Swim team...

This summer we’ve been spending a lot of time in the pool.  So much so that every Monday when I come to work several of my co-workers say, “Wow, you were outside a lot this weekend.”  Even with sunscreen, there is no escaping the sunny rays shinning down.  To keep the boys occupied (as our outdoor activities with our 100 plus days are limited),this year we signed them up for swim team.  Some of our friends have had their kids do it in the past, and I’d heard good things about it.  So far it has been great! I’m so thankful for swim team!

Other than the fact, it makes for a late night for the boys, it is wonderful at wearing them out, I mean entertaining them.  Don’t get me wrong, there are many other benefits as well.  Take for example how much of a stronger swimmer it has made them.  How they've actually learned how to do the butterfly stroke and are actually quite good at it.  Here they are from last week’s meet, each getting first place in the butterfly. 

Additionally it has taught them what it’s like to compete in something other than baseball.  I think baseball is wonderful because it is truly a team sport, but swimming on the other hand is definitely an individual sport.  While racing against others is good, in the end  with swimming the goal is always to improve one’s time. 

Two weeks ago, we were novices at the sport of swim team.  I showed up at 6:30 a.m. with the boys for the first meet completely under prepared.  While I walked in with one, yes ONE water bottle in my hand, I looked around to see other parents with the following:

·         Coolers, yes plural

·         Snack bags

·         Towel bags

·         Sunscreen, more sunscreen and yet even more sunscreen

·         Umbrellas, Pop Up shades and camping chairs

·         Big floppy hats (almost like they were going to the Kentucky Derby- think big hats)

And then there was me.  Shooing my kids in because of course we were running late and I walking in with my single water bottle.  Yep, it was obvious to everyone but us, we were clueless.  To make matters even more enjoyable, I had volunteered to help at the event.  Thinking back to my high school track days, I signed up to keep time in lane 4.  I thought, I can handle this, I know how to run a stop watch.  This shouldn't be too hard.  WHAT WAS I THINKING???  What was I thinking!!!!!!!

Before I could even figure out what to do, the first beep had gone off, signaling the start of the race and I was standing there with my water bottle still in my hand and my timer dangling below.  Thank goodness I just happened to volunteer next to the head swimming coach from a high school near our house (with a very reputable swim program no doubt).  He said, “Don’t worry, I got the start for you.”  I felt like a fool, but graciously said thank you and realized I needed to watch and follow his each and every move.  I dare not make another mistake.  After three more times missing the start of the race, and making the mistake of not holding my hand down to catch the backstroke swimmers head (to avoid them hitting it on the wall), it was clear, I had annoyed every other expert swim parent and judge around me. 

 Meanwhile Jarrett had arrived with Isabelle in toe and while he tried to keep her entertained and away so she wouldn't notice me, it was only about 5 minutes before she spotted me and came racing up to my side determined not to be peeled away.  As Jarrett did just that, a shriek extending throughout the entire pool was heard as yes our daughter was forced to leave my side.  The coach next to me said, “I see a relief timer taking your place in the near future.”  I think it was a hint.

About 5 minutes later a relief timer showed up, my hubby, and took over so I could go be with Isabelle.

Looking around the pool, I found a lounger wide open and immediately headed that way to stake my claim. Not having anything other than my daughter and my now empty water bottle to move, I was able to get it before anyone else.  Actually, if I'm really being honest, I don't think anyone wanted it.  It was sitting in the non-shaded part of the pool deck.  While every other spectator crowded into the shaded spots, Isabelle and I sat in the sun.  Thank goodness Dad had gotten my text and brought sun screen.  

Gabriel telling me to back up so he could get ready to race.  Oh maybe he was saying hi... I'll pick that option. 

After Dad took over my position as a lane timer, I was able to watch the boys.  It was actually fun to watch them.  I could tell they were as clueless as I was about the whole situation, but soon enough they figured out what was going on and followed around a friend who was a member of the team last year.  First they competed in back stroke, followed by the breast stroke, then the butterfly and finally the freestyle. One nice thing about swim team is that everyone gets a ribbon, for each and every stroke.  Gabriel being the competitive type, was determined to get first place.  And if he couldn't get first, he'd settle for second, but didn't want to get any other ribbons other than his blue and red.  Meanwhile, Michael, being my classic Michael, wasn't too interested in getting a particular place.  He was just happy to finish and when he found out there were ribbons, he was more interested in getting colors of ribbons that matched well.  Seriously.

Now that we've got two meets down and 4 more to go, we are doing a little bit better blending in.  The boys know the routine and were able to improve their times significantly.  And Jarrett and I are getting better too.  Just last weekend we showed up early enough to claim a spot on the pool deck IN THE SHADE, and I dug out all the bags from baseball season and hauled them along to the pool.   This time I was prepared...

• Sunscreen CHECK  
• Snacks CHECK
• Drinks in a cooler CHECK
• Activities for Isabelle CHECK
• Towels CHECK
• Breakfast CHECK

 One other interesting thing I've observed is that baseball parents and swimming parents have some things in common.  Just like there are those baseball parents who are convinced their 5 year old is a future major league player, there are swim parents who are convinced their 7 year old is the next Michael Phelps.  And as much fun as it is to watch the boys try their best to get first place or next the pretty colored ribbon, I also think it's pretty darn entertaining to watch "those" parents screaming at their kids and giving them advice like they just competed in the Olympic trials.

Until next time, 

Angie

PS:  One other comment about swim meets.  In between races the boys decided they wanted to inspect and pick at Isabelle's feet.  Turns out she had dirt on her toes from her sandal shoes and they were determined to pick it out.

They were so concerned about her toes that they almost missed their next race. What was even more funny for me was that Isabelle sat still for several minutes to let them pick at her!!!!!  For anyone who knows her, she NEVER sits still.  Now I know what I should do to keep her occupied.

Silly Belle

Isabelle continues to love Winnie the Pooh.  Its actually kind of a funny bond now between Daddy and her. It seems when ever Dad is watching her and the boys, no matter what, every time I get home, Winnie the Pooh is on the TV.  They must have some secret connection between the two of them when it comes to that movie.  I believe it so much so because some times Isabelle will run up to Jarrett and say, "Silly Bear Daddy, Silly Bear" and then break into laughter, both of them actually.

And while Pooh is really a silly bear, our Isabelle is a silly Belle too.  Here are some recent pictures of her being her silly ol' self....

Why yes that is Donald Duck stuck up her nose.  She walked up to me and said, "Mommy, where Donald Duck go?"

She insists on having her blankets, all of them laid out on the floor, and then she rolls around and around and around on them.  She LOVES her blankets

Always silly at meal time, she continuously has the boys cracking up for some reason.  From blowing spaghetti noodles out of her nose when she sneezed, to shouting at Jack to "BE QUIET" or throwing her food on the floor.  She makes meals interesting, that's for sure!

Mommy, wear goggles?

And here she is working on making Rainbow Loom bracelets... the consist of one rubber-band cutting off the circulation on her wrist.

Here she is using her bubbles as a microphone to sing "Itsy Bitsy Spider"

Our beautiful Belle dressed as Princess Belle.  Yes, she does like us to treat her like a princess even when she's not in costume.

Happy as can be, just sliding down the slide.

What a true treasure she is.  She reminds us to enjoy the simple things in life.  To laugh as much as we can and to be happy.  Isabelle brings so much happiness to all of us.  Her brothers, her furry brother and her parents.

We are so lucky to have silly ol' Belle in our lives.

Until next time,
Angie

Father's Day

Father's Day is today and while we have nothing extra special planned, I wanted to take a few minutes here to share how thankful I am for the Fathers in my life and in the lives of my children.  

I found this poem from Helen Steiner Rice on Pinterest and I think it perfectly shares how I feel.  While it seems mother's don't often get the praise and recognition they deserve, if I'm being truthfully honest, I don't think Father's do either.  

 

When I read Helen's poem I couldn't help but think of all the Fathers in our lives and how this poem speaks to them.  And so I thought I'd take a little bit of time to recognize and highlight a few of the many fathers we know and give praise to. 

Jarrett~  I've always respected and admired you for many reasons.  Your intelligence is remarkable, your kindness inspiring and your generosity to help others contagious. The list of reasons why I'm so thankful you are my soul mate could go on and on, but I can honestly tell you, watching you as a father is the most awe-inspiring of them all.  I can see it in each of the kid's eyes; the way they look at you.  The "I want to be like Dad when I grow up" glances Gabriel gives you as you show him how to throw the ball out of the park.
 Or the mornings you spend with Michael building together, taking time out of your busy schedule to do something he enjoys, to learn together and to celebrate his unique interests.  And Isabelle.  I think its pretty clear from the shouts across the house, "DADDY!" as she goes running to see you when you come home at night.
 Dad, the role you play in this family is bigger than I think you will ever realize.  While I LOVE to see you everyday, there are some extra special days when I can't wait to see the whites of your eyes.  You know the days, those "fun" ones when they have all been crazy all day and Mom just needs a break.  Please note that I recognize your down moments are only when your head hits the pillow for the short nights we seem to have more often than we'd like.  But you never complain and jump right in, grabbing Isabelle to play or engaging the boys in conversations about their day.  Whether you realize it or not, those are just a few of the moments I praise God for you.  In this crazy and oh so wonderful life we've created together, I can't help but be so grateful.

Who would have thought 18 years ago, when a 15-year-old girl fell in love with a 16-year-old boy, they'd have this story to tell their children.  While its been a crazy journey, I can't wait for the rest of the ride.  Thank you for being the most wonderful dad to our children.  They are so lucky to have you as their dad.

To my Dad~

Dad, as I read the poem above I stopped at the part when it talked about a father's emotion.  

Perhaps that is the reason, we sometimes get the notion; that Father's are not subject to the thing we call emotion.  But if you look inside a dad's heart, where no one else can see; you'll find he's sentimental and as soft as he can be. 

Dad,  when I was little, I remember you working so hard to give us the life you thought we deserved that often times we didn't get to have those emotional talks.  While it was and is completely okay, Mom did a fantastic job at solving my emotional girl problems, I want you to know, your soft side is not a secret to me.  While you showed us the value and importance of hard work, Dad, you also showed us the importance of compassion for others.

 I can't even count the number of things you and mom did to help others and to help us.  While often times this meant sacrificing things for yourself, you did it willingly without complaint or second thought. As an adult now, I realize just how big of a gift your compassion is.  Dad, while I will never be able to live up to the generosity and selflessness you model, I hope you know I strive everyday to be more like you.

And Dad, I want you know what a great grandpa you are.

 While we are too many miles apart, there are three little people (there're actually not that little any more) that love you and admire you more than you even realize.  When they hear that Grandma and Grandpa are coming to visit, or that they get to go to Iowa, their heart almost leaps out of their chest.  The time you spend with them in priceless (not to steal the Visa tagline) and the memories you have created with them will never be forgotten.  While you are a great Dad, seeing you as a grandpa has made me realize just how lucky I am.  Thanks for everything you'd done and continue to do Dad!  I love you.

To my partner's Dad Joe~

Papa Joe, as I think about Father's Day, and the many father figures we have in our lives, you are right at the top of our list.  I can't help but thank you for teaching and guiding the love of my life to be the wonderful dad he is today.  I know where he developed many of his wonderful fatherly qualities.

As the poem ends, "someone who can always be counted on to be on our side."   You are the perfect example of that, helping us out so many times when it wasn't convenient at all for you.  Never mind the sacrifices you had to make, you were right there to help.   A million thank yous will never be enough to show you how much we appreciate it.

 Papa, from the first time we've met, you've always shown complete kindness, sincerity and care for others.  You've been a role model for working hard and teaching your children the value of quality and doing the right thing.  What I see in Jarrett, I see in you and I can't thank you enough for sharing those special qualities with my children and me.

And Papa-  where do I start when it comes to being the Papa to our children?  You are the one and only person Isabelle pretends to call every time she plays with my phone.

And the boys.  To Michael, you are the most talented builder in the entire world.  You are able to create masterpieces with your hands and fix any problem there needs to be fixed.  Michael aspires to be your apprentice.

  Gabriel loves your stories of when you played baseball as a young boy once his age and is ever so thankful to have you and Nana at his games.  Thank you for being so present in their lives.

And finally, my Grandfather~

Grandpa Ray- To be honest, I don't even know where to begin. And while I don't know where to begin, I'm very sure in knowing I don't ever want it to end.  Some of my earliest childhood memories involve you.

 I remember you walking me to preschool and telling me it was going to be okay, even though I was afraid to let go of your hand.  I remember you reading me a story, the same story about the fat cat over and over and laughing each and every time, even though we both knew the ending and probably had the words memorized.

 I still laugh about the time you and Grandma took me to Las Vegas and as we were going to Circus Circus we were almost ran down by rogue kangaroo.  I bet you didn't know I could hold your leg so tightly.  I remember you driving me to middle school, to high school and even taking me to college.  When I look back at my life, I can't help but give thanks to God for you and Grandma.

 In how I feel about my children's grandparents, I feel the same way about you.  I can't help but think I won the lottery in the lottery of grandpas.  Of the thousands of things you've taught me, perhaps I'll never be able to appropriately convey just how much I honor and respect you.  When Tom Brokaw calls you one in the "Greatest Generation" he really knows what he's talking about.  As a mother to two sons, I can't imagine the bravery you must have had in volunteering to go to service for our country in World War II.  I have no idea how your mother didn't collapse from worry the entire time you were gone.  I admire you and I thank you for risking your own safety in fighting for our freedom.
And boy am I thankful you came home and went on to create a picturesque life.  For I've been able to share in many of those life moments and I look forward to as many many more as I can get.
As I tell you each and every morning and evening, I love you Grandpa.

To all the fathers out there please remember:

To the world you are a DAD; 

but to your family, 
you are the WORLD!

Happy Father's Day!

Until next time,

Angie

   

Push Ups

Summer is definitely here and so that means it’s time to pull out the Push Ups.

The other day I was grocery shopping.  It was my third day in a row at the grocery store.  Have I mentioned that having all the kids home this summer has definitely impacted our grocery bill?  Yikes, my kiddos can eat!  As I strolled through the grocery store at a temperature controlled of 76 degrees, I knew soon enough I’d be entering the inferno of our 109 plus degree day outside.  And so, I decided a stroll through the ice cream aisle was in order.  And that’s when I saw them. 

Of course they weren't packaged like I remember, but I saw the name and I knew the Willa Wonka company had just been granted an instant sale.

Who doesn’t like Push Ups?  I can’t imagine any child not liking them.  It’s the best of both worlds… yummy tasty ice cream-like cold substance in a tube that has to be pushed up to consume.  As a kid I don’t think it can get any better!  Unlike a Popsicle that can only be licked or bit, the Push Up’s require a little more “fun” and effort as you push them up to the perfect level to devour the yummy, tasty goodness.  But it also requires skills because if you push it up too much, your frozen goodness will get too melted and drip all over.  In the 15 plus years I consumed Schwans Push Up’s I’m confident I was able to perfect the perfect Push Up push.

With all three kids watching my every move, I could tell I had an audience as I stepped up (still height challenged even at 34) into the frozen freezer  top shelf and pulled down two boxes of my childhood treat.  While Gabriel gasped in excitement, Michael shouted, “THANKS MOM!” to which Isabelle repeated “Thank you Momma!”  I smiled and with big eyes I asked, “Do you guys know what these are?”  Gabriel said, “No Mom, but I’m sure they are good.  They ARE in the ice cream isle!” 

Of course this meant I had to pull out the When I was your age card and tell them all about my youth and experience with Push Ups.  Man did I brag them up.  I told them how the Schwan’s orange flavor was the best and that you could reuse the push up parts to make something cool.  I explained how Push Ups were WAY better than regular Popsicles because of how fun it is to push up the push up.  Within seconds they were bought in too, begging to have one as soon as we got to the car.  Meanwhile Isabelle insisted on holding the box.  It didn’t take her long to try and rip it open.  She clearly understands the message, “You have to wait until we buy it.” Because her attempt to open it continued while she shouted, “BUY IT NOW” over and over.  Got to love the terrific two’s right?

While I made the kids wait longer than they would have ever wanted to, to experience a Push up, I think the buildup was worth it.  Last night after dinner, Isabelle announced she was all done and then said, “Dessert Mommy!”  I seriously had no idea she even knew what that word meant.  I guess she watches and listens to me more than I thought.  Never mind, it couldn’t be that her mom is never done with a meal without having dessert.   I decided since the kids had been really well behaved and that it was Sunday, and the sun was shining, and that it was 6:00 p.m. (I really don’t need a true reason for dessert), I agreed and announced the options for dessert.  I told the kids they could have a mini-cupcake, a Push up or a Sunday Cone (there’s another future blog post- man do I love Sunday Cones!).  Instantaneously the kids, almost in unison, shouted, “PUSH UP!”  So it was Push Up’s around. 

Gabriel had his gone in minutes, maybe even seconds.  Therefore the lack of individual pictures of him. 

Michael savored his Push Up, slowly pushing up his treat in as small of increments as possible.   It’s funny how different he and his brother are.  While everything Gabriel does is fast, Michael is definitely my “stop and smell the roses” kid.  It took him almost 25 minutes to eat his Push Up.

 Licking it as slowly as possible, basically just catching the drip before it was about to drop. 

  And then there was Isabelle.

Please excuse her messy hair, messy face, messy shirt look.  It was a long day!

The push up concept may have been a little advanced for her, because several minutes in, I looked over to see her starting to eat the paper cup as she attempted to get down into the goodness further down in the tube.

Definitely my determined and independent one, she doesn't let anything stop her from what she wants.  And yes, she is only two. 

Yes, the sugar rush was instant!

 As I watched the kids eat their treat, Jarrett and I reminisced about the times we use to eat Push Ups, and memories we had of what we were doing while we ate them.  I snapped picture after picture of the kids eating their treat and wondered, if this would be a memory the kids reflect back on 25 years from now.  Maybe, but probably not.  What I realized is that, while Jarrett and I now reminisce about all the great memories from our youth, we are getting to help create memories for our children of their youth.  And sometimes, something as simple as eating a frosty frozen treat can bring back the feelings from the greatest of times.  It is my hope that there are plenty of these moments for our kiddos.

Until next time,

Angie

Life Lesson: The good life...

Gabriel, Michael and Isabelle, I started this blog more than 4 years ago to recount and remember just how amazing this journey of being your parents is.  While it has been wonderful to also keep our families informed and connected to what's is happening in our lives; I always wanted this to be a place where you could look back, remember and cherish the times, like I do.  What I've found to be a surprise is that you already enjoy doing this, even you, Isabelle, love to look at the books I created from the stories I've shared here.

And so this morning when I was out bright and early, trying to get a jump start on the day, I was reminded just how lucky I am to have such a good life.  I thought, I wonder if I've taken the time to share with you what it means to have a good life. Because in the end, of the many things I wish for you, I wish you a good life... a good good life (as One Republic says). Listen to it.  I know its a song your mom likes, so it probably can't be that good, but just give it a chance, it really is.

Some people spend their entire lives looking for the good life.  Some believe it is a life filled with lots of riches, more money than one know how to spend and luxury like we can't even imagine.  While many believe the good life can be hard to find, I have a secret for you.  The good life isn't hard to find, in fact, when you stop and look around, the good life is right there, almost like your shadow.

The truth is the good life is filled with riches, but not in the sense you are thinking.  Instead of money, the good life is found in enjoying all the riches money cannot buy in a life.  It's creating quality, loving and giving relationships with others that allow you to be who you are, require you to give of yourself to make someone else's life better and to be rewarded with the same in return.

The good life is one in where you work hard for a purpose and find satisfaction in knowing you've done your best. Some days this will be easy and you'll feel great joy for having a job you like.  And there there will be other days, when things go wrong, deadlines approaches faster than expected, you make mistakes and fail all while trying.  These are the days when its harder than ever to remember the feeling of a good life.  And that's where I like to think about one of my favorite songs again.  As one republic says, Sometimes there's airplanes you can't jump out, sometimes there's bull-crud that don't work out, we all have our stories, but please tell me, what's there to complain about.  So, do you get it?  Does it makes sense?  While the good life involves a lot of good, there are days that aren't so good.  What's important and the message is, you've got to pull yourself up by your bootstraps and keep trudging on, to find the good stuff, the stuff that reminds you what this life is all about.  The hard days remind you to cherish the good days.

The good life is stopping to appreciate all the beauty in a world that doesn't necessarily celebrate altruistic beauty.  While media and television tell us to celebrate beauty in flawless faces with Botox and puffed up lips and other parts; I believe the good life is celebrating the beauty all around us.  From a new tree sprouting tiny flowers in its quest to reach the sky,

 To the beauty and tranquility a summer's sunset can bring.  The beauty in holding the wrinkled and time worn hand of your grandparents and to celebrating the way we age.  I remember the feel of my great-grandmother's hand and how loose her skin felt on her fingers.  When I was a little girl, I asked her why her skin was so loose. She responded by saying, "When you live a long time and have had as many great times as I have, your skin can't help but get all wrinkled and loose.  There's been too much to take in, my skin can help but get stretched."  And that's the way to look at it. Getting old and wrinkly isn't bad, as long as you celebrate it and remember the blessings life has given you in each of the wrinkles on your face and hands.

And so that's what I wish for each of you.  I wish you a good life.  I wish for you a life, where you have have a partner who gives you all you give them and more.  I wish for you a life where you feel love from family and friends at every turn.  I hope the challenges you find in life teach you to grow, to appreciate and to realize you are stronger than you will ever know.  I hope you find joy in the simple things... the feeling of your heart melting when your baby laughs for the first time, when your son jumped into the air with pure happiness after hitting his first home run and when you middle baby comes up to you for no reason other than to hug you and say, "I love you Mom."  Those are the moments that remind you the good life is all around.

The good life... making Minnie Mouse bows out of your own hair.

The Good Life... wondering if your vinegar/egg experience will actually work out. 

The good life... Reaching for the sky to help mom test of some crazy idea she had for a work activity.

The good life... the loving moments you share with each other. 

The good life.... YOU, all of YOU!

 Until next time,
Angie

Pirates

Last weekend was glorious.  Jarrett got to spend two whole days away from work and instead spent the time with us.  Did I mention how nice it was?  It was the first Saturday in a very LONG time where Jarrett didn’t race off  sometime after lunch and head into work.  He was around almost the entire weekend.  We ate meals together, we watched movies together as a family, we went out to eat as a family, and we went swimming together.  It was so special in fact, that all the kids made a comment about it.  Isabelle questioned, “Daddy no work?”  Gabriel  repeated, “Dad, it is so nice you aren’t going into work” And Michael said, “Dad- now let’s play Star Wars video games since you don’t have to leave.”  While I appreciated having the extra help around the house, I also let Dad enjoy the quality time with the kids. 

Last weekend we watched the 1950's Disney movie called Treasure Island.  I saw the movie at the library and remember watching it with my mom and dad as a child.   I thought it would be fun to rent it and watch it with my family.  When I showed Dad and the boys the movie they wanted to watch it right away.  At first the boys couldn’t understand what the pirates were saying.  They said, “They talk like the olden times” Going to our standard of how Jarrett and I watch movies, we turned on the closed captioning for the deaf and hard of hearing.  Thank goodness for subtitles.  I actually thought of it as a win-win, while we didn't have to constantly translate what was said, instead, the boys could read it!  That counts as an educational activity then right?

Anyway, the boys could obviously tell the movie hadn’t been made in recent times and that the setting was “a long time ago” as Michael likes to say.  After the movie ended I could tell the boys were still very interested in the timing, the life of pirating and curious if pirates actually are real.  Jarrett and I had just watched Captain Phillips a few weeks ago and so when Gabriel asked me if pirates are real, I responded, “Yes, but they don’t dress the way the pirates in this movie dressed.”  My answer must have thrown off his hypothesis of when pirates were living, because I could see him sitting at the kitchen table still thinking about the movie we had just watched.  Meanwhile, Michael, who has a question for everything, continued to interrogate Jarrett about pirates, how many there are, where they live, what they did with their treasure; you name it.  He had a question. 

I went to see what Isabelle was doing and when I returned to the room, the boys and Jarrett were still talking about pirates.  That’s when Gabriel’ jumped back into the conversation and said, “So Dad, I think I’ve got this figured out.  First came dinosaurs, then came pirates and after that came people, right?”  

We may need another history lesson.  Just saying…

Until next time,

Angie