One Proud Mama

This year i decided that i wanted the boys to be a part of our clubs swim team.  They had private swim lessons last summer but were still a little unsure about swimming.  After talking to some other moms that had done swim team in the past i decided to sign the boys up.  Micah was a little reluctant but Jo was super excited because he heard he would get a trophy.  When Micah heard Jo was on board he couldn't have his brother show him up so he too was on board.  

The boys went every morning to swim practice for 45 mins and even attended private lessons with one of the coaches after.  The progress they made was unbelievable.  The never gave up and kept going.

Josiah never actually swam in any meets but will surly be ready next year.  Micah did swim the freestyle and backstroke.  The skills they learned this summer will stick with them for life.  Some mornings they would ask me if they could skip practice but i encouraged them to keep going.  Today we went to a local water park.  All that practice payed off!  The two older boys saw all the slides and when we read the rules it said... You must know how to swim to ride.  The boys were so excited because this is now something they can do with confidence.  They were a little nervous at first but once they went down they didn't want to stop.  

Noah who has been attending private lessons now for the last few weeks is also making a lot of progress but not ready for the slides just yet.  While he watched his brothers slide he was sure to let me know that he too wants to be on the swim team next year so he can slide too.

I really couldn't be any prouder of my boys!  They truly are incredible...

Tonight the boys had their end of the year dinner/party for swim team.  They surprised the kids with trophy's and even passed out a few special awards.  Jo proudly accepted his participation trophy!  Micah not only received a participation trophy but also received the most improved swimmer plaque.  He was super surprised and even a little shy as he went to accept it.  

I'm one lucky mama to have 3 amazing boys!

Danny Gokey - Tell Your Heart to Beat Again

Danny Gokey, tell your heart to beat again is one of my favorite songs (i usually end up crying when i hear it but happy and sad tears)  An incredibly wise person sent this song to me a few months ago and it was exactly what i needed and still need.  

I'm sharing this song because today at church Phil Vischer was our guest speaker.  You may better know him as the veggie tales guy.  He shared his journey about a dream he had.  He spoke about God giving us dreams and sometimes he takes them away from us.  Why would he do this if he is an all loving father.  He rounded the story out by saying sometimes our focus needs to be brought back to him and not our dream.... Sometimes our dream can come back us or not.  

When i was driving home this song came on the radio and it brought the dream i have for the boys and i to the surface.  I Love my boys and can't wait to see what dream, God has for us... It's going to be beautiful because its going to be his.

Pool Babes 3 years ago...

Today when i went on Facebook these were the pictures that were on my news feed.  I remember this day like it was yesterday.  But, in reality it was 3 years ago.  Noah was just a year and a half.  Josiah was 3 and Micah was 5 (the summer before he started kindergarten)  This summer actually one week to the day later our lives were changed for ever.  These smiles mean more to me than anything.  I feel so blessed and thankful for them.  I hope you enjoy this throw back just as much as i do.

Afraid of the darkness

I'll often wake to one of my boys standing over me asking if they can sleep with me because they are afraid.  Or requesting that i leave their bedroom door open and the nightlight on.  As a young child i can remember being the same way.  My mom and dad never let us actually get in their bed but did allow me to drag my blanket and pillow into their room and sleep on the floor.

I've been attending Calvary church here in Naperville for sometime now (i really liked the fact that i could go unnoticed)  But, more recently I've been going to the Compass Church (i can't hide as easily, since i go to one of their smaller campuses) This past weekend they had a guest speaker Dr. Michael Rydelnik from Moody Bible.  What do you do when the Lights go Out? Isaiah 50: 4-11
His sermon really resonated with me and got me thinking.  How do i handle the darkness, am i scared? and i faithful? Do i hide? Do i run?  Do i make my own light?

Much like a small child i often feel helpless and lost in the darkness just looking for the light.  I have to remind myself daily that even in the darkness i am not alone.  Even when i can't see him, he can see me... He will never leave my side even when the day is so Dark.  Dr Rydelnik used the analogy of the small child in a burning building,  His father calls out to him.. Jump i'll catch you.  The young boy says but i can't see you.  His father reply's by saying.  But i see you, jump... i'll catch you.
I need to remember to just JUMP, he will catch me.

Recently when i returned home from the pool with the boys (i need to do a long over due update on the boys) i went into the basement to grab something out of the freezer and thats when i saw for the 2nd time this year sewage coming up the basement drain.  It took everything in me not to cry,  Thankfully this time it had not reached the carpet or drywall.  I quickly took action and called out a plumber who showed up in 30 mins.  He assessed the problem and came up with a solution.  After a second gentleman showed up with more equipment and a lot of money later they hopefully solved the problem.  Dark days are hard and sometimes linger... Leaves you asking why?  Why because he knows you can handle it.  It was a put on your big girl panties kind of evening. Bleach in one hand and a glass of wine in the other.  I managed to handle it all.

I am ready for the light to break!  Recently i saw what i thought Gods plan was for me only to realize maybe it wasn't so.  Just another lesson... Lately I've been clinging to Ruth 3:11  He is going to catch me and see me through this time.

Being a mom is hard and no one has all the answers.  I just have to assure myself and my boys that the darkness is nothing to fear.  If a nightlight helps, or a door cracked... let it be.