I'm A Baseball Mom

Since Preston made the All-Star team, our lives have been nothing but baseball.  And I have become one of those "Baseball Moms".  

It started when I bought an All-Star shirt while purchasing his uniform.  I bought one for Craig and Kaitlyn too.  No, Craig's shirt does not have the bling on it.

Then when I went to get my monthly pedicure, I asked the lady to give me a baseball design.

I saw another team mom wearing a blinged out shirt, so I ordered one too.

Finally, I made Kaitlyn a baseball bow.

So yes, I've become a baseball mom.  I've learned more about this sport then I ever thought I would.  I've been to every game and attended every practice.  I've even had to throw the ball with Preston a few times (once while wearing wedges because Craig ended up being late to practice!).

I take the team pictures, set up our Shutterfly account, yell and clap during the games, and we're the team business managers.  Would I have it any other way?  Absolutely not!!  I completely love this baseball life.  Go Keller!!!

End of the School Year

The kids last day of school was Thursday, but their End of Year Parties were held Wednesday.  

Kaitlyn received a 'Ready to Learn' award.  Her teacher was always saying how much Kaitlyn loved learning.  She was always coming home and telling us some new and interesting fact that she remembered from school.

All the 3rd graders in the school received a canvas drawstring bag and signed them.

The kids played a game where they had to scoop up rigatoni pasta on a spaghetti stick without it breaking. 

Obviously, she didn't want her picture taken.

The class also had ice cream sundaes but I didn't get a chance to get a picture because I was in Preston's class at the time.  Kaitlyn said it was really good.

Earlier in the day, I had made 2 dozen hot dogs for Preston's camping-themed party.

Parents provided lots of other goodies too.

Each 1st grader received a pillowcase to sign.  Thanks to another parent, we ironed on all the transfers for our class.

The kids loved signing their names on each other's pillowcases.

The teacher put together memory books for each kid.  There were some great pictures, stories, and drawings inside.

Preston doesn't mind having his picture taken.

His teacher also put together a wonderful slide show with the sappy songs that make parents cry.  I was proud that I held myself together.  

Kaitlyn and Preston had fun at their parties. I'm so thankful to the Room Reps from the other 1st and 3rd grade classes that joined forces to organize the parties throughout the year.  It was tough being the Room Rep for both and I had to divide my time as best as I could.  However, I wouldn't have it any other way.  Kaitlyn and Preston loved having me in their classrooms each week and for each party and I did too!  And their teachers gave me great thank you gifts.  I love them!!!

Then, came the last day of school.  Always such a bittersweet day.  The kids are excited because it's the start of summer break.  Parents are excited for them and also sad to see their kids growing up.  What a difference a school year has made for Kaitlyn and Preston!!!

August 2012

 June 2013

Kaitlyn has grown, figuratively and literally.  I've seen her start to mature into a young lady and start to understand so much about this world.  3rd grade was a tough year emotionally and sometimes academically.  Although, she did maintain straight A's and had no problem passing her STAAR test.  In fact, she only missed 3 problems on the math portion!!!  We've had long discussions on bullying, manners, tattling, remembering to follow the 10 Commandments, etc.  She's cried about problems and I've cried along with her.  I never want to raise a 3rd grade girl again!!  Phew! What a year!  But overall, she's been more affectionate with us, shown more responsibility, and has really tried to help out more.  She had a wonderful teacher that coached her along and really mentored her.

Preston definitely looks grown up now.  Gone are the sweet baby cheeks that I just loved.  He has absolutely excelled in 1st grade.  Craig and I were so worried about his reading, spelling, and speech at the end of last school year.  We were prepared for lots of studying and extra work on these subjects.  However, something clicked in his little brain and he just got it.  His speech completely improved, he is now reading chapter books, and spelling is not a problem for him.  The most interesting thing is watching him with his hands.  He mostly writes with his left hand but he easily switches back and forth while coloring and doing other projects. (He also throws and bats right handed.  Go figure!)  Preston received all 'M's' (equivalent to an A) on his report card and does not seem to have any trouble in any subject.  He gets along well with other kids and loves to make others laugh.  His teacher has been great and always had good things to say about him.

It was a great year and it's hard, yet exciting to say that we have a 4th grader and 2nd grader in our house.  A big thank you to the wonderful teachers that took care of our children these past 9 months.  The school year is over and time to start a busy, fun-filled summer!

Field Day 2013

Field Day!!!  Always a fun day for everyone.  I'm so thankful I was able to be with my kids for most of the day to watch their events.  Preston's class had Field Day during the morning and it was cloudy with a slight breeze.  So nice!

Preston was so excited to start the day!

 It was so funny watching the kids trying to keep the sponge between their heads.

Wet hair!

This was by far the best game called 'Jack and Jill'.  The kids had to carry the bucket on poles, up the hill, above their head.  They fill the bucket with water and carry it back down without spilling.  Well, I think it spilled for each kid and it was so funny seeing them get wet.

Trying to get the balls around the bar was a difficult task.

Look at that kick!

The 'Egg Relay'.

The classes favorite event is 'Tug of War' against each other.  Even the teachers join in.

The 50 meter dash was against each class and Preston beat his competition.  He is determined!

Still all smiles at the end!

Kaitlyn's class participated in Field Day in the afternoon.  By that time, the clouds were going away and it was starting to warm up.

She did really well kicking the ball into the goal each time.

Here's the 'Jack and Jill' game again.

And it fell...and Kaitlyn got wet...and she screamed...and I laughed.  So glad I got this picture.

Her class loved doing the water games because of the dreaded sun.   Her teacher and new husband did it as well.  The kids loved seeing that.  After the game, they all went to the pools and jumped in and/or poured the water over their heads.

More wet hair!!!

 Kaitlyn is concentrating so hard on that egg.

Kaitlyn had a popsicle break to cool down and I got to join her.  It was very refreshing.

The classes headed into the gym to play a game called 'Nuke 'Em'.  You have to throw the balls back and forth over the volleyball net and don't let them touch the floor.  If you do, you're out.  This is pretty much how Kaitlyn participated-she just stood there.  Brings back memories! ;)

Hot outside!!!

 Tug of War time!

 And what do you do at the end of Field Day?  You come home and crash!

Royal Rangers/MPact Girls Ceremonies

It's that time of year when all the award ceremonies are held.  First, Preston had his Royal Rangers ceremony where he is completing his first year as a Ranger Kid.  He proudly held the Christian flag during the ceremony.

He was very stoic as Commander Dave read off the list of badges and patches he earned this semester.  He worked hard and accomplished A LOT!!!

This is his favorite commander, Commander Craig, aka Dad.  Preston completed everything he possibly needed to complete for this year.  Now he is all ready to get started on his badges and patches for next year.  

The following week was Kaitlyn's MPact Girls ceremony where she is completing her first year as a Star.  She got to hold the American flag during her ceremony.

Kaitlyn also completed everything she needed to do for this year.  MPact Girls works differently than Royal Rangers so she didn't have to do as much work at home.

Now, she is all ready for her second year of Stars.

Way to go Kaitlyn and Preston!  We are so proud of both of you!