May is here

Well, we see how busy it's been with the Wilsons when we look at the date of my last post! Don's mom came to visit us for 2 weeks to meet and enjoy the new twins at the Banta household (Don's sister's family). As of right now, I have just under 3 weeks to get my house in order for my family to arrive for our family reunion. The reunion, itself, isn't 'til the very last day of May (and into June), but I have my 2 sisters and their children arriving early. So much to do with the house, yard, etc!

Ariel made high Honor roll for her 2nd trimester, and received an award at an 'Honors Banquet' (which we never received her invitation to for some reason and we missed out on). Her test in AP World History is in 11 days (this is for college credit!), keep her in your prayers, please.

Tori made the honor roll last semester, and we are very proud of her! She is continuing to do very well in her art class and plans to continue taking art classes.

DJ is doing SO well in school! It's wonderful to see his enthusiasm for learning. He can't wait to get into 2nd grade, and his reading is far above grade level at this point. We'll find out later this month if he's going to be included in the 'pre-gifted & talented' group that the school has for K-3 at this time. After 3rd grade, they have the 'real' gifted & talented program that will help him stretch himself with learning. We love the GT teacher at his school, she is still one of Ariel's very favorite teachers!

Jr went to kindergarten open house with me last week. She's quite shy still, but was warming up to the atmosphere as we were finishing up seeing all of the classrooms. She was disappointed to find out that she wasn't going to learn anything while we were touring the kindergarten rooms, so I really hope she has a great time once she gets started. She's very lucky to have DJ to help her get on the bus and to the right classroom, I think that will help her out a lot (I expect some tears, and possibly even a phone call from school the first day or two...or more. She's quite the 'mommy's girl having been home with me alone for 2 school years).

The house continues to see improvements as it is my favorite thing to do! Tori has moved (mostly) into a new bedroom, so I get to help her paint that room! A bright lime green and a lighter shade of almost neon pink (if that makes sense), and lots of accessories in bright, bold colors (a girl after my own heart!). We spent 2 days getting the yard mowed, swept, raked and picked up. but no progress on the garden as time hasn't allowed. This week will see me painting Tori's room and her shelves, getting paint for the entry/hall way, cleaning out the basement family room for new flooring, and helping Don (FINALLY) put a shower in the master bathroom! We've rearranged and updated the living room somewhat, and cleaned out the garage (mainly, seems we always find a way to clutter it back up pretty fast!). All in preparation for my family reunion (ok, mostly for that). With luck, I'll post successes and more progress for next week!