July 25, 2010

Today I'm thankful for grace and mercy. 

It seems like I'm always struggling and fighting to stay on the right path.  I stumble and take a wrong turn now and again, but someone always finds me, helps me up and somehow leads me back where I need to be.  For those who encourage, inspire and help me during my struggles . . . I thank you.

I guess I kind of feel like a salmon fighting it's way upstream.  Except I never do seem to reach my destination.  Always swimming and struggling to continue moving forward.  I know the path that I strive to stay on, is the hardest and most tiring, but the rewards far out number any pain and suffering I might endure on my journey. 

God's grace IS sufficient for us all.

July 24, 2010

Today I'm thankful for beautiful bouquets, playing in the sprinkler, and good Summer storms.

I spent my morning speed cleaning, while Dave had the kids outside.  It's much easier to clean when there aren't little (or big) hands messing things up right behind me as I go.  After her outside excursions, Bayleigh brought me this beautiful bouquet of (ehem) "flowers" from the back yard.  I like little bouquets like this so much better than the one's from the florist, because I know this one was picked especially for me, by my sweet little girl.

I spent my afternoon goofing off on the computer while Eli took his nap, Dave studied out on the deck and Bayleigh played in the sprinkler. 

I'm glad she had time to play outside before the storms moved in, later in the day.  We ended up getting over a half inch of rain in a very short period of time, and it was nice to sit out on the deck and watch it move through.

I REALLY miss my schedule/routine.  One more week of swimming lessons and then I'm forcing myself (and the kids) back into some semblance of order.  This Summer has been completely sporadic and spontaneous; which is good up to a point, but really bad for my running. 

July 23, 2010

Today I'm thankful for strength and determination.

I spent my morning cleaning house and picking up after everyone, and then mom came over and kidnapped the kids for a few hours.  So what was I to do, but jump on the treadmill?!

I met my goal of 50 miles this month AND I ran 6.03 miles in 75 minutes, today.  So I also met my secondary goal of 6 miles in one run.

My knees have both been feeling good; although it's going to take me a little while to build my right one back up . . . I'd say it's well on it's way.

It was nice to have an afternoon off and I literally goofed around the rest of the day; doing a little here and a little there.  I still need to work on getting back on schedule, but it may just have to wait until swimming lessons are over with.  They seem to be throwing a wrench in the works, while I'm trying to stay organized.  If you can't change it . . . roll with it.  Right?!

July 22, 2010

Today I'm thankful for forward progress and down time.

I spent a good portion of the day cleaning and putting laundry away, and then I took a break right after lunch.

The day seemed to slip away from me and before I knew it, it was time for swimming lessons again.  The last day this week!

Dave met us at the pool and he took the above photo, since I was otherwise occupied, in the pool with Eli.  They are both doing amazingly well in such a short period of time.

I'm so very proud of them both.

July 21, 2010

Today I'm thankful for only one appointment today.

The rains were moving in this afternoon, right after swimming lessons, and I stopped at an intersection and snapped a few shots.

And after I got home, I needed to borrow some vinegar from my mom so Dave could finish off canning pickles.  Kasey was still at my mom's house and she brought out the cute little ducks and put them in the bird bath for me, so I could take a few shots.

She's such a sweet little girl, and her parents don't know what they are missing out on, when they drop her off here, and there for someone else to watch, while they are busy "living their lives".  I'm not even sure if Kasey knows where "home" is anymore.  I'm glad she likes to stay with my mom, though. 

At least she gets the attention she craves, and has all the animals in the world to love on.  I like to see her smiling and enjoying the simple things . . . like little baby ducks.  These two follow the kids around EVERYWHERE, when you let them loose.  They're just like puppy dogs and it's completely adorable to watch.

Early this morning, I worked on catching up the laundry and organizing all the vegetables that need to be worked up.  There are a lot of tomatoes and cucumbers to process . . . along with some squash and zucchini.

I also ran my ten minute mile for the first time on my treadmill today.  Total of 3.35 miles in 40 minutes, with interval walking and running.  I've got a little under 2 miles left to reach my 50 mile goal for the month!

And I've ALMOST got the laundry completely caught up for another day.  Tomorrow I'm planning on cleaning up the kitchen.  It's a WRECK.

Swimming lessons went well again today.  Eli learned how to do the "jellyfish float" and float on his back, and he's starting to learn some of the basics . . . like the crawl and the back stroke.  Bayleigh also looked like she was doing well in her level 3 group.  I'm really hoping they both learn to swim by the end of next week!

July 20, 2010

Today I'm thankful for Dave watching the kids, while mom and I headed off to our eye appointment.  It would have been extremely hard keeping them occupied, while we spent over two hours doing and exam and waiting on someone to get our prescriptions filled at Eye Masters.  (I won't be going back, by the way; except to pick up my glasses.)

When we headed out at 9:30 a.m. the sky was overcast and it looked like a good storm was moving in.

But 20 minutes South, the sun was shining and it was as hot as ever.  Mom and I had our exams, picked out our glasses and FINALLY got out of Eye Masters in time to do some speed shopping, and then meet up with Dave and the kids at the dentist's office.  Eli had to have three teeny tiny fillings filled, and he did a super job.  The dental assistants were really proud of him . . . and so was mommy and daddy.

After the dentist appointment, mom and I ran to Braum's for some lunch (at 3:30 p.m.), while Dave occupied the kids at Bass Pro.  We met up again at Bass Pro, and then switched the kids over to my Jeep, so Dave could go to his staff meeting, and I could get the kids to their swimming lessons on time.

Today was Eli's first jump off the diving board.  He had a blast and wanted to continue jumping off the diving board over and over again.  The child has absolutely no fear.  He did really well, and I think by the time swimming lessons are done next week, he will have a pretty good grasp of swimming. 

I was in the pool today too.  Helping keep Eli in line, while trying to help him along with the other kids in level 2.  Maybe by the time swimming lessons are over with, I won't have quite such a phobia about being seen in public in a bathing suit.  I'm just weird about things like that.

What an exhausting day!  Dave is staying up late to watch a movie with the kids and I'm off to bed!

July 19, 2010

Today I'm thankful for motivation and the diligence to see things through.

Monday's are always my busiest day of the week and today was doubly so.  I'm still washing bedding (mine and Dave's) at 11:00 p.m.  I started the day a little sluggish and behind schedule, but after I fed the kids, I jumped on the treadmill and ran 2 miles in 21.54 minutes, and finished out with a total of 3.03 in 35 minutes.

Then my mom came over to pick up the kids.  (She's had Kasey all weekend, and I think it's easier for her to get things done around the house, when all the kids are there playing together, and keeping each other occupied.)  So while the kids were at mom's, I brought out the border adhesive and the other roll of border, to finish up Eli's room.  (*That self adhesive border didn't stick worth a hoot, so I had to take it all down and start from scratch today.  I'm hoping this adhesive works, since it took me three and a half hours to take it all down, clean the walls again, and put it back up.)

In between working on the border in Eli's room, I did several loads of laundry, and got things packed up and ready for their first day of swimming lessons for the year.

Eli took to it like a fish!  Both he and Bayleigh will be moving up to a little more advanced level tomorrow.  Neither of them have any fear, and it scares me to death!  I'm hoping they truly DO learn how to swim fairly well by the end of next week.

I also saw a few people I hadn't seen since high school!  It was great seeing them and catching up a little bit.

Tomorrow, I guess I get to don the swimming attire and jump in with Eli, since he can't touch the bottom of the pool.  I didn't know about that little tidbit until one of the instructors told me. EEK! 

After swimming lessons, we headed straight home so I could finish up laundry, pay a few bills, and do a little more cleaning, since I'm not going to be home most of the day tomorrow.  (Eye appointment for me and mom @11:00; Dentist appointment for Eli @ 2:00; swimming lessons @ 5:15 . . .)  I hope I can make it through tomorrow!