You're Gonna Miss This

Ever hear of the song? I don't know who sings it...it's on country stations and I don't listen to much country, but this song will bring up tears every time.
It is about how we basically wish away these stages of our lives, but then look back and miss the times that have gone by.
Oh, I think I feel tears coming on now, as I think that the song might possibly be the theme song for my life thus far. I am trying to snap out of it and am doing a little better since I see how quickly time flies and how fast the kids are growing.

I took the boys to run errands today...had a great time at the dollar store, Beauty Brands (hey, I had a coupon I had to use!), and then to the Farmer's Market. When we got home I saw that Jeff wasn't ready for the the t-ball pizza party yet, so I started nagging him about getting with it so we could go. He told me he'd been sitting and listening to that song and was a little sad.
You know how sensitive I am, so I am sure you could script my reply...
"That's great. I like that song too. Could ya please go shower now?"

Anyway, I went back to our room a little while later and found Connor crying while he was talking to Jeff.
"What's wrong, Buddy? Why are you sad?"

"Because I love it when Dad throws me into the pool and someday I am going to be too big for him to throw me in the pool!"
More tears ensued.

I don't know how many kids stop and think about the passing of their childhoods, but I am thinking that I really didn't. Ever.

Connor has such a sweet and sensitive spirit...he could only think of how sad he'd be when he can't play with his dad like he does now.

We assured him that when he gets bigger and is a daddy he'll get to have even MORE fun, because he'll be getting to throw his own child into the pool. We told him he has no idea how much fun being a Dad is...but it's even better than being the kid.
That seemed to suffice for him.

For us, it just served as a reminder to treasure this time...we won't get it back.

Swim lessons

Connor had his SECOND round of swim lessons during the latter half of June. If you know me, you know that swim lessons are HUGE to me. I was a lifeguard and swim lesson teacher for more than 7 years and I am VERY particular about what I expect my children to learn in swim lessons. Unfortunately, our first round did not make the cut. I wish that I weren't so non-confrontational...the lessons really were so NOT good that I should have asked for (at least a partial!) refund after the first week. It is my own fault though. I was trying to save money on gas by staying here in town. Lesson learned...from now on we'll continue trekking down to Pleasant Hill for our lessons. They are so great! We loved them last year, but tried something a little closer to home during the first part of June. Oh well, I am sure it didn't hurt my little fish to be in the water a bit more!

I am so proud of how well Connor is doing. He is working on diving now, and it comes and goes.

He can get all around the pool now--"Look Ma! No floaties!" and it really gives me such peace of mind to know that he can get himself from one side of the pool to the other. Aaahhh. The other child? Not so much. A few words to describe Grant around the water? Totally fearless and utterly ignorant. So far, it is still pretty stressful to take that one to the pool, but we are getting along ok.

Connor had several MUCH older kids in his class, but he always kept right up with them, doing everything they were, doing races and all. I told him I am MOST proud that he is learning to swim without depending on goggles or plugging his nose--two "habits" that I find can really impair kids as they grow as swimmers.

He had a blast with his friends, can do a "mean" freestyle and has confidence in the water. I just can't ask for much more!

I am proud of my boy!

Chicago

I am not a great traveler. (Did I spell that right???) Don't get me wrong. It always SOUNDS great to go somewhere new and see the sights, but when it comes down to it, unless my family is coming along, I am usually a bit apprehensive.

My trip to Chicago was no exception, but I still really enjoyed it.

Katrina and Angie invited Marjie and me to go on a sightseeing girls' trip to Chicago. Flights were cheap (though I have no idea how with the prices at the pump!) and I have never been to Chicago. It isn't too far from here and I had always intended to go with Jeff, or with friends...it just never happened.

I was so nervous to leave the family at home...but they did beautifully without me. In fact, I believe Connor's words were: "Mom, I missed you just a teeny tiny little bit." Not to be confused with his dramatics surrounding Jeff's impending departure. He cried the entire day before Jeff left for Oklahoma for bball camp.

I know they did miss me...and I missed them. I was ready to go home after a short 36 hours in Chicago of shopping, eating, and WALKING! Considering my leg bone is fractured, it probably wasn't the best use of my time, but it was a place unlike any I'd ever been. I felt very small and a bit "country," though I know that I am not. When we arrived, we had a bit of trouble figuring out the train, the bus, the trolley. In fact, the question "Why are we so STUPID??" was the mantra for the first day of the trip. The free yet oh-so-elusive trolley that would take us all over downtown makes for fun memories as well. Chicago was LOUD, but I loved the easily accessible public transportation (once we got over our stupidity!), the sights, and just getting away and taking time out for me. Sometimes we moms just don't do that enough.

Yes, I am still here!

Not that anyone reads this...except for a couple of you...but I have been BUSY!
Let's see here...lots of fun going on this summer. We've had swim lessons, a girls' trip to Chicago, Jeff has been out of town, and we're preparing for vacation. Whew. And I thought summer would be a "break!" It has been good, just not the slower pace that I envisioned.
I want to post pics of Chicago and the swim lessons, so stay tuned.