She's 10

She's 10 and I can't believe it. I am the mother of a 10 year old smart, creative, headstrong, athletic, beautiful girl. I remember turning 10. How is it possible to have my own daughter that is now 10 years old. She will have these memories now and forever. She is so much more grown up then I was at 10. For starters...she is way taller then I was at 10, thanks to her father's genes for sure! She loves to read... a lot. I would say it is her most favorite thing to do. Well, that and draw. They are her passion right now, reading and drawing. Warriors by Erin Hunter is #1 in her world. All she wants to do is read and draw about these cat clans that I will not ever understand. The phone and the computer should be attached at her fingertips and ear, however Jess and Julianna in person would be better. The next few years will be challenging I am sure... now if I can make it through the weekend with her!

Thanksgiving

I will be having Thanksgiving this year. Small, but looking forward to it. Just my parents and my Father-in-law, along with Kevin and his kids. I consider it traditional, except the 2 stuffings and 3 different gravies. My family grew up on Mom's stuffing, Shamus prefers stovetop. Our kids are 1/2 and 1/2. Braydon will eat anything. The gravies are Turkey gravey from scratch, but 1 with giblets and 1 without, then of course beef gravey. Shamus will only eat beef gravey. Have to decide if we want candied sweet potatoes or the casserole, and if we are going to have greenbeans or not. The Turkey is 20lbs this year. I cannot wait to smell it cooking in the oven!

Day 1 summer vacation

Started the summer vacation today with a mock swim meet. Both girls are swimming this year. Erika will be in the 8 U and Baily in the 9/10's. It went well. Both of them enjoy swimming, and I am excited to see them grow as swimmers. Erika can just make it to the end of the lane, but does it with determination. She is the youngest girl I think on the team. Baily who swam this winter is one of the younger ones in her age group, but one of the faster ones. This will be good for her. She needs to shine at something, this just might be it. Braydon wanted to show me how he did in back stroke...in our hottub. I just might have to work on his skills this summer so he can be on the team next year!

Rules seem to be an issue. I am laying down the law. I feel like a nasty mother right now, but they sure are trying to get away with more then ever, and on the first day! Starting out with rule number 1...Make your bed before we go anywhere. Done! Suits hanging up...reminded a few times, but Done! It's 4:30 and they seem to finally be a little relaxed...not for long I am sure!

Swim Meet #3

She swam 4 events. DQ. Disqualified. twice. it is so hard to explain to her why without discouraging her. But, she placed third in backstroke and first in a free relay. Her coach made a huge deal about her being the one to close the gap, therefor giving them the win. She is diving in off the block, which she never thought she would do. Such a strong swimmer! Very proud of her!

Crazy times!

So, Life has been so busy lately. Baily's swim team is going well, she likes it a lot. I Love it. I admit I am living through her. I have gotten back to swimming myself becaus of it. She practices 3-4 times a week and this weekend she had her first meet/meets. She did so well! dropped 6 seconds off her backstroke time on Saturday and then another 4 off it on Sunday. I am so proud of her! Erika is having a hard time...middle child syndrom for sure. I am trying to make sure she has special things to do so she feels "equal" but the truth is she is only 6 and in 2 years will also have opportunities just like Baily. So for now, playdates when ever possible and special time together will have to do. Braydon...well, when ever he gets a chance...he tests me. He recently showed my expecting brother and sil what exactly they are in for. In 1 hour he was like the tazmanian devil. He has an ear infection right now, so more patience is needed for him.

this was all the time i had to update...not much of an update...but i am sure exhausted from it all!

Swim Team

So, I just broke the news to DH about how much money we are putting out for B's swim team. It's very expensive. First you have to join the Y, then you have tryout fees, then there is the fee. Of course you need a swim team suit to wear at the meets along with the warm up suit and possible bag (do you need one...probably not, but you want them to feel a total part of the team.
How can I feel okay with the cost? They practice 4 days a week and meets on Saturdays. I know the exercise is going to be wonderful for her and the coaches I have watched are top notch. So far after 1 practice she is inlove with the sport. I believe this is a team and individual sport that is so good for self esteem. I am so proud of her for making the team. She is proud of herself too. The look in her eyes when she found out she made the team is not a look we see often. Today we have a parent meeting starting at 3 pm. I don't expect to be home until after 7. She also has practice in the middle of it all. (sigh) Ya know? I am looking forward to it.

Flowers