Can it Really be 2011?

There must be something about the start of a new year that brings me back to blogging... because I can not believe it has been a year since I last popped in here. I resolve to blog on a daily basis as much as possible because I LOVE reading back at my previous posts to read about where I was with myself, but mostly where the kids were in their lives and the littlest, minute details that filled my heart or that I worried about. THIS IS WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT. The small, every day things, moments, tears, worries, etc. THIS is what makes up my life. This is what makes my life unique. No ones life is just like mine. This kind of blogging keeps me grounded and living in the moment. I do love this and you can expect I will be back here much more often! Yea for 2011 and the start of a new year! Many blessings!!

Balance

I remember the days when we actually played outside all day, rode our bikes to the local pool without having to worry about kidnappers. Why is it that we hover over our kids so much? Is it that we're older parents and worry more? Do younger parents worry less? I remember spending summers playing with friends and siblings while our parents were busy working, cooking, cleaning, etc. Or is it just my kids that require a lot of hand holding and time to play with me? I am a very involved mom and do play with my kids a lot... I see this as a good thing... they actually WANT to play with me... right now... HOWEVER, there are those days... those days that I need all to myself, to be completely selfish, well, at least for a good few hours. I think it's important to find time for yourself to be a more balanced, happy person. Doesn't everyone need time for themselves at some point in a day? I know that I do...

2010

The boys are growing up so fast. Sometimes I look at them when they're sleeping and hope they are having a happy childhood. I try not to think about them growing up so fast and going off to college. Alex still needs us to fall asleep... he still gets a little scared, but will try to sleep, with complaints. He goes in and out of his room a dozen times before either Michael or myself gives in and lies down with him. He falls asleep MUCH faster when one of us stays with him. When trying to fall asleep on his own it can take an hour or more. He usually falls asleep around 9:30. Why is it that when Michael or I are in his bed that he is able to relax and fall asleep so much more quickly? I blame it on the co-sleeping idea that was so "in" back in 2000. He's 9 and we're still co-sleeping! I'm trying to relish this time knowing that it won't last forever and that he is still a little boy that needs his mom and dad. Another 8 years and he will hopefully be going off to college... it really is hard to believe that they really do grow up that fast.

Swimming lessons...and little boys...

Lesson 1:

Okay. So here are the boys. All dressed in their swimsuits, swim cap (required), and professional goggles (that only go over the eyes, not the nose) purchased at the front desk of the Regional Sports Complexe in Edmundston, New Brunswick. They look great...actually, absolutely adorable. They are excited and nervous about their lessons. Ready, set, go!

Okay, it didn't actually get off to a roaring start, to put it mildly. Okay the first day was NOT good. Benjamin would not even put his feet into the water without me going in with him. So, we ended up sitting and watched his class have their lesson while Benjamin ate a snack of Crackers and cheese. By the time he was finished with his crackers and cheese he was ready to try going into the water...but by then his lesson was over...so once again, tears. Jonathan got into the water, yea Jono!, but then he couldn't understand the teacher (they teach in French in Edmundston)...so the poor thing didn't understand what he was suppose to do. So, he cried at the wall near me, trying to hide behind my legs so other parents could not see him, for maybe 5 minutes...or 7 okay, maybe it was 10...it seemed an eternity...eventually I coaxed him out of the water as it was obvious he wasn't going to continue his lesson. So that was day one. Alex didn't swim because he was sick. Talk about discouraging, but i refused to give up! I gave the boys a little "talkin' too" about how the lessons cost a lot of money that their father worked very hard for, and that they are not to give up, and were acting spoiled. The water was 89 degrees F, like bath water! They should not have complaints. I think I was a little harsh, but I think I got through to them...we'll see tomorrow. I have to remember to brings snacks in the car for them to munch on the way to the lesson...and water. Lesson 2:

Okay, they're still willing to get dressed for swimming after yesterdays "experience" and my talk. I'm glad it didn't backfire.

Alex is well enough to go into the water today. Jonathan now has more confidence with his brother at his side to proceed with swimming lessons. Benjamin, lo and behold, also went right into the water. AMAZING! Were these the same kids I brought yesterday?? Perhaps I spoke too soon. Jonathan got water in his nose and started crying. Okay, he won't stop. Lesson over for Jono. Perhaps next weekend will be better. Alex managed to stay in the entire time! Benjamin too. Benjamin was a little trooper and I think they're all even learning a bit of French! ("fort" means strong...un peu (little) and they even count to ten in french...un, deu, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf, dix). Okay, I had another talk with the boys. This time about the water in the nose business. I told them that I know it hurts A LOT when water goes in the nose, but that they need to clear their little noses, breathe, and then try to push past it and continue with the lesson. NOT TO CRY every time this happens. Whew...I hope my little talks are helping.

Lesson 3/4: I can't believe it! They all went into the water without a hitch and stayed in without any complaints!! Although I did see Alex and Jono make a couple of faces when they got water in their noses...but they managed to push past it!! After the lesson, Jono and Alex relayed to me that they did get water in their nose, but didn't cry. I told them I was so proud of them for being strong and pushing through it.

Lessons 5/6:

How the boys have taken up swimming!! We've been going every saturday and sunday morning, to Canada, for the past 3 weekends. Alex and Jono are now putting their heads under water WITHOUT holding their noses!! Yea!! I really didn't think I would ever see that day. Alex and Jono are floating on their bellies and backs and even swimming about 10-15 feet or so. Alex told me he is able to go under water for about 13 seconds and can tread water for 15 seconds. All that in as little as 3 weekends (6 lessons). This is a miracle to me and I am so PROUD of them all!!! So happy.