Family Dynamics

It is interesting how the family dynamics shift when one member is away. It has been interesting this week to see how everyone is a little different without Reagan here. I think being a homeschooling family we spend a lot more time together as a whole. On a daily basis we are just used to being all home. I mean we all have our own activities, but the kids are not gone to school during the day, etc...

I have had fun with Jake and Lizzie this week. I think on a whole I spend a lot more time with Lizzie, as she is the youngest. Then generally Reagan and I go quite a bit of places together, like shopping, etc... Jake tends to like to stay home alone if we are all leaving...he is a bit of a loner. He does NOT enjoy shopping with Reagan and I, which is no surprise. I have really tried to purposefully do things that Jake enjoys this week with him. It is really fun to spend time with him and he has been more receptive with Reagan gone. He LOVES to play cards - so we have done that a lot. Also, I have let him pick what he wants for meals, and he has helped cook. By the way, we made a crispy fish with a white chocolate sauce that was to DIE for!!

I guess as a mother of three I don't realize how hard it is at times to actually see each kid individually and try and connect with them on their level. Actually, the little ones are so much easier - Lizzie is content with anything we do as long as I am there with her. Reagan is a little harder at her age, but Jake seems to be the toughest for me to truly connect with. I don't know if it is mostly because I really am clueless about boys. I didn't have any brothers and didn't spend much time with my dad as a kid. Maybe it is partly because in our culture it is acceptable for a girl to desire and seek out her mom, but teenage boys feel they shouldn't want or need that so much. The truth is, I think they do desire it. I am kinda just blabbing here - I don't really know what I am talking about...maybe Citizen can give more insight here.

All I know is I have a very few short years with Jake living in the same house, and even less for Reagan. Even though Lizzie is still young, I know first hand how quickly she will be on the verge of her own life - because these years with Reagan and Jake have really gone so fast. I just want to lay the foundation now to have healthy, fun relationships with my kids for the future! I think this week was one step closer to that for Jake and I.

Swim Lessons

My kid is actually swimming...seems like a small feat - right?? NOT!!!!!!!!! No easy accomplishment with this one. Let me first say that I was a swimmer, as in competitive swimming for years and years. My older two kids were raised in a pool. I have met adult people that did not know how to swim, and I always found it a bit wacky - and thought to myself, "how does that happen???" Well, I have learned how it happens, they were probably petrified and never learned.

I should back up, first of all, I spent 90% of Lizzie's first 4 years of life in bed. So, obviously swimming was not high on the list of priorities...we were all just trying to survive. She has never been around or in a pool much. Last summer we began going to the pool and realized our then 5 year old was PETRIFIED of the water. We did private swim lessons then...she never progressed beyond clinging for dear life to the poor girl's neck.

So, this summer I listened to other people and heard that the Bozeman Hot Springs had the best swim lessons. OK...it is a 25 minute drive from us, and how could it really be that much better???? Well, guess what, it has been AMAZING!!! Three private lessons later she is swimming on her back and on her belly! I actually CRIED today when I watched her actually swimming with her face in the water, but don't tell anyone, OK? I would hate to look like a sap. I truly did not know if she would ever be able to learn to swim... and I now have hope! She is still afraid of the deep, but hey, it has only been 3 lessons, right??? Imagine where she will be in 3 more! Hope is such a grand thing!! YEA LIZZIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

San Antonio

Well, Reagan is off to San Antonio. San Antonio in July - who thinks of these things? I realize the people that live in these places do not realize how quickly the Northerners begin melting in the heat. Reagan was one of 12 Episcopal youth chosen to go to this event. It is the 2008 International Episcopal Youth Event. I am sure she will have a blast!

I LOVE Texas. Of course I do, I was born there and lived there the first 30 years of my life. There are lots of spots in Texas that are very dear to me for different reasons. I am not sure why, but San Antonio has always been right up there to one of my favorite Texas towns. It is really a fun place to visit. There is lots of history and the people are friendly and fun. Yep - I am sure she will have a blast.

If anyone wants to follow her trip, there is a blog they are suppose to keep updated. She did an entry under "Reago Pop".

http://stjamesateye.wordpress.com/

Kick Ball

Oh my gosh, I had the funnest 4th of July in as long as I can remember!!!!! We had a party at my mom's house, which is next door to me by the way, and it was WAY fun! We had great food, great friends, and great fun. We played a game that I have no idea what it was called... __________ ball: there is a little yellow ball, which is thrown then 4 green balls, and 4 red balls that are thrown as close to the yellow ball as you can get them...anyone know what I am talking about? Oh well, it was fun.

Next, we had a game of kickball, with people for 6 yrs - 60 yrs. We all had a blast. When I think of it now, my heart actually fills to swelling with gratitude at being a part of it. First of all, even last 4th my health was improving, but I NEVER could have played a game of running for hours. Secondly, to see my mom and her improved health and other friends as we all played and laughed - what a blessing! Alex is the son of my best friend, Julie. He was so sick for so many years and to see him healthy and happy - there are not words to describe the joy. My friend, Zak, always says, "Reliv is not about making a buck off your buddy. It is about helping those you love and care about." It is SO true. No amount of money in the world can equal the feeling of knowing you have been a part in giving someone their health back.

Then we ate watermelon and shot off TONS of fireworks. Please allow me to be a little passive - aggressive and say I hope it was enough to irritate the neighbors that like to spray pesticides in our yards. I hope they weren't overly irritated, but a little irritated would be OK with me. :)

I am just so grateful for yesterday, and all the great days to come.

Fourth of July

On this 4th of July I am grateful for the men and women that have in the past and are presently representing my country. Let's pray for the Veterans - past and present and their families as we celebrate today with our own friends and families.

Re-connecting

I have a dear friend. I actually met him when I was a kid, so he has known me almost all of my life. We went on many mission trips together as I was growing up. He and his wife were friends with my parents.

None of us had seen or heard from them in many years and then a couple of years back I found them on the Internet. So, H and I have emailed almost daily for about 2 years. It has been really such a blessing to me. He is always encouraging and affirming. When I have a problem he can almost always make me see it in a different way. I just truly admire his wisdom.

Last summer they were able to come out for a visit and we had a great time!! As soon as they walked off the plane and I saw them, I began to cry - after so many years to be able to see them and hug them - it was wonderful!

I sent him an email a few days ago. I asked him for prayer for a situation with a relative. It is not something in my immediate family, but is affecting my loved one deeply and he responded with kind words, and then closed his email with these words: "I am with you in joy and sorrow----LOVE H" It really touched me, mostly because I know he means it and it is the truth. I am SO grateful God has put him back in my life!

Garden

Mom and I put a garden in this past week...better late than never, right? Besides, I know a few people that put theirs in early June and lost everything due to freezing. I used to always garden. This is the first year I have had the energy to mess with a garden in a long while. I am VERY excited! I feel so blessed.

Planting with my mom was a joy. We came back in the house dirty and sweaty and neither of us complained a bit! It is such a joy to feel good enough to be able to do it. My mom was on a cane almost full time 2 years ago, and today she gardened with me - WOW! God is amazing!!