~~ Light Load ~~

We pulled into the driveway and as everybody jumped out of the car I said, "carry something in please." Michael is halfway into the garage and it appears as if he did not hear me. "Michael, you need to carry something in please." He turns to me and says, "I am." This is what he shows me....

Seriously? The straw and the lid from your Dairy Queen to go cup? Not the cup or the pillow or the blanket or the million toys, but the straw and the lid. That's my little helper!

~~ Rock Pile ~~

All they need to have a good time is a pile of rocks......

Sliding down, Climbing up, Rolling down, Running up and down, Picking up and dropping (not throwing) and even Licking (yes, I caught Charlyee licking one). The weather was beautiful and they all love being outside. They had a blast and they were covered with dirt to prove it!

~~ Happy 2010 ~~

Wow! Did 2009 fly by or what? I guess it is true...time does fly when you are having fun!!

We spent this New Year's Day traveling so I had lots of time to think--about the year that passed too quickly, about the year ahead, about resolutions, about what is important--

My resolution for 2010 is to slow down and enjoy life.

Don't get me wrong, it seems like every new year starts with many of the same old resolutions and this year is no different, but I really, really want to just not rush things. School kept me extremely busy for the past 2 years and it seems like I'm always too busy for my family and friends. I was busy and I probably will still be busy, but I hope to balance it better in 2010.

A few other things for 2010~

Continue to grow spiritually--challenge myself to read my bible in a year.

Keep in touch with family & friends--write/send cards more often, at least a special birthday note.

Spend more quality time with my boys--monthly/weekly family fun nights--movie, games, etc.

Get organized, scrapbook, learn to play the piano, learn to sew, run a 5K, exercise, try new recipes, read more, blog more.....the list could go on and on.

Balance-Slow Down-Appreciate

~~ Chillaxin ~~

After a busy day at school and gymnastics it is nice to be able to come home and just relax on the back porch with your brother and enjoy a popsicle.

~~ Swim Lessons-Day 2 ~~

Another day of lessons and well, my boys might just be turning into little fish. They are just loving the water and they are so excited about swimming! Jesse wants me to get him one of these red belts. I'm hoping that by the end of next week his instructor will have him trying to swim without one. Michael told me after his lesson he went under 3 times. He was so proud!

~~ Swim Lessons-Day 1 ~~

I was so impressed with how well the boys did in the water this morning.

We actually go to the pool on a regular basis being that 1) it is so close to the house 2) it is 100+ degrees outside and 3) it is free! Jesse has really gotten brave this year. He has started wanting to go under, jump in and tippy toe to the deep end. It is the combination of all 3 of those reasons that they both need to take lessons. Michael doesn't care to go under or have the water in his face, but he tends to eventually do what his big brother does.

They did take lessons a couple of years ago, but I was in the water with them and the instructor. This year I get to watch from the lounge chairs on the side of the pool. They go everyday for 2 weeks and I am excited to see how much they will learn!

~~ SummerFest 09 ~~