Swim Mom

It has been way too long since I've posted, but I'm going to try to give it another go! Wish me luck...

So, I started my summer with a "if-you're-not-going-to-have-another-baby-we-need-to-get-this-sucker-out-of-you" hysterectomy. The first 2/3 of my summer was defined for me: missing my eldest child's birthday party, keeping my wild 2-year-old safe without picking her up, no traveling, and lots and lots of watching my amazing 6 YEAR OLD compete on the swim team...

 Her coach, Miss Darby, inspired Elise to...well, to compete. I am so thankful for this young lady! I hope that my little girl continues to idolize sweet young thangs like this one!

 She worked hard at practice...

 

...and followed directions.

That little booger on the left is the one I struggled with...She is fearless, jumps in the deep end without knowing how to swim, comes up smiling...and I wasn't allowed to pick her up! Somehow with the help of our friends on the swim team, this child survived without resorting to a leash!

Without the help of these kids, I'm not sure that Elise would still have a baby sister! Love them!

 

Well, I had a lot of help from The Tall Kind as well...

Thank you all---including those who have not been pictured! :) You helped me survive the summer---as well as become a Swim Mom. I dig it!

And, thank you Sandy for these last three pictures! Awesome!!

Another promising event from the summer is that Elise might start having sleepovers with girls... as evidenced by these pictures...

 

 Woohoo! Teenage sleepovers could be a problem otherwise...

Go, Elise, go!

Kick! Kick! Kick!

I am so proud of you, little girl!

Much love, Your Swim Mommy                                         

Tuesday's Ten Ways My Toddler Acts Like a Dog

1. She crawls around panting....
2. Licks water out of the dog dish.
3. Brushes her hair with the dog comb.
4. Eats dog food.
5. Howls.
6. Feeds our actual dog a bite of her chicken leg then eats the rest herself.
7. Gives doggie kisses.
8. Picks up tinkertoys with her mouth then drops them at my feet and sits panting.
9.  Plays in the toilet if the bathroom door isn't shut.
10. Licks up any spilled drinks.

Happy Valentines, Mama!

Yes, I know it's been a while since I've written. Many of you understand why that is...Our Papa Bruce beat the cancer, but his body didn't. He wants me to give my mom a special Valentine. Will the rest of you send her some love, too?



Happy Valentines, Mama! I love you!

Coming Down

Okay, so, I'm still coming down off of my Christmas high. Elise just started back to school today, and Evie starts back tomorrow. I have so many amazing Christmas memories that I want to write about, but I thought I would start by showing you what a majority of our winter break has been like...

Giving Thanks

People came from miles around to eat my dressing. Seriously. I guess the old saying is true, "If you cook it, they will come." Or, maybe it was the delicious spread my Aunt Dee made...or, it could have to do with giving thanks and family and love and all that. I don't know. I'll just dwell on the dressing for a little longer...Before I let them eat anything, though, I insisted on a picture of everyone.

Okay. Okay. I'll share my trick for using a tripod: all you have to do is fumble with the start button then stand around a while after it works then take off in a run and trip over something in your path. Works like a dream every time. I mean, check out those smiles! Makes me smile just looking at them. :D

I am truly forever grateful for these people. I am so lucky to have them in my life. Plus, they gave me compliments on my dressing!

Dressing

I'll admit it: I'm the first to make fun of all of the Christmas paraphernalia that comes out on November 1st. I just don't want everyone to forget about Thanksgiving, is all. As soon as Halloween draws to a close and dawn breaks, images of dressing dance through my head. Then, they just keep dancing all the way through Thanksgiving. We need to remember what this season is about: dressing!! Since we are travelling, the dressing-making-process is even more tedious. Luckily, I have helpers!

I've already packed a gallon of homemade turkey broth, a large baggie of homemade cornbread, and a large baggie of homemade biscuits.

I kid you not: this girl made an entire batch of biscuits *completely* by herself!!! I am so, so proud! And, I know her Mimi would be proud too! I was sure to pass down all of the little tidbits I've learned along the way, like 'when you rub your hands together to get rid of all of the dried crunchies, make sure you put it in the garbage pile and not where the dough goes.' Plus, the little Mimi trick of putting the remaining dough into a "scrap" biscuit.

She ate it up---literally!! Her biscuits were seriously better than mine. I'm not joking you. We also relied heavily on our quality control department:

She has very discerning tastes. She definitely prefers her biscuits with butter *and* jam.

I wish you all a very wonderful holiday weekend. Enjoy your friends and family, and most especially your dressing! Happy Thanksgiving!!!

My Wish

Some people whine forever about a hangnail or anything slightly unpleasant that comes their way. At times in my life, I've definitely been there. Recently, however, Papa Bruce has inspired me to embrace my life, to make it a daring adventure. During our visit last week, we eked out every bit of fun with the grandkids, solved world hunger over coffee, and laughed with friends and family. On my way home, I felt whole, I felt complete, like I'd finally gotten the something I'd been missing. I had cooked him chicken n dumplins and chicken salad. I had provided Evie as entertainment. In the end, though, it was Papa Bruce who helped me to cope with his doctor's diagnosis that his days are numbered.

As the holidays approach, I would love for you to do me a huge favor. Please, embrace the season. Enjoy every moment, or at least as many as possible. It is our Papa Bruce's favorite time of year. We always say that he is just like Chevy Chase on The Christmas Vacation. He loves getting all of the family together. He loves shopping for presents, even if it is on Christmas Eve! He loves being cheesy and sentimental and more than a little child-like. So, when the shoppers get to you, please remember it's the love and not the presents that matter. Skip the stress, and share the love this holiday.