Grayson's Summer Swimming

Grayson thoroughly enjoyed his first summer swim team. He swam on the "prep" team for a local swim/dive team with several of this friends from school. He loved the morning practices, the donut days, swim party, and all the high school girls that served as coaches. He especially loved the trophy and special award he received at the year end banquet. Every kiddo receives a special award bearing the adjective that the coaches feel best describe that little person. Some examples are "Mr. Ready, Miss Cheerful, etc." Grayson's was Mr. Competitive.

That moniker is something different for us as I don't think that word has ever been used to describe Emma or Claire. It was really special for us to watch him grow in this program and are hopeful that he can do it again next summer.

Thanks to Sycamore Hills for providing such a relaxed and fun program!

Chaos.... Or Lakeside Dining?

Depends on who you ask.

We (and by we, I mean my husband) have been remodelling the kitchen (just flooring and appliances) for the past few weeks. This led to painting the hallway, installing new light fixtures, etc. You know how that goes.

We (now I mean me) were really hoping the bulk of it would be ready by tonight. I'm the July host for Mah Jong...... and I really didn't want to make 12 ladies sit on the floor.

By the grace of God and the never-ending work ethic of my hubby, it is finished!!! And we love it.

I haven't taken all the before and after pics yet, but I did learn a very important lesson through all this. When I got frustrated and irritated that nothing is where it should be... and I couldn't feed all of the kids at the kitchen table .... I finally adopted the attitude the kids had.

They were beyond thrilled to eat outside. They called it a picnic, lakeside dining, and commented on the fresh air and the view for a week straight. No complaints about the picnic food fare either. They definitely had the right perspective when I did not.

I may have to listen to them more often.

Things Heard Coming From My Mouth ......

in the past 48 hours. I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried....

1. "Who spray painted the garage door?" (the four year old 'fessed up)

2. "Next year, I'm not planting ANY flowers because everyone around here EATS them!"
(turns out it's only the dog and the baby but it FEELS like everyone)

3. "The next person who poops and doesn't flush looses a dollar out of their piggy banks."
to which Grayson replied..."If you forget Mommy... I'll give you some dollars."

Just a typical week here... except for the bonus of watching three children scrub the garage door. I'm so sorry I didn't get a picture of that one.

Summer is....

going home again to attend an incredibly run (and exhausting week) of vacation bible school, hanging out with nearest and dearest friends, and hearing my kids giggle late at night with their version of cousins. It is sun-kissed noses, afternoons at the pool, smores at night, and going to sleep to the sounds of fireworks set off on the lake.

I haven't been posting much ... but I have been enjoying the long and lazy days of summer. Hope you are too.

Thanks to the girls of Morton United Methodist Church for (again) welcoming my kids and giving them an incredible Christ-filled experience! And for giving me some great girl time! You guys are the best!!