9 Months (Plus two weeks)

I know... I know.  I'm two weeks late with this post.   But there's a good reason for that.

He's MOBILE.  Crawling...pulling to stand ... cruising on furniture.  Did I mention cruising FROM furniture to walls - then other pieces of furniture?  He's taking steps FORWARD.  All in two weeks.

It's exciting.  And frightening.    I had sort of forgotten the whole "mobile baby boy"  stage.  It is sooo vastly different from the girls.   But that smile ... makes me forget what a handful he is.

And the hair.  Cooper's now sporting some serious "man hair."  It's thick, blonding up nicely, and CURLY.    Especially is this humidity.  Oh, and of course during fits when we cry so hard we sweat buckets.  But we wouldn't know anything about that would we Cooper?  Nope.  Not me mama.

Happy 6th Birthday Grayson!!!

I remember the evening of May 13th, 2003 very clearly. I was really nervous. Really. Nervous.

I vividly recall wondering how ALL these emotions could possibly be going on all at the same time. I was elated, terrified, excited, sad, tired, exhilerated, impatient, and peaceful.

This was not my first baby. But that just made it all the more ... nervewracking. This time, I knew what to expect. Or did I?

I'd never had a boy before. What did I know about it? Was there enough room in my heart for another child? What would you look like? Would we have to drive YOU halfway to Cleveland to get you to sleep? Would you be a good sibling? What dynamic would you add to our family?

Six years later and I honestly can't imagine life without you. One look at you and I knew who you were. I thought (and still do) you'd been here before. And I knew we'd never look back.

You are the kid that tears the knees out of every single pair of jeans. You bring me a tissue when a Hallmark commercial comes on ... then stays to throw it away. You live to antagonize your sisters ... and make up for it by picking me flowers.

You are the kid that notices things others miss. Or don't take the time to see. I love that about you. You run like the wind. And eat like a horse. Your eyes, hair, and freckles make my heart hurt ... they are that cute. I mean ... handsome.

Happy 6th birthday buddy. And, for the record, you nailed the sibling thing. Blew the doors right off. Love you.

Mom

Wordless Wednesday ...

Mother's Day Week ....In Real Life

I wish I had a cutesy picture of me with all my children to share with you on Mother's Day. You know the kind ... all of us in matching (or at least coordinating) outfits ... all looking in the same direction ... and smiling. Don't have one of those. At all. Ever. That's just not our real life.

I have friends that take these pictures and live this life...and I just love looking at the gorgeous documentation of their families. We just don't. Our real life photo collection is more the ... "dirty faces, snotty noses, and halfway-decent photos except for the finger in the photo lens" kind. Editing? Photoshop? Please. I barely have time to shave both of my legs.

The best I can do is to share these un-edited, non "Photo-shopped" shots of me with the kiddos during all the Mother's Day activities at school. Claire and I got to share a brunch at "Muffins with Mom" at preschool and Grayson had a Mother's Day tea at Kindergarten. Emma and I got some quality girl time yesterday with lunch and a shoe shopping expedition. I got to sleep in, Monte and the kids made breakfast, and all of us went swimming at the Y.

It was a great week to celebrate the gift of being a mom. A great day to celebrate the joy of real life. Happy Mother's Day to all of you. May each of us be aware of and honor the exceptional moments in our own real lives. Every day. God bless.

Addendum to Coin Toss

"The bigs" just got home from school. Imagine my surprise when Grayson announced he had won Character Kid of the Month for Responsibility. Yep, the same award Emma just won. I demanded proof.

This stunning turn of events suggests one of a few things:

1. The pool of contestants leave something to be desired.

2. The teachers select kids not by merit but by choosing names from a hat.

3. There was not an award given for "class wiseass." (See Coin Toss post from earlier today)

All kidding aside buddy - Congratulations! We are really very proud of you.

The Coin Toss ....

Grayson (in the car on the way to the store): "Mom ... remember when God was trying to decide where to send Cooper when he was still in heaven?"

Me: "Uhhh.... yeah." (Eloquent as always)...

Grayson: "Do you think Cooper won the coin toss .... or lost?"

Me: (long pause... while considering whether to laugh out loud or not) "Let's just go with won."

Congratulations Emma ...

Dear Emma,

I'm always proud to be your mom. Every day. There are many reasons why ... none the least of which is your sense of responsibility. You amaze me with how helpful you are with Cooper and I can always count on you to be the first one done with ALL of your chores in the morning.

This week, your teacher recognized that trait and honored you "character kid of the month" for responsibility. To you, it's not a big deal. As you put it, "it's a certificate and a free pencil." But ... a different teacher gave you the same award last year. To me, it's a sign we're on the right track.

Today, at the SWAC banquet, you received a medal for completing your IMX challenge. Even though you tried to hide your enthusiasm (because you are a COOL eight year old), I noticed you wore it all evening then placed it on your headboard - right next to your pillow.

I'm pretty proud of that medal too ... but not for the same reasons you are. Sure, it's great that you improved your strokes enough to legally complete all of those events. But I'm more proud of you for doing the work. Each week. Even when you didn't feel like it.... or when I didn't.

That's responsibility. That's the kind of stuff that parents and teachers notice ... remember ... and are proud to be a part of. Way to do the work kiddo.

Now, can we talk about your room for a minute???

Thank Heavens For ...

a little boy who woke up REALLY early, got ready in record time, and wasn't too embarrassed to take the "decorated" lunch bag his mama packed for him. Hope you have fun today buddy!

Our American Idols

If you are hoping this post has something to do with the TV show, just stop reading now.

I'm just not into it this season. I don't even remotely care who wins. Besides, my kids have their own AI's. Their teachers.

My kids have some serious adoration for their teachers. Which, of course, I'm thrilled about. On so many levels. I know each of those ladies fairly well now and believe all of them to be of unbelievable character and talent. They are engaging, fun, hip, nuturing and cool. They run their classrooms like well-oiled machines. To top it off, they look good doing it.

And ... to hear my kids tell it ... NOTHING like me. If I wasn't so chock-full of self-esteem, this would start to get to me. Comments like...

"Mom, how come YOU don't write write/draw/paint like Mrs. R?"
"Why do WE only have ONE dog? Mrs. R has three."
"When Mrs. R reads to us, SHE uses lots of funny voices."
"Mom, when will you grow your hair out like Mrs. R? Hers is curly AND long. And not gray at all."
"How come WE have to buy our soap at Wal-Mart? Mrs. R makes all of hers at home."

Yep...Mrs. R is divine. She has a multitude of artistic talents that include cool voices and soap making. She also has mad calligraphy skills. I don't draw. Or paint. I barely remember to feed the one dog I do have. I'm just going to bite my tongue about the hair. Especially because the onset of the gray hair coincidentally began right around the time Emma was born.

It's not just Emma. The peanut gallery also includes the Kindergartner.

"Mom, instead of saying my name louder, you should just say "1..2..3.. Eyes on Me - like Mrs. E does." (Um ... why don't you just listen the first time? Or two?)
"How come you never wear pretty dresses like Mrs. E?" (Because spit up and playdough go much better with T-shirts and jean shorts.)
"Mom, were you ever pretty like Mrs. E?" (Well ... maybe. Years ago. Ask Daddy. He married me didn't he?")

I don't have the heart to inform Grayson that the moon has been here for millions of years. He thinks Mrs. E hung it. The stars too. I'm already feeling sorry for his 1st grade teacher. She'll have a hard time measuring up. And Mr. E better just watch himself. One false move and Grayson would be glad to marry his wife.

Kids pay attention. For years I've worried about who they'll pay attention to. What kind of "role model" will they want to emulate? The athletes? the actresses? the singers?

Not right now. Right now, they are in love with their teachers. Mrs. R, Mrs. E, Miss J and Miss T are the standard to which everyone else is compared. And I am NOT making the cut.

It's OK. Because if they make my kids happy while helping them learn .. then I'm in love with them too.

Lovin' The Ranch ....

starts pretty early around here.

It's the one thing we never run out of. I ALWAYS have a spare bottle in the pantry. In case of true emergencies, we've been known to hoard (and use) the individual packs McDonald's gives you with chicken nuggets.

To some, it's merely a condiment. To us, it's a food group.

Does My Guy Look Like ....

Dennis the Menace or what?

I'm loving the Kindergarten boy look ... complete with backward TinCaps baseball cap, old faded striped shirt and too-short jeans with a hole in the knee. It's a good thing I'm cool with that look - because it's the only one he's sporting lately.

My Response to "What's It Like to Have (Four) Kids?" ...

This question has come up more than once... and most recently this weekend. A happily married YOUNG acquaintance and I were having a conversation about kids. When to have them, how many to have, etc. AS IF you can schedule that kind of thing. Which you can't. Unless you are my friend Nicole. Anyway.

She asked me this question - "What's it like to have four kids?"

I don't know if she meant "having kids in general" or "having four kids." Personally, I think if you answer the "having kids" part ... "four kids" is just the same ... only more. Obviously.

I gave her some glib, off the cuff response. Even if I could think on my feet (which I can't), it's pretty hard to explain ... especially to someone who's never done it. Here's what I wish I would have told her.

Having kids is really just a study in contradictions. It can ... and will ... bring out both the best and worst in you. They can ... and will ... bring you both soul-bursting joy and the gut-wrenching pain. It's potentially the only journey you take not knowing anything about the route you will go.

There is little to no training, you're on duty 24/7 for the rest of your life, and there is no monetary reward. And, unfortunately, there are no do-overs if you screw up. Just apologies. And therapy.

Having children makes you stop and be more aware of things you weren't before: rainbows, roly-polys and mudpuddles. You also become obsessive about things you hadn't cared less about prior ... immunizations, chemicals in plastic bottles, and power lines.

Children can be ... and often are ... the links that connect you to the best friends you've ever had in your life. They are also the reason you invite those friends to have a glass (or bottle) of wine with you.

Certain things become endless ... diapers, laundry, dishes, meal preparations ... worry, pride, and love. "How to solve world peace" and "Who does she sit by at lunch?" become equally important. Absurdly.

Children somehow change you into someone you never saw yourself becoming... a multi-tasking, schedule juggling, laundry-doing, homework-helping, baby-food making woman committed to making sure everyone has enough exercise, snacks, friends, clean sheets and self-esteem to make it through the day. It's up to you to make sure you like that person too.

Certain things become priceless: clean air, pure water and freedom ... hand-picked dandelions, the smell of sun-kissed hair, the sounds of siblings giggling after the lights have gone off, and family movie night. With popcorn.

Your heart will soar with contests won, tests aced, and party invitations. It will break with team try-outs, "She won't play with me," and the death of a pet.

There will be days you go to bed each night thinking - "Do I really HAVE to do this again tomorrow?" But more often, you will go to bed asking yourself "Do I really GET to do this again tomorrow?"

I wish I could have told her that. But she'll find out. Soon enough. And all on her own.

8 Months Today!!

Really?

My calendar says Cooper is 8 months old today. My head has a hard time believing that much time has passed. My heart disagrees ... essentially feeling like he's always been here ... always a part of this family ... just a member we hadn't met until August.

He's a big kid now. He's rolling over both directions (finally), turning his nose up at baby food (puree is for amateurs), and starting to wave bye-bye (genius). He also has a great head of hair. It's not like infant hair. More like man hair. It even parts on the side like Barney Rubble.

He's good stuff. Enjoy some recent shots. At the rate I'm going, it may be awhile before you see some updated ones.

Easter Weekend 2009 - "It's Not About the Candy"

From our family to yours ... we are hopeful you had a blessed Easter filled with the glory of God and the message of hope Jesus brought to earth 2000 years ago.

Those of you who know our family well knows that Emma has traditionally gotten a little preoccupied with Jesus and the story of his crucifixition. It is something she has always taken to heart and it always upsets her - despite our best attempts.

This year, all the kids have a great (age appropriate) understanding of the true Easter Story and it was a delight to hear them discussing it amongst themselves. It went a little something like this -

"Hey - look at this rainbow colored egg."

"Claire, Easter's not about the egg - it's about Jesus."

(a little later)

"Awesome! ....I love Butterfingers!"

"Duh! Easter's not about Butterfingers either - it's about Jesus."

"Uh-huh - Jesus liked Butterfingers too - didn't He Mom?"

(Then, in true sibling form, an argument ensued about which candy bar Jesus liked best.)

Sigh. They get the idea.

We were able to spend some time at the Splash Universe Waterpark in Shipshewana with my parents and brother. The Easter bunny even left Nana and Papa a giant chocolate easter egg to bring for the kids. The kids were had a great time and the big kids haven't taken their wristbands off yet!

We finished off the weekend with dinner and an egg hunt with friends and kite flying in the backyard. We're all still talking about the "best Easter ever." And if anyone out there knows for sure whether Jesus prefers Reeses, Snickers or Butterfinger, I wish you'd let me know so we can move on.

Glimpses

So... Emma can read ... really well. And she can pull up our blog with no assistance. And read it.

So...she wasn't too keen on the last post regarding spring break. After my explanations of "sarcasm" and "journalistic license," I told her I'd apologize. Sorry Em. (But I'll still be waiting at the bus stop with a big smile on my face tomorrow morning.)

The REAL story about spring break came in glimpses. Because we did a "staycation," this week, I was able to really spend some quality time with the kids. We got a chance to concentrate on some new skills that gave this mama a bit of bragging rights. And I caught some glimpses of the new and exciting impending new stages in their lives.

For a girl who honestly doesn't care what kind of disastrous state her room is in, Emma is really turning out to be a TREMENDOUS help in the babysitting department. She is very responsible with Cooper on a daily basis...and she showed extraordinary care and attention when watching our dear friend Hannah Claire this weekend. Watching her balance Cooper on one hip or explaining potential dangers to the younger ones makes me unconsciously flash forward to when moms (like me now) are calling her to babysit. I think she'll be ready. And I'll be honored.

Glimpses.

Grayson is leaping tall buildings in a single bound. Really. He's riding with bike with no training wheels like he's done it his entire life. This skills has led to some incredible bike rides - just he and I. The talks we have when it's just us ... and the way he stops his bike to pick up a worm on the sidewalk and throw him back into the grass ("because that's where his family is")....melts my heart. He's also reading. Entire books. At night now he often reads to me ... it's hard to tell who is prouder. But I know it's me.

Glimpses.

Claire is most content to be here at home. With me. Doing her favorite things. In her comfort zone. Lately though ... she's expanding that zone. Slowly. As is her way. In ways I don't think she'll notice. But she does. Several nights this week I've overheard her telling Blue Bear (her lovey since she was two weeks old), "Today I _____ and I was scared... but I did it!" You go girl.

Glimpses.

Cooper. I'm trying hard to pay attention and commit it all to memory. His babyhood is so precious...and he's moving incredibly quickly toward toddlerhood. I'm getting glimpses of his "boy face" this week in his profile ... or when he's sleeping on his side ... just like his brother. Each phase only lasts so long ... and as parents, we are always excited and sad to see one end and another begin.

I mentioned Hannah earlier. We got to spend some time with her yesterday while her parents attended a function. We hadn't seen her in a while and she'd really changed. That fast.

Her parents are seeing glimpses of impending changes in their baby girl. Click here to read about it. If you know me at all, it will make you laugh outloud. Because the baby whisperer probably never has to apologize to her eight year old daughter for being sarcastic on her blog.

Spring Break

Well, it's Friday night and the kids are in bed. My billing reports and progress notes for work are finished and emailed in to the appropriate people. I planned on filling you in on all the witty and fun things the kids and I accomplished this week.... this loooooong week while ALL of them were off school. But I won't. I'm too tired.

Suffice it to say that nothing screams "BIRTH CONTROL" like spring break.

In fact, if I were in charge of high school curriculum, I would suggest that all high schoolers spend a few days babysitting families when all the kiddos are home for a week. With their other siblings. With NOTHING to do. In cold, rainy weather. Listening to things like "He hit me." or "It's my turn." Over and over and over.

Yep. Planned Parenthood should have a video of my house this week.

Only three days till Monday.

More Pics of Girls' Weekend...

On the 8th day, God created ....

girls' weekends. I'm sure of it.

I just returned from a great example of what girls need to rest and rejuvenate. My husband arranged for me to spend some time in Milwaukee with some girls I used to work with when we lived there. It has been almost nine years since I moved away, but I wasn't worried. With this group, we have an uncanny ability to pick up right where we left off. I consider it an indication of true friendship. Well, that ... and the fact that they relish a good fish fry and cocktail as much as I do. It is Wisconsin after all.

It was a wonderful 48 hours ... packed with fish fry at Trocadero, a relaxing stroll around Cedarburg (one of my favorite little towns on the north shore), an open house at Cedar Creek Winery, shopping at Bayshore mall, and fantastic food all along the way. Not to mention cosmopolitans and pomegranate martinis....

Did I mention the hotel room? Adjoining rooms with FOUR full sized -sleep number beds. With no husbands, no kids, and no pets taking up space or covers. Wowee! That ALONE would have been nirvana for this mama. But it got better! Add in a pool, hot-tub, and a fridge stocked full of wine, crackers, CHEESE (you just knew that was coming didn't you?) and uninterrupted girl talk. Ahhhhh.... heaven.

We topped it off with brunch at Lake Park Bistro. Despite living in that area for eight years, it was my first time there. After eating all weekend, I wasn't sure I would fully appreciate the food or experience so I suggested we skip it. The girls wouldn't hear of it. I'm so glad they insisted. The bistro overlooks Lake Michigan and that body of water on a sunny day still takes my breath away. The cuisine is French, the waitstaff is wonderful, and the flavors are divine. So are the mimosas. If you're ever in town ... I highly recommend it.

It was hard to leave. Really hard. Milwaukee is a great place to live. Even greater place to visit. So much to see and do ... especially without the kids. But I missed the kids ... and the great guy who sent me to see my friends. And stayed home with all four. On our anniversary. So, after flipping a coin, I came home.

The good news? I didn't get to see it all. And since it only takes 3 hours and 45 minutes to get there from here (if you don't stop and Chicago traffic is light), I'll probably get to go back again.

Monte, thank you. Love you. Lori, Amy, Ann, and Cathy - thank you. Love you too. Let's not make it so long until next time.

Happy 8th Birthday Emma!

When Emma gets off the bus after school today, she will be 8 years old. Or, as she told me last night, halfway to sweet sixteen. Gulp.

There are definitive signs she is growing up. Today, I told her I would bring her a special birthday lunch .. and not subject her to the "ultimate pizza snack" offered via the school cafetorium. She's apparently outgrown Happy Meals ... opting for a ham and cheese from Subway. For dinner? Vegetable lo mein please. I'm just glad she hasn't discovered sushi.

She chose to host a sleepover for four of her friends instead of pushing tokens into obnoxious video games at a pizza toting restaurant with a large mouse on it. She's "so over" Chuck E Cheese.

We also did the gift shopping a little differently this year. She made a list of items she wanted for her birthday - along with how much they cost. Then we talked about the birthday budget. Given that budget, it was her responsibility to come up with what she wanted and could afford. It completely did away with the whining, gave her complete control over what gift she chose, and made her appear very grown up, especially when she asked if she could use the money to attend some art classes. Uhh...sure. But don't you want to go buy candy?

All this growing up is a little hard to take. That's why I was soooo glad when the sleepover girls selected BOLT as the movie to see at the theatre. There's just something special about a bunch of giggling girls and an animated movie that makes things slow down just a bit. Even if it only lasts 90 minutes.

Happy Birthday Emma. No rush to 9 right?

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Other than turning another year older, yesterday was a pretty great day. I woke up and made a conscious decision NOT to focus on inching closer to the big 4-0. Instead, I remembered something a former patient once told me about how he celebrated every birthday - up into the 80's (he never did tell me how old he actually was). His advice? "Every year on your birthday, TAKE STOCK. Think GENERALLY about all the things you've accomplished in your lifetime ... then think SPECIFICALLY about the things you've done just in the past 365 days."

So, I took stock. When I actually took the time to think about the new experiences, great friends, and new baby that have come into my life this year, I was so humbled and grateful God blessed me with these past 12 months.

I got to see four of the cutest little kiddos on my caseload. I listened as my kindergarten boy read me five books all by himself. I ran five miles on the treadmill (a new personal best). I relished in my homemade cards from my kids (and one from Claire's BFF as well). I started on a list of songs I want on my new Ipod shuffle. And ... I started on my application to volunteer for Operation Smile. It's been something I have ALWAYS wanted to do. It was so inspiring to look through the stories and list of countries - knowing that someday, I could actually DO THIS. I've got some work to do to be a certified volunteer. But... I've taken the first step. Stay tuned.

Thank you to all of you who have called, emailed, or sent cards. It's nice to be remembered. I'm blessed to have you.

How Cool Is Covington???

I love my kids' elementary school. Seriously. Love it.

It currently has 734 enrolled children ages 5th grade down to kindergarten. That's roughly equivalent to half of my hometown. It was very daunting when we first moved here.

It doesn't feel quite that large anymore. Because of reasons like this.

Yesterday, I was in the office writing ANOTHER check for lunch money. I get to do that every time a brightly colored, typewritten piece of paper labelled "cafetorium" shows up in either backpack.

The art teacher (who is SUPER) recognized me and mentioned she was surprised Emma was only signed up for one "enrichment" class. Enrichment classes are fantastic short-courses in just about everything the kids have the option of attending after school. Everything from fun foods to fly fishing to foreign language to bunco. No kidding.

I told her Emma simply couldn't narrow it down to below six (which would have cost about $200.00) so I had simply chosen ONE for her. But how nice of her to notice.

She volunteered that only one other second grader was signed up for "Italian Street Painting." Ironically, that little person is a good friend of Emma's. Wouldn't it be cool if they did it together? Indeed.

I mentioned it to Emma. She's all signed up. And elated. About learning how to "paint Italian street murals." Per the syllabus.

I think I just shelled out $10.00 for Emma and her friend to sidewalk chalk while being supervised by the art teacher.

The things we do for love. And super-cool elementary schools. And art teachers who remember both you AND your kid.

Cooper's New Trick

Our littlest guy is now eating puffs! Not only that, but he's feeding himself! Not always accurately (see above photo where the puff is on the sleeve) but .... he's doing it.

I'm not sure how I feel about this latest development. Of course, it's a GREAT distraction that will allow him to separate from mommy for longer periods (I envision myself doing dishes or going to the Y in the future) but it does mean he's growing up. Quickly. Even more quickly because I'm busy with the other three and can't just sit and hold him all day. Absorbing and archiving every milestone. I wish I could.

Today, I'm just snapping pictures and handing out puffs. The laundry, dishes, and dog grooming appointment be damned. I can't miss this.

My Own Cat in the Hat ...

Grayson's Kindergarten class celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday this week. He actually asked me to put this picture on the blog - note the "cat-like" pose. =)

I thought maybe this would entice him to read Hop on Pop to me at bedtime. No dice.

It did, however, lead to a great discussion with Emma on pen names. I revealed to her my own secret wish to write under the pen name Lucy Brewer. Don't ask me why - I was all of about ten when I came up with it. She found that fascinating so now she's coming up with one of her own ... and putting quite a bit of thought behind it. So much so, that we are still narrowing it down. I'll have to let you know.

Six Months Old!

Cooper's now six months old ... and has been for a few weeks now actually. I know... I know ... this NEVER would have happened with the first baby. I've accepted it.

A few updates (since he STILL doesn't have a baby book) ... he's sitting up now but is still pretty wobbly and can't yet right himself consistently. The siblings are VERY amused by him falling over and liken it to the funniest episode of Tom and Jerry. At present, the "under-8" crowd is very into physical comedy and potty noises.

Cooper also has two teeth. I've been trying for a while to get a good picture of them .. and I think you can see them nicely in one of the pics above. I think he wins the award for earliest eruption of teeth. Emma was a full 9 months older than he was when hers came in.

He still sleeps on his tummy but is now rolling over from tummy to back. While this is certainly an exciting skill, it has complicated the sleeping considerably. Because ... he can't figure out how to roll back over to go to sleep. The last week or so ... we've been "summoned" in the middle of the night to discover our little "turtle boy" face up in the crib.

He's eating rice cereal and has had bananas twice. He's not lovin' it yet .. but does tolerate it. Spoon anticipation is coming in nicely ... but he's not yet showing tons of interest in more solids.

So far, he's the biggest snuggler of the four... and has recently developed significant addictions to "taggies" and his mama.

He's just recovered from a yucky cold and has had two ear infections in six weeks. His smiley personality is back .... and we're hoping he decides to go back to sleeping though the night any time now!

I just love those eyes of his ...

Martha Stewart Would Not Be Proud

Disclaimer: My house is usually fairly clean and orderly. Usually.

I feel like I should post a sign on the front door reading "Enter at Your Own Risk."

The dangers involved are varied - if you step into the kitchen, the stack of dishes in the sink may fall on you. If your shoes stick to the kitchen floor, it's just errant pineapple juice. Don't worry. It's on the "to-do" list.

In the dining room, the glorious (and expensive) solid oak, Amish made table is no longer suitable for serving guests, but is stock-piled full of girl scout cookies, laundry piles, swimming bags, and homework assignments. It is hazardous to get past.

The house is a mess. But as long as you are here, feel free to sign the guestbook. Or, write your name in the inch thick layer of dust on the glass entertainment center. Right under where the kids have been playing tic-tac-toe.

A Tale of Two Swimmers...

Emma and Grayson both swam (for competing teams) in a meet today and I got to go watch! They did it last weekend too ... but I sent Monte and my mom then. Cooper and Claire just aren't up for four or five hours poolside.

It was a "swim your own age" meet. Great idea - as the kids are somewhat more evenly matched. I was able to sit with people I knew and each had seven and five year olds. Even better . . . we all cheered for our own kids, each other's kids, and all the kids who gave it their all ... even when they came in last place.

I hadn't seen Emma swim outside of practice in months and I was amazed by the progress she's made in her strokes .. especially butterfly and breaststroke. She swam six or seven events (I lost count) and was pretty tired at the end ... but she gave it her best shot... even in the final relay (where I saw an unprecedented burst of speed and spirit of competition).

Last night before bed she was pretty nervous about the 100 I.M and kept repeating the order of the strokes in her head ... hoping they would stick. I was a little worried for her too - that's ALOT to remember ... even when you haven't been at the pool for four hours and swam several events. When I saw her face as she took her mark, I almost couldn't watch. She looked pretty shaken. She did it ... and finished second in her heat. I didn't see the judge's hand go up to disqualify her .. but it may have. When I saw her come out of the water smiling like she was, it just didn't matter to either of us. To us, it was the most perfect IM ever swam.

Grayson had a fun day too. His confidence grows with each meet he attends. He swam a 25 in all four strokes. It wasn't always legal ... or pretty ... but it was a vast improvement over the beginning of the season ... when he didn't know a butterfly from a breastroke. It just cracked me up the way he touches the wall, then flips his goggles up and looks at the scoreboard. He has no idea what he's looking at .. but that's what the big kids do ... so he does it too!

At the end of the meet, his coach did a little group huddle that brought a tear to my eye. It was the end of his season. I can't say enough about his coach and his group of five year old boys. It takes a special lady to take those boys as far as they've come this season. Thanks Terri! Heaven awaits you. Undoubtedly, so does a stiff drink.

The way the heats were arranged, there were a few times Emma and Grayson were close enough to talk. Once, she even gave him a little pep talk and a high five when it was his turn. Fellow parents, it just doesn't get any better than that.

We finished off the day with a lunch at Steak and Shake - their new favorite. Over cheesefries and milkshakes (and without a baby or preschooler to distract us), I got a chance to really listen to them. They've learned new vocabulary, made new friends, acquired new skills, gained new confidence, and have pride in their progress. Our conversation reassured me that I'd made the right decision - taking them to practices - even when they'd rather watch Scooby Doo.

They may have been faster swimmers at the pool today ... but there were no prouder mamas.