Hello, sUmMeR!

I spent the first few days of summer vacation, playing catch up on several things I had neglected over the past month. We were also busy with recital prep, but by Friday it was time to get serious about summer. I asked the kids what they wanted to do for the day, and they all insisted on going to the library and then getting ice cream afterwards. We stopped at Skoozies, once last year and who knew that would be one of their favorite memories. After our outing, we finally enjoyed some pool time. The kids had a blast. I think this was one of the first days that they had really enjoyed their pool for any length of time. Before, it's been so cold that it was more of a quick dip. I had to make them get out and then they've been constantly wanting to get back in. I keep reminding them that we have all summer to swim.

They have set some high goals for reading. The boys want to read 40 books each and Delaney wants to read 200!!!

Can you see my name printed on this chair? I anticipate many days here. Yes, it's going to be a GrEaT sUmMeR!

Thriller 2

On Friday night, she had to perform "Thriller" again. Miss Tirita holds recital on two nights so that half the studio dances one night and the other half the other night. This keeps recital to under two hours, which is nice. She however wanted the performance groups to perform "Thriller" both nights. Since, we didn't have other dances, we had a little more time to spend getting ready. She wanted to make herself super scary.

Recital

We made it! It's been a week complete with dance practice, rehearsal, and two recital nights this year. On top of that, as "Mom," it's my job to make sure costumes, accessories, and shoes are packed and hair and make up are done to specification. I was so busy making sure we had everything and changing costumes that I didn't have time to really take pictures.I absolutely loved her ballet costume. I sort of miss the little girl froof, but thought she looked beautiful and all grown up in this dress. The three performance groups danced together in her third number for the evening and everyone made their own costumes. This is her "scary" face ready for Thriller. During past recitals she has looked like she was about to burst with happiness on stage, but this year was a little different. She's maturing and I also think she's more accustomed to performing. One thing is for certain, she still absolutely loves dancing. When comparing her performance dance group with other dance groups of her age, there was such a huge difference. I think the additional commitment has paid off.

"Thriller"

Jazz and Ballet Dance

Little Grads

Skiatook Kindergarten Graduating Class of 2010: The Boswell & Ward TripletsSo sad to see my babies getting big, but it was a fun night, full of wonderful memories. I've had my doubts in the past, but I am so happy we have found such a wonderful community and school for the kids to attend. Close to 200 Kindergartners crossed the stage to receive their little diplomas. They walked into, "Tonight's Gonna Be a Good Night" and they sang lots of songs. Delaney was chosen to hold the American Flag. You will see she took her job very seriously.

Best Buddies, full of mischief!

Slide Show: Trip down memory lane & more graduation pictures.

Celebrating Kindergarten

The kids performed a few songs at their end of the year classroom celebration. As they were singing a few of their songs, I kept having flashbacks to three little kiddos in diapers, when we use to sing some of those same song each evening as entertainment. At that moment, I just wanted to freeze time. I wanted to watch them sing silly songs forever. They have had an amazing year in Kindergarten, and I can only hope that the next 12 years are as smooth.

Mrs. Fisher gave each student a reading award and then two awards, unique to them, as well as she said something special about each of them. It was very sweet.Jax received the math skills awards. Mrs. Fisher said, he was very math minded and her very top student in math. He also received the "Best Buddy" award because everyone wants to be Jax's friend. He is a popular little guy. She described him as a "ray of sunshine" and even shared how Jax has his own Jedi Training on the play ground and kids from all classes, line up to take training from him. Delaney received the "top singer & dancer" award. Not only is she a top performer during classroom performances, but she has also entertained the class with her own dancing and singing. She also received, the "terrific teacher award" because Delaney's job this year was to re-teach or repeat instructions for other students, after she was finished with her work. Delaney always knows what's going on! As you can see, Delaney was just over joyed to be picking up awards.

Baylor received the "favorite friend" award because he is so caring and a good friend to all. He also received the "best character" award for always showing good character.

Mrs. Fisher also awarded five girls and five boys a number one, super star award. She based this on who stood out for going above and beyond. Both Delaney and Baylor picked up one of these awards. This was a little tough for Jax and mom, to see but he was a trooper. (I wasn't quite prepared).

Jax, Delaney, & Baylor, we are so very proud of all that you have accomplished and we know that this is only the beginning. You each are so special and unique and are destined to excel in everything you put heart into. Delaney and Baylor, we are very proud of your accomplishments and character at school. Jax, if there was a number one super star award at the Ward house, you would win it hands down. (Even your brother and sister would agree with us on this one). You are the most easy going, kind hearted, happy kid. You rarely complain and are always the first to give in and let someone else have "their way" or what they want. You share, you are kind and one of the most polite kids I know. You always thank us for everything. You are an all around super star in our house.

Unexpected Twist

I was prepared for a very busy week of ball, but due to the recent storms and rain, we've been rained out. This morning, I was almost to work when a co-worker called to inform me that Union was closed. I wasn't exactly thrilled because now another day has been tacked on to the year, which means the kids and I will actually get out on the same day. Selfishly, I was looking forward to a "me" day, while they finished their last day of school.

I actually managed to make it back in town to take the kids to school. For the past couple of weeks, the kids have been eagerly anticipating today, where they would be bussed to the HS auditorium, to attend the Stephen Fite concert. They have spent the past couple of weeks listening to his music, so they were super pumped. Who's Stephen Fite? I guess he's the Garth Brooks of elementary kids. Well, maybe not Garth Brooks, but he has a way of engaging the students and teaching them a little along the way. (I even learned the months of the year in Spanish.) The kids were excited that I was able to make it and I enjoyed watching them have fun. I captured a little of their favorite dance, "the beaver call" on video.

Jax wasn't feeling well, so we had a little lunch date together and then I took him to the doctor. For a day off, it was a busy one but I won't complain.

May, Oh My!

Yes, the month of May is always busy with end of the year activities, but this years calendar is on overload. On tap for May:

• 11 baseball games
• baseball tournament next weekend
• 7 softball games
• Rooster Days dance gig
• dance practice, dance pictures, dance recital rehearsal, and dance recital
• end of the year activities: field trip, classroom party, & Kindergarten Graduation

Good news...11 days of school for me and 14 days left for the kids. I am so excited and thankful that we are out of school before Memorial Day. Until then, I'm sure I'll probably be hitting Happy Hour at Sonic on a daily basis for an afternoon caffeine fix. I'm not complaining though; I intend to enjoy every hectic, insane minute of this crazy month.

According to My Children

In honor of Mother's Day, I've already been showered with love. I am the proud owner of three "mom" key chains, a coupon booklet, and some very special cards, which they made at school. The cards are priceless and inside held the following information:

My mom is______years old.

J:23 (he's always been secretly my favorite. Just kidding!)

D:34

B: 44

Her name is _____.

J: Tammy

D: Tammay

B: Tammy

My mom always says__________.

J: I love you

D: I love you

B: I love you (awww....I'm glad they know they are loved)

My mom really loves___________.

J:me

D: me

B: to workout (I wish this were true).

My mom and I like to __________.

J: watch movies

D: go shopping

B: watch ball games on t.v. (We really don't do this and he even admitted later that he just didn't know what to write. I think I need to do more one-on-one things with my boys).

My mom watches__________________ on t.v.

J: the weather

D: American Idol

B: the weather (I really don't watch a lot of television but if I do it's not until they are asleep, so I guess the weather is the only thing they see me watch).

My mom cooks the best___________.

J: tacos!

D: macaroni

B: tacos

My mom is beautiful because___________.

J: of make-up

D: she is

B: of her eyes

My mom likes to eat_______.

J: tacos

D: a lot of things (true!)

B: coffee and toast

Of course I won't forget some of our conversations of the week. I can always count on Delaney to tell me like it is:

Scene: Wednesday...trying to catch a few rays by the pool

B: mom, you are looking tan.

D: well, I think your legs are looking kind of fat.

me: Thanks, Delaney.

D: Well, I'm just sayin...

Scene 2: This morning I had returned from a quick run to the grocery store. I was wearing some cropped yoga pants and a t-shirt.

D: What are you wearing? It's kind of crazy.

I'm so blessed to have these silly kiddos and husband. I can't imagine my life without them.

Class Field Trip

Today, Kindergarten Graduating Class of 2010, sporting their new t-shirts embarked on the new Drillers Stadium. Rick and Papa Russell happily attended this field trip. Pictured are some of the kids closest friends and baseball buds. I'm kind of jealous as it was a beautiful day.