Survival Swimming

David was so sad he couldn't play ball this year! Being able to see under the helmet surely is a requirement! :)

Here David is doing Pilates in my socks! The heals are up to his calves!

I don't know if they call it survival swimming due to the fact that the mothers make it through or that the children learn to kick themselves to the side and pull themselves out of the pool.

I honestly, have been pleasantly surprised to my bundle of energy, fit throwing, full speed ahead 3 year old. David has done AWESOME this week. We are on day two. He is still sinking when told to get to the side, but hopefully, he will improve throughout the week. David had a great time today and so did I. We kept making each other laugh when we went under at the same time! He told me he was full in the middle of the lesson and sure enough that boy's belly was poking out...full of water!

I made corned beef for dinner. We love it! It is a super easy meal that is crock-pot prepared. I put it in this morning and added cabbage to the pot this afternoon. I like to make reuben sandwiches with the leftover meat.

Today we went downtown and went to the train depot and watched a crane load a freight car with scrap metal. A most exciting day! Tomorrow, we are planning a visit to our Art Museum. They have a GREAT new area for kids. I must admit, I love it too! Check out all they have to offer here. I'll post pictures of our time.

Linger over your coffee, go ahead and throw that load of stinky clothes in the dryer (the one we left in the washing machine on accident or on purpose), and enjoy your day!

Lots of things and Monkey Eggs

This was taken by the Leon Loard Portrait studio. Thankfully this is NOT the portrait shot we chose, but it made me laugh!

For my own memory, or lack there of, I am recording some verbiage that has come forth in our home.

I bought Monkey Bread for breakfast. David apparently was a bit confused and called it Monkey Eggs. A gross mistake, but absolutely hilarious.

Benjamin has shown an interest in deodorant. He loves putting on Ben's before school. We are just glad he has an interest in NOT stinking. A bit premature, however, we'll take it when we can. I am going to switch us all over to aluminum free due to the health concerns that have continued to linger with this ingredient. Any tips on some for men, women, and boys under 8 would be appreciated. :) Okay not the eight year old, but I had to throw that in there!

Luke is now an official first grader. He no longer will be with me in the little bubble where I work. Although, we are thrilled with the big school he will attend, it pulls at my heartstrings to watch this little fellow go without me. I teach K5 and we snuck hugs on the playground, waved at each other during chapel, and of course were just there together! How I will miss you Luke, but I know you will do great next year! I do have to say Luke, you are a diligent little boy and you have worked hard this year. I am so proud of you!

This is Luke(2 1/2) and Benjamin (3 1/2) how quickly time has gone!

I can't believe Benjamin is about to be a second grader! We were looking at his baby pictures yesterday. Where has the time gone? He just finished coach pitch baseball. He really enjoyed it. He quickly realized it was more difficult than T-Ball, but it warmed my heart to see him warm up at bat and stop and ask Jesus to help him. He would just pause, look down, and I knew what he was doing. He has also begun to confess to us when he has been disrespectful to us. It often happens after bedtime. I am thankful for this step, as he is recognizing his own sin. He is sorrowful and honest. It is a blessing to reassure him that we love him no matter what, encourage him to talk to God about it, and to offer our acceptance and forgiveness. I am thankful how the Lord is working in his life and that this began WITHOUT Ben and I prompting him. I am hopeful that I will remember this down the road...the Lord works in his life as He sees fit.

A friend of mine, Christy, shared this with our Bible Study:

There was a family that was blessed with a very obedient and tender hearted child. She grew up to serve the Lord and honored her parents.

In the same family there was a son who became very rebellious in his teenage and young adult life and broke his parents heart. Of course they loved him unconditionally and trusted the Lord with this child. The mother asked her husband what they did wrong.

He replied, "Do you take credit for what the Lord did in our daughter's life?"

She said, "No of course not. That was the Lord."

He said, "In the same way, we cannot take the choices our son has made and take the blame or take the credit for the wise choices of our daughter. We have parented them in the same way. Not perfectly, but the Lord has a plan for each of them. And we will trust him with them each."

Isn't that a good reminder that as we serve the Lord and look to Him for guidance in our parenting, it ultimately isn't about us as parents. We are sinners. He is bigger than us and has a plan for each of our children.