Saturday, September 15, 2012

I DID IT...and I owe it all to Sisterly Competitiveness

Last night I read this post on my sister's blog.
I was taking note of her goals.  Never had I set out to make monthly goals aside from school stuff.  I make weekend goals.  Sometimes goals for the week. These goals are out of necessity.  I need to communicate with the family and hubby what I need to do, so I am afforded the time to accomplish these tasks. 
Last night I stopped and pondered her personal goals.  I just skipped over the ab stuff 'cause I do all those things in my dreams.  That works just as well, right?  But I double blinked and froze on the words "Swim 500 3 days weekly". 
Humph,
You see I have started swimming again.  I mean purposely swimming laps.  I haven't kept track of my laps.  Or my length of time.  My sister was swimming when she lived in Canada and I was cheering her on from my Kansas home.  Never gave it a second thought. 
I mentioned starting up swimming to hubby a couple of months ago and he laughed at me.  Not in a mean way.  He laughed and said, "Yeah, like that is gonna happen where are you going to find the time?"  It is true the kids keep me running and until this past Spring, he was never home in the evenings to help with kid activities. 
About 2 weeks ago, I talked to Fun Girl, the lifeguard, and asked her if lanes were open during swim practice.  She quickly tried to direct me to the quietest times at the pool.  I hushed her and said, I need to swim and the only way I have a chance of swimming is when you are at swim team.  Are there any lanes open?  The boys can go to hockey.  Little Princess could climb and/or swim with me. 

Perfect.

That is exactly what has been happening.  Fun Girl has practice 3 times a week.  I don't swim the whole time.  I wait till about 1/2 hour is left to her practice.  This is when there are some open lanes.Little Princess climbs till then and joins me.

The first few times, I coughed and sputtered.  My lungs were so affected by the ragweed, they were not exactly receptive.  But each time it has improved.  I have noticed my allergy suffering is decreasing.  If too many days pass between trips to the pool, my allergies are insufferable

Fast forward to last night, I see my sister's goal.  500 m.  Well, humph, if she is going to swimm 500m then I should too.  Why had I not thought about setting a goal?   I have to admit there is some serious competitiveness motivating me.  I can't let my OLDER sister be swimming further and more than me. 
So hubby wakes me this morning. He let me sleep in.  We were visiting and hanging out and he asked me if I was going to get ready?  What? Why?  He reminded me I said I was going to swim.  He reminded me The Man had gymnastics and my plan was to swim meanwhile, then we would leave.  Oh.  It took a bit more finagling, but we came up with a workable plan.  That is when I did it.  I opened my mouth.  I told DaddyO my plan to swim 500 m.  Then I said, Fun Girl probably wouldn't be impressed.  He agreed.  She swims 1000s of meters.  Almost 2/12 miles a practice.  Nothing like announcing your competitive goal to family.  It was just my hubby.  He would understand if I bit off more than I could chew and swallow. 
I didn't stop there though. I told Little Princess.  She was so encouraging.  I was so excited, I had a goal!  Then we arrived and I discovered Fun Girl was life guarding the lap pool.  I need her to pick up The Man right after her shift, so I can finish my swim and shower and get ready for the day.  But I didn't stop there.  I told her my goal and plan.  My mouth was in over drive. 
She laughed.  She laughed and she chuckled. 
My goal was nothing more than a warm up for her.
HumpH!   Well if she had been having babies and raising them the last 16 years, maybe she would be excited by this goal.  How rude!  Does she not know her out of shape mommy has been spending all her waking time tending to her children.  Sacrificing for them.  She laughed !
So I splashed her.  Rule number 1, don't splash Fun Girl.  If she is dry, she wants to stay that way.  She will get wet to rescue, but she prefers to stay dry.  Dismay was on her face.  She taunted me.  Into the water I go, and I gasped a little louder than I intended and she started laughing hysterically.  She offers to time me.  I glare at her.  She offers to keep track on the dry erase board for all to see, and I glare at her. 
I swim.  And I do really well.  After the first 125 m, I start to think how stupid I am for opening my mouth.  My lungs are starting to feel some discomfort.  I pause to wheeze and cough.  She asks how many I have done.  Quickly calculates how many more I have to do.  Naughty girl.  I swim.   Another 50 m and I change my stroke much to her dismay.  She starts trying to improve my technique and I frown and growl, that I am trying to breathe.  Leave me alone. Breath caught I revert to my freestyle.  With 100m left, I change my strokes again.  Fun Girl is shocked and raises eyebrows.  "I am still in motion!  I don't want to drown. Leave me alone."  
I am done!
She walks over.  Leave me alone.  I was trying not to drown on your watch.  She laughs and tells me she wouldn't have rescued me.  2 other life guards were in the water, off duty, and racing one another.  She would have sent them over to me, since they were already in the water! 
I am feeling the love.
All I can say, I am glad I did open my mouth and tell way too many people.  Cause I DID IT!!!!
I completed all 500m.  I laughed at myself all day.  I can't wait for my sister to read this.  I tried to call her multiple times today.  Life is life and we never seem to be able to talk at the same time. 
So, thanks sis, for unknowingly inspiring in me a competitive streak to stretch beyond my comfort zone. 

What Makes a Great Friend?

What makes a great friend?
Well she has to have a great sense of humor.
She loves you and your family warts and all.
She drives 12-15 hours (depending on the number of stops)
to visit.  Once here, she is takes time out for your kids.
Cause, afterall, when you are a mom, you have to share
your friends with the kids.
She is willing to stand outside in 100+ degree temperatures and receive
golf lessons from Dad's Bud.
Please note ** our temperatures are 20 degrees warmer than her home town.

Temperatures so uncomfortable,
I only stayed outside long enough to take the pictures.
I definitely don't fall into the same awesome-ness category as her.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
And THEN when we are shopping, she is more than willing to try on
the shoes that your sons find for her to try on. 
Not only does she try them on, she MODELS them.
 
 
She is so awesome, I can't wait to see her again.  The
next visit requires me to climb into my vehicle and make that
super long drive!
 

Friday, September 14, 2012

The Man makes everything Fun!

We had our annual allergy check up for The Man.
He is the one with food allergies.
Not much else, just food.
What a bummer.
This year we were able to get orders for a break down of which nuts he has actually has an allergy.
We have always known peanut, but not any certainty of the tree nuts.
Those of you out there wanting to shout out cross contamination!
The clarification is mostly for the wellness and needs of the rest of the family.
We need to know which nuts we can bring into the home and still
provide him with a safe and nut free kitchen.
It is easier to keep a handle on blood sugar with a handful of nuts
here and there throughout the day. 
Less cooking, fewer dishes and it is really quick.
With that clarification, the doc agreed.
He tested "negative for tree nuts"
There were "negligible numbers" for almonds and hazel nuts.
Numbers so low they are considered a negative.
We will err on the conservative side and avoid.
During his visit Doc told The Man to blow out.
Doc couldn't help but chuckle.
The Man gave it all he had with his mounth open wide to inhale....
 
 
and his mouth open wide to exhale....
 
 
Got the job done.  But there was quite the animation in his whole being.
Just like The Man!

Golfing runs in the family

When Hockey Player isn't playing hockey, he enjoys golf.
He puts for the dog to go fetch. 
He practices at Grandpa's house.
He asks for days at golf course for his birthday.
This summer father and son woke early before everyone else to go to to the golf course.
Afterwards, they showed up to help the Mom juggle kids and dog at the vet's office.
Much to the girls' delight (cause girls' notice these things!)
this father and son, unintentionally dressed alike!
Which brought on giggles and the requirement to take a picture.
 
 
But the story doesn't end there....
Cause as part of homeschool PE, Momma required her girls to join the Junior Golf
Program for the summer.
$10 ~ 8 Mondays of golf lessons and time on the golf course.
An awesome deal and exposure to something new and different.
Then on game day, the girls get out of the suburban and guess what???
This is what they looked like!
 
 
Yep, they are sisters and it was unintentional. 
Their reaction was nothing less than unimpressed.
To make matters worse, Mom had to take a picture!
But that is what makes the best memories.
 
 

Counting to 550.....

526.  All the fixings for breakfast burritos, no need to go to the store !
527.  Weekend fun with Fun Girl
528.  Purity Rings
529.  Late night chats and giggles
530.  Shopping trips
531.  Teamwork with daughters
532.  Lazy afternoon at the inlaws
533.  Healing Hockey Player
534.  Appointments rescheduled
535.  Fun Productice 5 day weekend
536.  Family reunions
537.  hugs, hugs, and more hugs!
538.  Mom mom is healthy...
539.  and she is married to a man who loves her greatly
540.  Facebook to keep in touch with faraway friends and family.
541.  Friends who call just cause they heard you hadn't been feeling well...
542. Hubby who works hard
543.  Fun Girl's work ethic
544.  Attitude changes
545. School in car
546.  Hearing my children learn to read
547.  Recite "Sparky" Bible verses while groggy and sleepless in the middle of thenight. 
548.  Awesome allergy meds
549.  Being able to swim
550.  Watching Little Princess climb


Hockey Player does it again!

He causes the doctor to chuckle.  According to his memory and math he gets reunited with plaster and bandages every other year.  So he should be clear until his freshman year of high school.  A stumble at youth group on Sunday.  Come Thursday he is still icing and hobbling after playing with siblings for a couple of minutes.  I am fed up and schedule the appointment.  After the initial exam doc says we will leave with a cast.  For how long would depend on the Xrays.  Told Hockey Player to start thinking about colors.
The final verdict: A mid foot sprain.  Doc knows Hockey Player.  Knows he has a high pain tolerance.  Remember when he finished the second half of a game with a broken ankle and then played the next game.  This past week he just kept pushing on and quietly getting an ice bag when needed.  Pastor at church on Sunday suggested he hurt his whiner bone.  He doesn't know Hockey Player too well, yet.  So with Doc's verdict of the sprain he said a cast for two weeks to insure the foot is rested.  No lawn mowing.  No running. Postpone the birthday party.  No attaching an ice blade to the cast and skating.  No trampoline or bicycling and no kicking siblings with it.  There was a long list of instructions just to make sure he was clear that he needed to stay OFF the foot.  Mom is head shaking and laughing.  So glad it is not broken.  Dad is perturbed. He will be mowing the yards by himself the next couple of weeks.  Doesn't seem to faze Hockey Player.  Look at that smile!
 

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Suprises from Grandmama and Papa

I received an email this past week from my Mom and Dad.  They wanted to know if we would be at the family reunion.  They had a surprise for Little Princess.
She was suprised.
 
Her first wheels

 
Grandmama's bike
She isn't riding anymore, so they thought of Little Princess!
Helping Papa put it back together.  They had to take the wheels off to get the bike in the trunk.



 
and finally testing out the wheels.... her legs are long enough!

 
 
 
Such a blessing to Little Princess.  She has outgrown her bike and well, we have been busy and not searched out a new bike for her. 
THANK YOU Grandmama and Papa!

Counting to 480 .....

451.  Sweet smelling flowers
452.  Smiley face balloons
453.  The Man celebrating time alone with Dad
454.  Success in Packing and cleaning Granny's apartment
455.  Summer ball games
456.  Watching my younger two boys grow more into manhood through success in playing ball
457.  Watching dad coach his boys
458.  Working all day and getting treated to dinner out
459.  Clean house
460.  Late night movie with hubby and kids
461.  A pleasantly confused Granny
462.  An understanding aunt
463.  Knowing my Granny loves God
464.  Bible conversations with my Dad
465.  Staying in the moment and finding joy
466.  Pushing aside the what ifs and the if thens and staying in the now
467.  swim meet successes and improvements
468.  water parks and wave pools
469.  storage totes
470.  water guns
471.  Laundry mats
472.  and getting lots done at one time !
473.  5 hard working kids
474.  Quik Trip summer drink prices
475. No problem with my allergies
476.  Summer winds made ball game sitting more bearable
477.  Summer tan lines
478.  sunscreen
479.  grilled steaks
480.  tender touches from Dad's Bud

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Quoteables... just a few of my favorites this week

Favorite ramblings of the week...

Fun Girl tells us on the way home from church that Mr. G said,
"Are you just naturally happy or do you smile all the time cause you don't know is going on?" 
Good thing I wasn't driving, I might of hit the curb!

At the Y, while grading papers, I heard the older gentlemen at the table across from me:
"See her...
She is 86 years old.
She's moving along quite well. 
She's from Wales. 
Looking pretty good. "
All said very respectful. 

Ladies sit up and take notice.  Best to stay active in shape.  The men are going to notice!

Best Mommy Ever

Having a 16 year old means you don't hear those words very often. Definitely don't hear those words before 6 in the morning. So on a dark Saturday morning when Fun Girl had to be at the pool to lifeguard at 6 am and she says, "Mommy when you get out later, if you bring me a coffee, you will be the best mommy ever."  How could I not accept the offer? I did mess up things, when I asked for pictures. I did not think about it embarrassing her. For that I am very sorry. I just wanted to document this rare occasion of being the best mommy ever!
 

Monday, September 10, 2012

24 Hours with Fun Girl

Recently, I snuck away with Fun Girl for 24-36 hours.  Who is counting?
It was just her and me time.
To save money we took advantage of Grandpa's empty house a few blocks away.
He is out of town, and Daddy O sleeps there during the day when he has to work the night shift.
Just the same as staying in a hotel, but no room keys to keep up with and a kitchen to
stock up with yummy treats.  It just felt more homey than a hotel.
I picked her up from work and swim practice,
ordered pizza.
Then we did a Bible Study,
laughed and giggled and talked. 
That was sooo good for this momma.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The next day there were donuts and fruit that the guys had cut up the day before
for us and tucked in the fridge.
Luxury of using Grandpa's showers and pitter pattering through the house.
Another Bible Study time and off to the mall.
First store we came across was this one. 
Doesn't it sparkle and have lots of fun things to try on!
 
 
The above was Fun Girl's favorite.
Much to her suprise, Mommy announced we were getting the ring.
Her class/purity ring.
She was SPEECHLESS.
Anyone who knows Fun Girl knows she never lacks words to say.
She even talks in her sleep.
The rest of the day, I caught her looking at her hand, shaking her head and smiling.
Still in disbelief.
She had a hard time concentrating on shopping. 
Which my wallet appreciated. 
Silly girl, one of her favorite parts in the uniqueness of the ring and detail work around the emerald, but she will quickly tell you, we found it in the clearance case!
Silly girl, she thinks that is one of the coolest parts.
I am afraid to say, but I think she is becoming her Mother's Daughter. :)
 
 
She did manage to try on clothes and this was one
of the beautiful dresses she tried on and we didn't buy.
She did find a LBD that was super versatile and makes
her Daddy shake his head.
Looks to pretty and grown up for his taste.
Bothers him, that his little girl is growing up.
 
 
We shopped till I could shop no more. 
We laughed and giggled and then dashed off to dinner.
Acknowledging that as much as fun as we had, the rest of the family
would probably want us to return soon.
So off to Grandpa's to pick up our stuff.
So much nicer than having it in the car all day.
Back home, to show and tell and relive our memories
with the crew and Daddy O
 
Shortly after our time together, I posted on her facebook. 
"Your heart is more beautiful than your ring. When you look at your ring remember that and remember you are more valuable.
Love yoU!"
 
I hope she will always remember that!

Saturdays at Grandpa's...

Grandpa has acerage.
There is golf swings to perfect.
As well as archery skills to work on.
Horses that come to the fence to feed.
Popsicles to eat.
Trees to run around and climb on sometimes.
And space, lots of space for exploring.
Wii, when you are a little hot and need to cool off.
Or maybe, western movies to watch with Grandpa.
 
And then the drive home, always ends like this....
 
 

Counting to 450......

426.  Summer greens and blues
427.  My sixteen year old
428.  Daddy's face and expressions as his little girls grow up just a little bit more
429.  KC trips with teenagers and Little Princess
430.  Hockey Player at home
431.  Snuggles in the church pew
432.  Little fingers in my hair playing with it.
433.  Listening to the music Hockey Player likes.
434.  God moving before us...a piano recital at a Rehab Center a month before we need to place Granny, experience and knowledge makes decisions easier.
435.  Hospice nurses, their ministry and availability
436.  Happy chatter in the back seat
437.  Fun Girl digging deep and not holding back.
438.  Robotics camp and the joy of discovering and learning
439.  Talking about the Bible with my dad
440.  Finding shapes in the clouds
441.  Yellow finches swooping nearby
442.  Success in finding Now and Laters
443.  Sun streaked hair
444.  Siblings reading aloud
445.  A dad who makes his girl park the car.
446.  Vit. D supplements
447.  Exterminators to chase the spiders away.
448.  Cool breezes
449.  Thunder storms
450.  Lazy Sat. mornings in bed