Learning from Experience

We had a swim team meet tonight.  And both my little fellas did really great.  No, neither of them is an accomplished stroke-swimmer.  But, one month has made a TON of difference in their swimming lives! 

My middle man is all about the swim team!  He loves it and would prefer to wear his swim-team shirt every day.  It was terribly dirty before the meet tonight and he was almost broken up over it!!  Tonight he realized that he can do it all by himself.  And at his age that is important.  The swimmers in his age group only get first place if they do it completely unassisted.  The unassisted swimmers place first and then they place the assisted swimmers in their order accordingly.  He was almost jipped out of 2nd place UNASSISTED...with an Assistant mark on his card----but I quickly went to make sure he was getting his fair shake on it!!!  He has made the decision that he will be swimming ALL alone at his meets from now on!  You gotta love this little guy!!  If nothing else he has a TON of heart!!  I am hoping that the Good Lord has blessed him with a little bit of athletic talent to go along with his heart!  But, you know, heart can carry you a long way!!

My oldest little man has not been so sure about his involvement in this sport.  He is extremely competitive.  And basically would prefer not to participate if winning isn't a strong option for him.  However, I think he is changing his mind.  He had a blast tonight at his first meet.  He came in 2nd on one heat and 3rd on his three others.  Quite the accomplishment for a young man that has not been on the swim team before.  And he was proud.  Yes, he did mention that he badly wants a blue ribbon.  But, isn't it wonderful that he has something to work towards?  And I think he has great potential to win that ribbon before the end of summer! Regardless of whether he ever gets that first place ribbon, I am still so proud of him and his drive to be the best he can be.   

Is it August yet?

Just kidding!  But, summer-time sure can wear a mama out!!  I am enjoying every moment with my kids. I have only had a few "gonna go crazy" moments!  I do love summer and am not actually wishing it away.

The kids are enjoying their time too!  Tonight is my middle man's first experience at the movie theatre!!  Toy Story 3 here we come!!

I told you my middle man was getting pretty comfortable in the pool!!  This is his cousin Justin with him.

Summer Days

Summer time has arrived at full speed!  We have already had a farewell to the school-year, a family wedding and the end of t-ball season.  Now we are full-swing into swim team!  (and we are finishing up our first season of coach-pitch baseball with our very first tourney this weekend)

This year we decided to sign the boys up for our neighborhood swim team, and I can already tell a HUGE difference.  I really never expected to place my boys on the swim team. However, we simply could not pass up the exposure to the pool each week.  Along with a relatively cheap form of swimming lessons, it can't be beat.  And our middle man went from not wanting to get his head wet two weeks ago to doing flips in the water today!  He has become a fish and I am so glad!  They still are working at getting to a point of being competitive, but that will come with time.  (It looks as if backstroke might drown them each time they attempt it!) So far we have spent almost every day at the pool and this mama is covered up with sun-poison!  Thankfully, the kids are not!

Here is my little "Holly Hobby".  That is, if you remember who Holly Hobby is!  If you do, I guess you are at least as old as I am!

Keep Looking Up

We went today for an annual torture portrait session.  These times with three active children are just a challenge.  My sweet husband strongly prefers to stay out of these trips.  So, sometimes I con my mom to go with me.  She also strongly prefers to stay out of these trips!  And she wonders why I put myself through such.  THE above picture is WHY!!!  (and of course many other pictures too!!!)

I was an immediate fan of this picture.  It seems as if they are looking up for Jesus to return.  Of course, the photographer did not mention any thing of the sort.  They were just looking at a spot on the sheet behind them.  But then, to add to the specialness of  this picture, my sweet middle man came in tonight to see the pictures on the computer.  He immediately said: "That is my favorite.  its like we are looking at God."

I pray they keep looking up every day.  Looking to the Father and trusting in Him all the way!!

By the way, I ordered a nice large one of these for my new dining room.

And here are a couple more cuties to share from our experience!  (which wasn't so bad today after all!!)

Happy 2nd Birthday SWEET Girl!

Today is my precious little girl's birthday.  It is hard for me to believe she is 2!  I have enjoyed every minute of her life!  And still giggle when I get her dressed every day!  Having a little girl is so much fun.  Especially after having two boys.  We spent some time this morning with the doctor for her 2nd check-up.  She is a healthy little thing.  Growing well, but isn't quite so tall anymore.  She is in the 50-75th percentile for height.  Unlike last check-ups where she was measuring in the 95th%!  She is in the 25-50th% for weight. 
Every question she was asked while we were with the doctor was answered "2".  That is the answer to "How old are you now?" So all day she has been saying: "2". 

Right now she is napping.  But we have presents and cookie cake for this evening!!  We also have a visiting Nana, which makes any day better!! 

Relax, Nothing is too Difficult for Him

After the last post about my inadequacies of being a mother, I thought I would post something that I find inspiring.

I have been reading a new devotional this year.  It was given to us by our Sunday School teachers at Christmas time.  And I have really enjoyed it.  It is entitled: "Jesus Calling." 

Last week this was some of what the Lord revealed to me.

"I AM A MIGHTY GOD." Nothing is too difficult for Me.  I have chosen to use weak ones like you to accomplish My purposes.  Your weakness is designed to open you up to My Power.  Therefore, do not fear your limitations or measure the day's demands against your strength.  What I require of you is to stay connected to Me, living in trusting dependence on My limitless resources.  I am not a careless god.  When I allow difficulties to come into your life, I equip you to fully handle them.  Relax in My Presence, trusting in My Strength." 

Wow, I need that reminder every day.  And I sure am thankful for its TRUTH!!  I so often hear: "Jesus helps those who help themselves."  That isn't Biblical.  Jesus doesn't need our help.  He can handle it ALL on his own.  Isn't that a wonderful blessing!! 

My Thoughts on Mother's Day (A Day Late)

As I reflect on the day set aside for celebrating mothers.  I think I am still overwhelmed by the fact that I actually AM the mother! 

Before I became a mother I fancied myself one that really understood children.  And of course a real "expert" on parenting issues!  I did graduate with a degree in Child Development after all!  And all of my education surely had taught me everything a potential parent needs to know!  I had the privilege of teaching high school students about parenting and child development issues for seven years before I was ever blessed to be a parent myself.  And now, here I am fourteen years later...seven years of teaching and seven years of mothering.  I can say with confidence that I was NOT at all prepared for this job of mothering.  Yes, my children are well loved and mostly well cared for.  They are clothed and fed and watched with great care.  I do my job of worrying and fretting over them with great EASE!  But, do I really know what I am doing as a mother?  NO way!   I am fumbling through this job on a daily basis.  I am learning with the best of them how to handle all of the issues that being a mom brings.  Here are some of our issues at hand: strong-willed, stubbornness, lying, fighting, tattling, harsh-talk, smart-mouthing, temper-tantrums, chores, cleaning-up after-oneself, sharing, coveting, obeying, gentleness, compassion, being helpful, managing money and allowance, discipline at school.  And, then they have their issues too!  
Now, don't misread me here.  I LOVE every moment of being a mommy.  I wouldn't trade these shoes in for any others!!  But, I am struggling with my role.  I want to be the best mom possible.  You know the perfect kind!  And oh so often I realize that it is not within me.  I am so thankful that every day I can give it all to the ONE who has to do it through me.  What a blessing that my heavenly Father is gracious enough to cover over my mistakes and mother my children through me. 

I have been anticipating being a mama since I was a very little girl.  My own mama made every part of being a mom look so EASY!   I wish I could do it with such ease.  I keep thinking that soon enough I will get the hang of it!!  But, every time I start to, they go and move on to another challenge or stage in their little lives!  So, as we will muddle through it together, I learn more and more about myself!  Mostly I am learning to trust Jesus with every moment and enjoy it all as He continues to bless me as a mother!!  And as the student now, I will continue to eat all the humble pie that comes my way.  I think I am beginning to get used to it!

Happy Mother's Day!

(just one day late!!---being on time is another one of our my issues at hand!!)

By the way---my middle man is not mad here....he is striking a pose!  Not sure where he learned that!!!