Apple Picking at Riley's Farm

It wouldn't be fall in Southern California without the changing of the seasons and the harvesting of all the wonderful locally grown produce. This year, Andrew and his buddy, Jakob decided to make their way out to Oak Glen for a little apple picking.
The weather could not have been any more beautiful and the grounds at Riley's Farm are amazing. I have never seen so many apple trees! I have been to Riley's several times to take my students on field trips but we never stayed for picking. They have a variety of different fruits available every season and there sure is plenty to go around. We will certainly be pick for apple picking next year and will have to check out the other seasonal harvests!
I will let the pictures do the talking as the expressions on the boys' faces are priceless and narrate their fun perfectly! Enjoy and happy Fall!

They took this activity very seriously!

Apple picking: a Jakob approved activity

 

I simply adore this picture of my little man!

Best buddies!!

Andrew's First Baseball Game

Spontaneous…should very well be Kyle's middle name. The man lives on spontaneity. I am certainly not complaining and now, thanks to my new position, I am able to enjoy his spontaneous nature a little more and engage in his activities. I will say that some of our best memories over the last 14 years together (14 years...eeek!) have been those that Kyle decided that "let's do something!" on an absolute whim. And this memorable event, well, you soon agree is certainly the highlight of our last minute endeavors.

Tuesday morning, Kyle decided that today was the day that we take Andrew to his first ever baseball game. I was not opposed and knew that this little boy would be beyond excited. We recently bought Andrew an Angels baseball hat. I must tell you that this hat was picked out entirely by Andrew, without interference from us. If Kyle had had his way, Andrew would be wearing an A's hat. But call it the stunning red color or the gold halo that sparkled to his attention, Andrew selected his first baseball hat. He has worn it everyday and I must say, looks absolutely adorable…and handsome…and well, too dang grown up if you ask me.

After asking Andrew if he wanted to go to a baseball game and an enthusiastic yes response (duh!), we were loaded up with tickets in hand and on our way to Anaheim. So why all the fuss about Andrew's first baseball game. Number one, if you could have seen the look on this kid's face when we arrived and the whole day gearing up to said arrival, it would have made this entire post worth it for you but the part that brought mom and dad to tears…it's worth the hype, at least for a proud parent moment or may be one of the items on your bucket list if you are a baseball fan.

Tell me that he does not look so dang adorable. I know I am biased but seriously??!!

Some people go their whole life, attending sporting events and never so much as meeting a professional player or catching a game ball. Leave to our little guy, looking as spiffy as can be, to attend his very first baseball game and in the middle of the second inning manage to catch (with dad's help and the very kind gentleman behind us) a game ball!! The ball jumbled over our chairs and right into the lap of a gentleman behind Andrew. Without so much as even blinking, he leaned over and gave the ball to Andrew. The moment was absolutely cinematic! Andrew's face beamed and with the sincerest (and sweetest) thank you, he said "Thank em" to the kind man! Kyle and I couldn't believe it. Shocked would probably be the more appropriate word, absolutely shocked that this moment just happened for our little guy!

This was such a sweet moment that words will never be able to do it justice. It was priceless!

 

For the entire duration of the game, Andrew held onto the ball with a death grip. He starred at it and checked his prized possession frequently. He kept his eye on the ball if you will...sorry for the lame baseball pun, I couldn't help myself. Kyle looked so proud and me, well, I was water-welling, near tears disaster to see the looks on both of my boys faces. This was one of those moments that parenthood is all about. Kyle has waited a very long time to be able to enjoy a moment like this with his son. It is truly one we will never forget and one that we will remind Andrew of how lucky he is that he managed to take home a game ball. He is a very lucky little boy indeed!

Oh and don't you worry, he slept with a grip so tight that even a VERY jealous daddy had trouble getting it out of his hands.

My little fishy!

After many family days by the pool and always feeling on edge that if Andrew were to fall in, he would not know what to do, Kyle and I decided that we needed to get Andrew swim lessons. Even as (oftentimes overly) precautious parents, the thought of our little boy not knowing what to do if he accidentally fell in the pool, terrified us. Especially Kyle since he has responded to several too many child drownings in the department. Between Kyle's unfortunate experiences and my overprotective, over-stressed, worry wart nature, did I mention that I tend to worry about everything?, it was time for Andrew to learn how to swim.

After several of our friends raved and reviewed about a local swim teacher, we thought we would begin our quest in searching for an effective swim instructor. Some of our friends had enrolled in swim programs that met once a week for 30 minutes. These kids have been in the lessons for 3 months now and are still not swimming. Others had enrolled in a rigorous program that met for eight consecutive days for ten minutes. That's right, TEN MINUTES!!! First of all, I am a woman of rigor and I am all for speedy results but I was absolutely skeptical of the fact that a teacher could teach a toddler (and infants) how to swim in ten minutes in eight days. Sounded way too good to be true.
As I continued my quest in researching schools, the Learn to Swim in 8 days: Infant Aquatics program was continually brought up and parents were thrilled with the progress and the fact that their child(ren) were great swimmers...all in just ten minutes a day for eight days. I was overwhelmed by the majority of parents that highly recommended Ms. Kris for swimming lessons. At this point, I was convinced that this had to be the best place in town!

On Day 1, we arrived and to our surprise, found a fellow fire family and friend enrolled in the appointment time slot right before us. This was reassuring! To put our experience in a nutshell on day 1: Andrew swam...but was very upset! He managed to cry the entire lesson. But at the end of the day, he was able to grasp breathing control and retain memory of turning and reaching for the wall upon contact of the water. It was not a pretty site in terms of Andrew being a happy camper but alas, it was day 1. Over and out!

 Pretty much sums up day 1.

As the week progressed, Andrew was doing great. He was swimming!!! He even managed to swim in between the tears and the obstinate demeanor. He did not want to be forced under water and he certainly let Ms. Kris know that he was not having it. I have to say, at this rate and rigor, I can't imagine if Andrew or any kid for that matter would be able to get more than ten minutes in. This kid was exhausted. It was ten minutes of legit swimming.

Even through tears, this kid was swimming on Day 3!



During week 2, Andrew was putting together all the pieces and was quite the swimmer. He had great kicks and "superior arms" as Ms. Kris stated. Again, the tears and crying commenced. This began to be frustrating because he was doing so well but despite the tears, he was still following directions and listening to his teacher. What's with this kid? On Wednesday of week 2, we put the swim lessons to the test! My middle school team and I met with all of our kiddos and swam for the day. Don't you worry, we were going to practice! And practice we did! Andrew swam GREAT!! And better yet, he did not shed 1 tear. It almost seemed to a point that he was showing off. I was so proud of my boy and very impressed. He kept asking to swim, something I had never heard him ask to do.

During our swim fest, Andrew and two of the kids were walking around the steps of the jacuzzi in a circle. Andrew slipped and fell and was forced in the middle of the jacuzzi. Normally, there would have been a panic that would overcome me and I would have sprung into action to get him to the step. But something in me decided to wait a moment to see what he would do. Proud mama alert: Andrew kicked off of the bottom of the hot tub and with arms extended, swam to the edge of the wall and pulled himself out. No tears, no visible signs of stress, nothing! It was at that moment, it was all worth it! The rigor, the tears, the frustration, the commitment of driving everyday, everything...it was all worth it! My boy is a swimmer!

Our last day of swim lessons, Andrew walked into the lesson a completely different kid. There was a confidence about him. He willingly let me take off his shirt and didn't fight to get into the water. He even jumped into the arms of the assistant instructor...and if you know my kid and his Stranger Danger mentality, this was a VERY BIG step for him. I was delighted and thrilled that Andrew swam with gusto his entire session, without tears! My boy is a swimmer! A happy and can-do swimmer!

Usually he is so photogenic. You can see the smirk...he is fighting looking like he is pleased with himself!

Thank you for making my little boy a swimmer Kris!

I am not one to advertise and promote products and services on my blog. However, in this life-saving skill and milestone experience, I would be remiss if I did not highly recommend Kris Battista's Learn to Swim in 8 days program. While it is expensive, the peace of mind I have, the confidence I see exuding out of my son, and overall, the cost of preparing my son for this life saving skill; priceless! Her program is worth every penny...I promise!

Kris Battista's Learn to Swim in 8 Days: http://www.learntoswimin10days.com/

Making time for family

Ever since I was a little girl, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I had many wonderful teachers that inspired me to succeed academically and more importantly, learn how to LOVE learning. Teaching was what I was born to do. This I know to be true wholeheartedly! I love being in the classroom and I love the relationships that I have formed with my students. I still keep in touch with my students from my first year of teaching. For many years, teaching was more than just my passion, it was life! With Kyle working as often as he did, it was easy to spend every weekend developing fun lessons and spending hours revamping lessons and teaching methods. Once I became pregnant with Andrew, it was agreed that I would continue to teach and be a full-time working mom. A hefty title I know, but one I was prepared to handle and own! I knew that I would have to modify my commitment to the classroom as I had to put family first. I was optimistic that I could balance the two and not sacrifice my family for the sake of my teaching career.

After 8 years of teaching in the classroom, and absolutely loving it, the last 3 years have been a challenge. I have struggled to keep the balance of being a GREAT mom and wife and a GREAT teacher. While I was able to keep my professional commitments and excel in the classroom, my attention to my family and friendships was beginning to suffer and being neglected. And if you know me, you know that my family and friends are everything to me.

At the start of this school year, I spent an hour looking back at several of my blog posts and finished my session in tears. I realized that Andrew was going to be three this year and I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed at the thought of how fast this time has gone. At the end of every school year, I organize and host an Eighth Grade Promotional Ceremony for my students. Every year, I have the same conversation with my families that they can't believe how fast the time has gone. It seemed like just yesterday, their student was Andrew's age. I often received the same advice, "Enjoy it Mrs. Wallace, it goes by faster than you think! Trust me, my son/daughter is going to high school next year!" For many years, I shared the tears of joy and accomplishment but it wasn't until this year that this advice hit me hard and like a dagger, shot straight to the heart.

I believe that everything happens for a reason. The day that I had a near meltdown reminiscing over the early blog posts was the day that I was approached about a position in my school that allowed for flexibility and more time for family. And I wouldn't have to commute to Riverside on a daily basis anymore. I could still encourage my families and students but be more available to my family. It sounded too good to be true. The world of an ES (Education Specialist) was growing to be more and more appealing. With every conversation I had about transferring to this department from current ES's, I realized that it was a coveted position, one that I had to have! With determination and perseverance, I am delighted to announce that I have accepted an ES position. I am thrilled!

After thanking my family and friends for being "patiently impatient" with my career, I have decided to take a step back, step out of the classroom, and make more time for family. The thought of not being in the classroom and teaching my students the Wallace Ways in math or making ice cream for my states of matter unit saddens me. The thought of not being able to greet my kiddos in the morning with a fist bump and share in the stories of their lives, saddens me. However, the thought that Andrew is going to be three in 2 months and I can't believe that it literally went by in a blink of an eye, saddens me more. I know that there is always a place for me in the classroom but at this point in time, my family has to come first. I can always return to the classroom setting but I will never get back the years of my son's life, and hopefully more little Wallace's one day soon (soon people....don't be jumping to any conclusions...yet!)

I am excited to embark on this new adventure in my life. I don't know what the journey will hold or the challenges I will face but I know that I am making a decision that is best for my family. I am eternally grateful for the time I have had in the classroom. The memories, laughs, tears, and relationships that I have formed with my students, families, and co-workers are ones that I will forever hold dear in my heart. More importantly, I am very appreciative of the support and encouragement I have received from my families. Knowing that I would not be returning to the classroom next year to teach their child, my families have been wonderful and emphasized the importance of family. They have been so encouraging of my decision, further solidifying that being an ES is the next destined chapter in my life.

Many of you that read my blog have either been an influence in my professional career or have been a student or family that I have had the honor of teaching. Truly, it has been an honor and I am so thankful for the time I was able to spend teaching your child. Your support, encouragement, dedication, and creativity have helped mold me into the teacher I am. To my classroom teacher pals, thank you for your love and support you have shown me in my career. Your friendships and guidance have proven to be invaluable. I am certainly a better educator thanks to the influence and encouragement you showed me. And above all, to my family and friends, thank you for loving me and being patient with the demands that were placed upon you. I am so thankful for your kindness and for the time and sacrifices you made. My hopes are that my next post will be of excitement and raving reviews of my finally being able to find the balance between my personal and professional life. I am confident and excited to know that it will happen...soon! From the bottom of my heart to everyone, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Courtnie Wallace
Wife, Mom, Daughter, Friend, Classroom Teacher turned Education Specialist

Dream Team Reunion

After starting the Mosaic Program 6 years ago,  I have taught 5th-8th grade. I have had many teachers move to other grade levels or accept positions elsewhere. For the last 3 years, I have had the honor of working with the most cohesive, same goal-oriented group of women. When we first began our partnership as the 7th/8th grade combo, Lindsey was the only teacher with children. Now, we have quite the crew!

We have realized that oftentimes we have to make choices and sacrifices for our family. This year, three out of the four of us have decided that this would be our last year as a Mosaic Middle School teacher. Not wanting to lose touch, or separate these kiddos- as we are a small family in itself, we have organized get togethers with the kids...and mommies too!

 

My team teacher Lindsey and I were given a celebrity name from our students: Wallister. This picture is pretty accurately described as little Wallisters! Not to mention that Andrew has taken quite a liking to these little ladies! Boy, I am in trouble!

Andrew's Obsession with Pop Pop's Oldies

I know it's blurry but the expression on his face is priceless!

We must buckle up for safety!

He cannot get enough of honking the horn!

This pretty much sums it up!

Shocker, we are back to honking the horn...with a little encouragement from Grammie!

After terrorizing the garage, we decided to take Andrew for a mid afternoon cruise through De Luz in the Cadillac convertible. With the top down and the breeze blowing through his hair, Andrew felt it was the perfect setting for a nap. Lucky kid! Life sure is rough!

Temecula Berry Farm with the Besties

Even before I was pregnant with Andrew, I have loved coming to the Blueberry Farm. The berries are so unbelievably sweet and the experience as a whole is fun and somehow, therapeutic. Now that Andrew is old enough, (shoot, this kid think he owns the place with his high levels of independence), the Berry Farm is tons of fun. This year, we took his best buddy Jakob and the two of them had a ball. 

 

 

 

 

He took this whole blueberry picking thing VERY seriously this year!

 

Double Trouble!

 

 

 

 

I think for every 1 berry we picked, they ate one...or two!

We love our best buddies and our bestie time!