Swim Lessons

Our swim lessons are going well. I'm thrilled we've found a private swim instructor who will come to our pool, is energetic and very affordable. Many moms have told me "4" is the magic age for swim lessons and it is so true. Daniel is so excited and truly wants to learn how to swim. Wesley, well, so far he takes after me in the water but we know he'll warm up eventually. I have not yet confessed to our instructor I need lessons myself.

A Week with Wesley

Since Daniel had VBS every morning this week, I had 3 hours each day to spend alone with Wesley, which is a rare occurrence. So, I tried to make mornings this week special for him, and I look forward to doing it again in July when Daniel goes to a different VBS.
Here's what we were up to:
Monday- Errands and puzzle time at home. Wesley said he liked going to Publix and getting a cookie.
Tuesday- Visiting a friend with a new baby and then a playdate with friend Micah.
Wednesday- Lunch and playing at Pinkerton Park (HOT!)
Thursday- Free movie at a local church, with free popcorn, Chick Fil A nuggets and chocolate chip cookies!
Friday- Free donut at Krispy Kreme, then a picnic after VBS at the church's creek with "fishing" and friends (this included Daniel of course).

Our second child is so fascinating to me- probably because I'm the oldest in my family and I am now seeing things through a second- born's eyes. All Wesley has ever known is having an older brother, and all he has ever wanted is to be older like his brother. I realize I will have two years alone with him once brother goes to school, so this week was a nice preview of what lies ahead.

Chit Chat with Daniel

Two snippets of conversations with Daniel yesterday:

Regarding our wedding anniversary:
Daniel: I wonder who I'm going to marry?
Christina: Is there anyone you know you might like to marry, like Madeleine (a friend)?
Daniel: Maybe Mom..... (almost says mommy and then stops himself)
Christina: Anyone else?
Daniel: Someone ginormous!
Christina: Really?
Daniel: Yes, she has to be ginormous!! (in a shouting voice and then with lots of laughter)

Don't you wonder who he has in mind? I'm sure we'll love his bride, whoever she is (she's out there eating lots of cookies, probably).

Regarding his current obsession with Scooby Doo:
Daniel: Mommy, I wonder what you would do.... if your van started driving itself?
Christina: Wow, I guess I would have to run after it.
Daniel: No, you would need to solve the MYSTERY!

All of our current activities must involve some kind of adventure, mystery solving or quest. The other day Daniel played "treasure hunting" with the babysitter, complete with a map, for 3 hours. I think this is actually going to be an on-going theme for the rest of his male life. Isn't it interesting how early it begins?

10 Years!

This is my favorite wedding photo, because I'm standing on a step and my head is actually near Dave's head! Standing next to Dave always makes me look short (and I'm not). When we dance, I have to wear very high heels, something I remembered while we were on our cruise in April.

It seems a silly reason to like a photo, but being face to face, standing together, is a symbol of one of the many things I love about Dave: He always meets me and loves me, just where I am. The last ten years have been a great, winding road with beautiful scenery. There have been a few bumps along the way, which have kept things fun and interesting. I have enjoyed every minute of the journey.

I read an article recently where Rob Bell states, "Marriage is thousands of conversations about doing life together". I'm so happy I get to have those thousands of conversations with Dave. I choose him as my husband every day, for the last ten years and for as many years as we have together.

A few pics from this last week

First smores of the summer.... Wesley's educational testing at Vandy.... visit to Daddy's office.... fun with Grandma and Grandpa in town this weekend!

I'm not perfect... and why you shouldn't pretend to be either

I've come to a realization lately- if you only read my blog, you may feel like you know me, but you really don't. That's because I don't necessarily post pictures and descriptions of my heartaches, bad hair and/or messy house days and all of my parenting mistakes. Yes, all of these happen in great abundance. It's part of my life. Of course, I'd rather forget the bad stuff so I don't document it as much. But I've always been pretty open about my shortcomings- there are so many, hiding them all the time would be exhausting. And if you are my friend, I will probably let you down (if I haven't already, well, I'm surprised).

I get amused and slightly annoyed when I read other blogs (strangers, not any of my readers) where no one ever has a bad day and posts perfect pictures of their homes and children (who are never messy). And they only spend $30 a week on groceries and cook gourmet meals every night. Come on! Frankly, you can't be my friend if you are perfect because what would we talk about? I'm closest friends with those who struggle just like me and are open about it. And I am so thankful for them!

On a similar note, Dave and I have also been having lots of conversations lately about our kids... how we don't want to try and act perfect around them, pretending we never struggle with sin, or never ask for their forgiveness when we hurt them. We don't want them to think the Christian life is about pretending to be perfect.

I think I'm going to go unsubscribe from a few "perfect" blogs now....