I can't believe....

I didn't get one single picture of Trey, Tylee, and Taylen with their cousin, Titan!!!

I am usually VERY good about snapping pictures, but on Sunday I did not snap a single pic of the kids with Titan while we were all up in Des Moines. This is not one of my better moments!!!

Titan belongs to Jason's bro and his wife, Nicole. They live in St. Louis and we don't get to see them nearly enough. We hadn't seen Titan since Christmas and he's changed so much. He's almost nine months old and is one of the happiest babies ever. Trey and Tylee adore him and enjoyed seeing him and his new tricks.... especially crawling!!! Way to go, Baby Titan!!!

With Nicole's and Nick's parents both being up in Des Moines, they were super busy. But, we did get to join everyone for a little BBQ with Nicole's family. They are a great group of people and always make us feel welcome!!! Thanks so much, Nicole, for having us over...it was great to see everyone again!!! (Hope we didn't leave too much glitter behind....Tylee's shirt obviously wasn't a good idea and we changed it as soon as we got home...lol)

I can't believe the pic below is the only one I have from Sunday! What was I thinking?!?!

Taylen and Ty hanging out on Grandma's chair after the BBQ....

Maybe I can photo shop Trey and Titan's heads into the pic, that way it would be complete!! I definitely need to make sure I get one next time!!! Ugh....what a bummer!!!

So, even though I don't have ANY pics...it was great to see you guys and we hope to see you again soon!! (Like maybe in a week when we have to drop off your sandals and give you the $5 I owe you ;)

Backyard Water Fun!!!

The end of last week finally offered some nice weather and the kiddos took full advantage of the warmer temps and enjoyed a little water fun out back....

We are looking forward to summer vacation and fun visits to water parks and city aquatic centers, but on this particular day we had just as much fun with a sprinkler and a water gun!!!

Trey being a goof-ball and messing around with the sprinkler he got for his birthday....Thanks, Jill for the fun, outdoor gift!

Having fun with the mini beach balls....it took Tylee a little longer to brave the sprinkler  ;)

But she was ALL over the water gun! Look out!! Ready to get Soaked?!?

This didn't involve any water, but was still fun....

Gotta love the Air Cube....

School is winding down and we are ready!!! BRING ON SUMMER!!!

Jason's Big Dawg Push/Pull Powerlifting Meet....

was a huge success!!!

This past Saturday Jason put on a lifting meet over at the YMCA. This happened to be the 3rd or 4th meet Jason has organized here in town and everything went off without a hitch....

Jason did a fantastic job announcing.....

And, even found a way to get involved in the lifting himself....here's a shot of his opening lift.....

Miss Taylen hanging out and cheering on her Daddy :)

The kids and I were able to be there for the entire thing (which isn't always as easy as it sounds considering the kids love to run around and be wild....between playing b-ball, soccer, and running laps on the track upstairs, they seem to be good at being in 10 places at once) and we only had to take 25 potty breaks....

All joking aside, we were VERY proud to be there cheering on the lifters and watching them work hard and enjoy doing what they love to do. This meet featured a variety of lifters ranging from high school students up to men in their late 30's.....Jason brother, Nick, was a guest lifter and put on quite a show for the audience as he deadlifted 700 pounds, not only once, but for FOUR reps!! It was absolutely AMAZING!!!

Way to Go, Uncle Nick! Good Luck at Nationals in a couple weeks!! We know you'll give 'em heck!

In addition to Nick's deadlifting excitement....this meet also featured a group of kids from the high school here in town. A few months ago, Jason started working with this weightlifting club after school 3 days a week, teaching them all things weightlifting and keeping them involved and active. Jason has always enjoyed working out and powerlifting himself, so this really has been a great fit!! Below are a couple pictures of the group...they definitely had a great time!!!

Posing with their trophies....

And showing off their guns!!!

Jason,

I'm super excited the meet went well...I know how hard you worked putting it together!! I'm proud of you and hope you realize just how important you are to all the students and athletes you influence on a daily basis. Not only do you have a tremendous heart, but you have complete dedication to whatever you do, including both teaching and coaching. You truly continue to amaze me each and EVERY day!!! I love you!!!

One last shot from the fun afternoon....

Ty, Jason, Trey, and Nick posing for a little cam action after the meet!!!

A Little Bowling Birthday Fun....

was a big part of Trey's BIG day!! Yesterday, Trey Jacob celebrated his 5th birthday with a little fun at the local bowling alley with family and friends....It was a good time to say the least....

I'm FIVE!

The kiddos waiting their turns....

Ty getting every one's name typed in ;) Such a big helper!!!

Kids ready to bowl....the whole bowling ball and flip flops thing was making me nervous the entire time! Luckily, we survived without any broken toes!! Why hadn't that crossed my mind before???

Ty ready for her turn....

Trey and Daddy getting their bowl on.....

Pizza Time!!

Trey and his gooey pizza!!!

Tay Tay finally awake and having some party fun of her own....

Trey all ready for Daddy to light his candles....

Got 'em all out with one blow....

Present Time!!

Wonder what's inside?!?!

My attempt at a group photo!! Good news....no one dropped any bowling balls and Mazen survived his many "looks" into the ball return...thank goodness!!!

Dear Trey J,

I can't believe you, my baby boy, are FIVE years old!! It seems like just yesterday I was walking up and down our stairs in our rental for THREE straight nights in order to cope with all the contractions and anxiously awaiting your big arrival into our world!! Since the second I found out was pregnant, you have brought nothing but joy, love, laughter, and happiness to my world. You are the best big brother and really know how to entertain us!! You are getting ready to graduate from preschool and have done a tremendous job! You know how to read and write all your letters and are reading just about every word you come into contact with. You are the most inquisitive little guy I know...constantly asking all the why's and how's. You're like a little sponge, have a better memory than Mommy, and definitely keep me on my toes!! You are, without a doubt, LOVING life and I'm sooooooo proud to be your Mommy!

Love you BUNCHES & BUNCHES and I'm glad you had such a great time on your special day!!!

~Mommy

Growing Up....

seems to be happening waaaaay to quickly around this household....

I snapped this pic earlier this evening and I can't believe how big they are getting!!!

Thursday Night Fun...

Real quick, before I get on with the rest....LOOK at the newest addition to the sign out in the front yard....

SOLD!  Woo-Hoo!!

On with the fun....

I've mentioned before how much we love our neighbors here in Ottumwa. Living here really wouldn't have been as much fun without Sarah & Marshall. Not only do our kids absolutely love them and will miss them tremendously when we leave, but they are super helpful as well. They've kept an eye on the kids many a times and Marshall is, without a doubt, the most tech savvy person I know...right up there with my bro, Zac, but he's too stinkin' far away :( Marshall has saved my computer more times than I can count...what will we do when we move?? I don't know the first thing about computers and all the ins and outs!! Ugh!!!

Marshall also heads this Iowa High Altitude Balloon project...one that I'm not going to even begin to try to explain. I'll attach links below you can use to educate yourself without me butchering all the tech terminology. In layman's terms, he launches balloons up into near space and capture pictures...I mean we're talking in the 17-20 miles up into the air!!!

http://www.ihabproject.com/iHAB-1/iHAB-1%20Flyer.pdf

http://ottumwacourier.com/local/x87451749/High-altitude-snapshots-Helium-balloon-floats-17-miles-high-and-takes-pictures-of-Earth

Anyway...Tonight marked another launch event...and we were all on board to see the action first hand.....

Eating a little BBQ before the launch...the kids love hanging out over on Sarah & Marshall's side porch...that's our yard in the background. You can really see just how close we are!! My kids seriously think this is their second home!!!

Marshall and Sarah's dad filling up the first balloon.....

 

Trey & Ty watching and taking it all in...and asking twenty questions, OF COURSE!!!

Filling up the third...

All five balloons....ready to go!!!

Ty waiting and all excited for the balloon release!!!

There they go...Marshall tracks the landing spot, so he knows where the balloons are at all times!!

So....how cool is that?!?!

Field Trip Time....

Being a teacher and a mommy of three is going to be a hard balance. Don't get me wrong...I love working and LOVE having the same schedule as the kiddos so I can always be there for all the fun on evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and summer vacations, BUT....with that comes the fact that never will I have the opportunity to be a room mom or PTO president, and very rarely will I ever get the opportunity to chaperone a field trip....got to give a little to get a little, as the saying goes!!! (In my case I feel like I am getting A LOT....)

So, with me being on maternity leave as Trey is finishing up preschool, I was actually able to accompany him and his preschool class up to the Science Center in Des Moines yesterday. We had fun...lots to see and learn, and all the preschoolers survived the 90 mile bus ride, thanks to some very prepared, wonderful teachers. (Snacks & books can keep any kid busy for a little bit ;)

So, Trey (and Tylee & Taylen) as the years roll on, I may not be able to make it for all your school day functions, but you know I'm working hard so we can enjoy all the other WONDERFUL times we do get to spend together!!!

(Plus, unfortunately, I know there will come a time when Mom is just not "cool" enough for you guys...although, I'm hoping it's a short lasted phase! Even more reason why I'm so excited I got to go yesterday!!!)

Love you bunches and I'm so glad I got to spend the day with you, your friends, and your teachers.....

Enjoying the bus ride up...(and, for those of you wondering....he didn't sit this still the entire way up. 90 miles is a long way for excited, energetic 4 year olds!!!)

Cranking away and helping push the fruit along the conveyor belts....

Exploring with water and the power that can be created....

Working with his friends on the ball wall....all sorts of gizmos, gadgets, and routes for the balls....

Trey and his buddies....

Trey learning all about electrons....

Trey & his buddy, Clayton, exploring with electrons.....

Trey and his preschool class....along with Miss Lyn & Miss Suzie, all ready for the bus ride home!

What a GREAT day!!!

By the way, for those of you who have been following the craziness of our journey to Des Moines.......

I GOT THE JOB!!!!!

There's only ONE....

word that describes me best these days.....

Take a look at the picture below and see if you can take a wild guess about which word I could possibly be talking about.....

If you guessed....STRESSED...you are correct!! There are sooooo many things going on right now at the Weite House that it's AMAZING that Jason and I are keeping our heads on straight. I'll give you a little run-down to keep you posted on this CRAZY, BEAUTIFUL little thing we call LIFE!!!

1. Obviously we've added another cutie to our bunch and are now a family of FIVE! Taylen is officially 2 months old as I type and we are loving all those fun little things babies bring along with them. Things like: dirty diapers, night time feedings, sleepless nights, and just those little "worries" that parents of newborns always have in the back of their heads: "Is she getting sick?", "Why's she crying??", etc....

2. We've decided to make a MAJOR move up to Des Moines this summer....we've enjoyed Ottumwa tremendously and this town has been pretty wonderful to us, but it's time to move on to the next stage in our lives. With Trey starting kindergarten, we figured it would be the best time to take the plunge!!! So, on top of the new baby and two other adorable kiddos, we are taking on the biggest challenge of our adult lives....moving our family!!

3. Jason interviewed with and was offered a position in the Des Moines Public Schools, where he'll be teaching high school special education and coaching varsity football, which has ALWAYS been a goal of his. Jason is the most dedicated and passionate person I have ever met and LOVES everything football! He's super excited to pursue varsity coaching opportunities up in Des Moines and I know there are hundreds of high school athletes that will benefit tremendously from his football expertise and abilities. We wish him lots of luck and success on the upcoming season...we'll be there cheering and are always his number one fans, of course!!!

4. Once Jason got the news and signed his contract, we put the house on the market, hoping for a quick sale, given our time frame. We received our full asking price offer and officially sold the house about 2 weeks ago. The buyer's financing was secured, the inspections are in the works, and we will be closing on the morning of June 17th. So, great news there....

5. We've spent the last 6 weekends (LOTS of GAS at these ANNOYING prices) up in West Des Moines looking for a house of our own. After many, many looks at many, many different types of houses, I am happy to say that we put an offer in on one about a week ago, which was countered, and we accepted!!! Assuming all inspections go well on that end, we will be closing on that house on the afternoon of June 17th and moving that weekend...(oh, the thought of packing and moving all our stuff makes me cringe, but I know it's part of the deal)

6. In the midst of traveling back and forth, I received a phone call letting me know that I had an interview with the Johnston Community School District, which is a suburb a little north of Des Moines and not a far drive at all from the house we ended up wanting. Johnston is a fantastic school district and I was stressed, to say the least, for the entire week leading up to the interview. Long story short, I received a phone call three days ago saying that everything went extremely well and they wanted to offer me a job, BUT, they are waiting on a few preschool issues to clear up. See, the new Governor of Iowa (who I did NOT vote for) doesn't really put a lot of effort into supporting educational issues. Preschool is one of the areas of concern and if legislation doesn't pass to keep it, Johnston will have 3 preschool teachers that will have the right to take any openings in the district that they are qualified for. (Three of those spots being one of the teaching positions I would get!!! See why I'm stressed??) If they keep preschool as is, then I'll be good to go and will hopefully be signing a contract soon....So it's just a waiting game for now. My mother in law just informed me this morning that they announced on the news that the politicians say the preschool issue will be among the last issues to be decided on. Which is rather annoying!!! I keep telling myself that worst case scenario, I could sub for the year now that I've already had an interview and then, hopefully, get hired on the next year. I'd really, really like to stay in the classroom, but we'll have to see how things work out....

So, as you can see, there are A TON of things going on around here, all of which are keeping us on our toes!!! I will conitnue to keep you updated as things progress....

I know above I said that there's only ONE word to describe me these days: STRESSED!!

Well. I lied because I'm also EXCITED and PROUD.....

ESPECIALLY of these little ones........

They, without a doubt, are the most important things in my life and the driving force behind everything Jason and I do. Our one goal is to create a healthy environment and provide them with the opportunities to be the best each of them can possibly be. When it's all said and done....every second and millisecond of STRESS will all be worth it!! One look at those adorable faces and there's no way anyone can possibly disagree with me!!!

KICKBALL TIME!!!!

I've blogged before about how much I love our YMCA here in town and all the activities they try to organize for the kids.....

Trey's latest session involves a little KICKBALL fun!! I mean organized kickball...there's a thought! Kickball was ALWAYS one of my playground favorites, but we never had anything like this!! I think I was more excited than Trey was!!

Trey's never played kickball before, so today was definitely a LEARNING the RULES day, but he had fun and did quite well once he got the hang of it.....

Waiting for everyone to show up....

Tylee ready to watch her big bro...she's sooooo ready to get out their and play with the big kids! She even brought her own water bottle!!!

My three munchkins...I LOVE this pic!!!

Stretching before game time....(we had to play inside today because of the rainy weather, but the games are supposed to be outside)

Trey kicking....

Trey figuring out it works better if you get a little bit of a running start and meet the ball to give it a whack!!!

Trey running off second base...great hustle!!!

Good job at your first kickball game, Trey Man! You'll get the hang of the rules and it'll totally help you when you start playing baseball! We are pumped to continue to watch you play anything and everything you love!! Always have fun and give 110%