and makes it to the base! Yesterday he told me when he grows up he wants to be a t-ball player!
* Wilson helped me with the cleaning yesterday! He vacummed the living room/dining room while I dusted. Then he wanted to clean some windows! He did a pretty good job. It was nice to have a willing helper!
* 8 more days of school!!! EIGHT!!!
* This next week 2nd grade has a BIG performance on Thursday and Friday. Our annual Fractured Fairy Tales program. I'm crossing my fingers that we can pull it off!! The kids are doing a great job.
* Mary Kay is going pretty well. I was the top seller in my unit last week! At the meeting I was the Queen of Sales and had to wear a tiara. It was a little embarrassing! Jenn and I kept laughing. Although she was technically the Queen of Pampering herself!!
* Andy got to go backpacking this weekend, one of the activities he loves to do the most! We're glad he's coming home! The boys and I did have a good weekend though!
*Friday night we went out to eat with my mom, dad, grandparents, aunt, and a couple friends. Saturday we ran some errands and did t-ball. Then had dinner at my grandparents. They had made Chicken & Dumplins, one of my favorites. But for some reason I wasn't feeling well. Got sick. Threw up everything in the middle of dinner. Came home put the boys in the bathtub and just felt awful. It passed and I'm feeling better today.
*Looking forward to Tuesday, no school!

Done!

The NB certification process is done!! At least until November when I find out if I passed or not! I feel very good about the test I took yesterday. I think I did well. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be!

We had a great rest of the day. I came home and ran down the street to a birthday party of one of my students for about 1/2 an hour. My mom came and took the boys to see the racetrack, horses, and all kinds of stuff. They ended up having so much fun they were gone for a long time!
During that time Andy and I had a lunch date and went to eat Chinese food. That spur of the moment, just the two of us stuff doesn't happen much anymore so that was really nice! Then we came home and relaxed and I started getting ready for my Mary Kay Debut. Which is this afternoon. Andy went to Lowe's and bought a shelf for my inventory and I unpacked the boxes and cleared them out of the foyer! Much better. Hopefully there will be at least 10 people at Cara's today for the debut.

Yesterday early evening Wilson had a t-ball game. He did great! Ran after several balls in the outfield and was up to bat twice. He hit the ball and made it to first base both times! He even scored his first run. At the end he walked across the field with his team to give high five's to the other team. That was the first time he participated in that. He is really enjoying t-ball now!

Last night Andy and Wilson mowed the front yard while Luke and I picked up sticks. It was a great day!

It's A Boy!!!

Baby #3 = boy!!
We're thrilled! We would have been either way. Baby measured where it should and everything looked good. Wilson and Andy came with me while Luke was napping while Uncle Bill stayed over at our house. Wilson was really interested in the ultra sound jelly. Now we'll decide on a name!!
Andy, Alyssa, and the BOYS!!!

By the way, Wilson batted twice again at his game last night. I am such a proud mama! He overcame his fear! He even fielded a ball in the outfield!

HE DID IT!!!!

Awesome News...
Wilson went up to bat TWICE at his game yesterday!! He had no fans at this game, just daddy. Me and Luke weren't there. I guess that is what he needed to get over the fear of batting etc. Andy is going to post about the game and post pics too. I just couldn't make you wait to find out any longer!! Read about what Wilson earned here for batting!

Read an update on my mom's b-day here, I clearly forgot my camera and will just link you to Cara's post so you can see pics!

Yesterday I went to a wonderful shower for Jenn. You'll notice I also forgot my camera to this event. You can look at a picture slide show at her cousin's blog here. Clearly I need to always keep my camera in my bag!

Also, I've had 5 wonderful customers for my new business this week! I think I can do this Mary Kay thing! Visit my friend Tricia's site for info about our MK adventure!

T-ball Games

We've had our first 2 t-ball games and opening ceremonies in the last week. Wilson is doing OK. Game #1- Wilson played in the outfield for 1 inning (by his choice) and was up to bat twice. He was too embarrased to bat and after several minutes each time the coach took an out for the team. It was hard to watch him out there at the T, he was crying and hiding his eyes and all I wanted to do was rescue him and say He's Only Four!! So I didn't push it. After the game he ordered his "player's drink" (lemonade) and we told him we were proud of him and looking forward to watching him play in the next game. He had a pretty big crowd- my dad, maw and paw, Stephanie and kids, me and Andy. He did not want anyone to cheer for him.

Game #2- I was dugout mom this game. Fought him many innings to get him in the outfield. He was being a BIG baby about it, whining and carrying on. He played all but 1 inning in the outfield which was much more than game #1. He only had 1 turn up to bat. I walked him out and tried to encourage him (as everyone had done all week). He didn't bat but as soon as we got to the dugout he started crying because he wished he had batted. I now know that I'm supposed to block the crowd when he bats. I told him "I know mommy's belly is getting big but it's not THAT big!!!". His aunt Stephanie had told him if he would bat he would get to go out for icecream with just her. That was pretty motivating and he hopes he can still earn it!

Last night was opening ceremonies. Like a pep rally to start off the season. Wilson enjoyed that because our team ran through streamers and smoke bombs and a tunnel made by the parents. He thought that was pretty cool. He has a new T in the backyard and he has been practicing. He is actually pretty good for a 4 year old when he hits the ball and throws the ball. Hopefully over time he'll warm up to the t-ball game. This morning we drove by lots of soccer games and were talking about that. I asked him if he wants to play soccer or T-ball next year. He said T-ball! So I guess he is enjoying it at least a little bit!

A perfect afternoon!

Okay here was our afternoon :)

4:30- Met with our financial advisor and opened 2 Roth IRA accounts that will serve as retirement and college fund. (Next step is a will.)

5:20- Picked up Chinese takeout

5:30- Enjoyed a picnic with my new Market Tote (Thanks, Jenn!!!) and a picnic blanket at the park. (We had wanted these totes for a couple years but they were too expensive. Jenn found them at TJ Maxx for $10!! Ours are black :) I love it!)

6:00-7:00 - Was a proud mama as Wilson PARTICIPATED in the voluntary (very low key) t-ball practice out in a grassy field with his coach and 5 other teammates. Hung out with Heather.

7:00-Played at the park

8:00- Boys in bed!

We made the most of this nice day before the weather changes. Sorry no pics! We didn't bring the camera.

Wilson's not so sure about T-ball...

Hanging out in the dugout, trying to stay warm!
So, we had T-ball on Saturday. It was freezing cold and Wilson was not happy to be there. It was only our 3rd practice and the coach found a team to scrimmage. Wilson wasn't ready for that. He was still learning how t-ball works. Anyway, he fussed and whined. He cried. He said he was hungry and cold (keep in mind that I fed him peanut butter crackers between the egg hunt and practice so he could make it till lunch!). He walked everywhere- even though the coach told him to run. Walked from outfield to the dugout. Walked from the dugout to the t. Walked from the T to first base AFTER HITTING THE BALL. He wouldn't run. I was SOOO embarrassed. I tried to bribe him with getting him hot chocolate after practice if he would be tough. Well, he didn't get any hot chocolate. HOpefully he'll get some today. He is at practice right now with Andy. I'm really hoping he is having a better attitude. The other moms at practice were trying to help me. Andy was trying. It was no use! Later Saturday afternoon his coach called me. He is so nice and patient. He said not to worry about Wilson's attitude. He's just 4. That with time he'll get used to t-ball. Not to force him because we want him to like it. Said his son (who is now 6 and on the team) acted just like this when he was 4. That helped. I didn't feel like such a loser mom after that.

Hitting the ball!

Walking up to bat. Life is so hard for a 4 year old.

First Practice!

Wilson's first T-ball practice was today. We were there for an hour and after about 45 minutes he was ready for it to be over. He had a great attitude and worked hard. It looked like he was being a good listener and listening to the coaches. When we got there, I asked his coach, Jamie, what he wanted to be called. He said Coach. Simple enough! There were 3 stations that the team rotated through- ground balls, throwing the ball and batting. The first time Wilson threw the ball he threw it from his gloved hand! I was cracking up. He already met a friend, Mason, and I met Mason's mom and had someone to talk to. We have another practice on Thursday and Saturday after the Easter Egg Hunt. Will's first game is April 12th, if you want to come!

*It's nice to have something to post about b/c all I've wanted to do is complain about how crappy I feel. This takes my mind off of things. Last week wasn't so good. Got sick 5 out of 7 mornings. I'm 12 weeks. Hopefully this will fade. I'm still getting bad stomach aches. Thursday night I burst into tears because I'd had a stomach ache for 7 hours. I couldn't handle it anymore. That was the worst stomach day.

Busy Day

Throw up breakfast - Check
What a way to start the day! Thankfully I'm NOT doing it everyday :)

Field trip to Gattitown - Check
Lots o' fun!

Dentist appointments for Wilson and Luke - Check
They did awesome!! I'm so glad that teeth brushing every morning (Andy's job) and night (my job) is the hassle and not the time in the dentist's office. The boys were angels. I'll take the fussing and crying every night at home while brushing teeth if it means they'll act as well as they did at the dentist today, every time. Wilson was such a brave, big boy. He laid back in the chair and I sat on the bottom of his chair with him. They let him wear cool sunglasses during the teeth cleaning. He survived the flouride sponge and picked a small toy motorcycle out of the treasure box. He had lots of compliments for his behavior! Luke had his first checkup- 2 pics with the dentist, they looked in his mouth, that's about it! He laid down with daddy holding his hands and was a little afraid at first - but no crying or screaming- and was very brave. He picked a big green foam die out of the treasure box. Then they both sat on the bench and pretended to play video games (they weren't really playing) while I checked out and made the next appts. Very successful!!

First t-ball meeting - Check
Little crazy in that they said they'll be asking for our money all the time. FOR WHAT? That worries me! We don't have extra cash! We already paid our $80 to play! We'll have a fundraiser, I'll work the concession stand for 1 hour, lots of practices and weekly games. Wilson picked #5 for his uniform. He is on the Reds. Red t-shirt and gray baseball pants. Coach seems nice. Hopefully Wilson will get to play- it sounded iffy since he is 4. They talked about how the league is competitive and they play the good kids etc. (These kids are 4, 5, and 6!) So maybe not exactly what I had in mind. We'll hope for the best.

Boys in bed! - Check

Golfball

Well I talked to Wilson about signing up for Teeball. He was pumped! Saying he would be so excited. Then he said he was scared because he didn't know how to play. I told him he would be on a team and have a coach that would teach him how to play. Sign ups start next Saturday. The next day we were talking about teeball again and he said I want to play golfball. Not golf, golfball! What logical thinking! Baseball, teeball, basketball, football...golfball! I said you can't play golf at 4 years old, you'll have to wait. So then we got into talking about how Uncle Mac or Paw Paw could take him to the driving range sometime. I think he's mostly referring to putt-putt golf because that is what he has played before. We told him he can go golfing when it warms up. So next weekend I'll sign him up for Teeball. I think it will be really good for him to be on a team and get some energy out!

Also, he has his preschool visit on Wednesday! I'm really hoping I can leave school for about an hour to meet him and Andy there. I'm so excited that he will be starting school in September! He sure is growing up!