Swim Lessons- Take 2

I signed up for another session of swim lessons down at the local swimming pool. I was excited because Kent was going to be taking them with Caden. I thought it would help Caden want to participate better.

The first day turned out disastrous. I should have known it would because I was running late. I knew that should have implemented Melissa’s 20 minute rule sooner. We got there, and I tried to coax Caden into the pool. The events that followed were…well lets just say that it involved a lot of screaming, hitting (I was not hitting), crying, and ultimately ended with us leaving without attending the lesson.

The next day I tried to prep Caden a little more. Our conversation went like this.

Me: Okay Caden, what happens if you don’t get into the pool?

Caden: You will take my hand and we will go home.

Me: What happens if you go to class, and listen to what the teachers tell you to do?

Caden: I get to pick a prize from the box (yes, I bribe my children with a “surprise” box), and then I will get to play with Kent afterwards.

We went over this a couple of times (or should I say one hundred!) so that he would understand the consequences. I made sure we were a little bit early, and things went much more smoothly. With Caden being the stubborn child he is, I think he wanted to make sure that I knew that he wasn’t having too much fun (even though he was!). I laughed when I saw this…my boy sure has a mind of his own.

By the end of the week, things were much better. I think he really is enjoying doing the class with Kent. I am so thankful they are such good friends.



One thing is for sure, the 20 minute rule really works! It helps me be on time, and my children (more specifically Caden) have much better time with the transition. I am trying to make it a habit, and never be late again....heres to hoping!

Thursday Thirteen #1 - Birthday Gifts

My birthday is coming up in less than a week! Yes, on July 3rd I will be 28 years old! It is strange to think that I am that much closer to being 30! I always thought that was so old, and now I realize how naive I was. My life has barely begun!

My husband always has a hard time figuring out something to give me. With this being Thursday, I thought I would give him Thirteen ideas of things that I like in order to help him out!

1. A Laptop: I have been asking for one for a few months now. I think it would be really nice to have one so that I won’t be stuck at a desk. Since I started blogging I have gotten so many wonderful recipes, and instead of printing them out…I can have them stored on my laptop and bring it to the kitchen! Besides it will also help me keep a better eye on my children when I do want to blog, and could prevent things like this from happening!

2. A Card/Letter: Yes, something as simple as a card or letter. There is something about the written word. I love looking back at old emails and letters. They really capture the emotions of the moment.

3. A Flatbed Scanner: This is another one of those items that I have been wanting for some time. I have recently gotten into digital scrapbooking. I have always wanted to be a scrapbooker. I mean I have lots of supplies to accomplish that, but my pictures and keepsakes just sit in boxes in our office. I would love to just scan everything in and toss the junk. Digital is the way for me!

4. A Cool Picture Frame: I love cute frames. It is always something that draws my attention when I go to peoples houses. I don’t have many of them, but I would love to start putting up more candid shots of my family around the house.

5. A Gift Certificate to get a pedicure: Shawn got me one a few years back, and I absolutely loved it. I would/should go more often, but I haven’t. I would love to have that experience again.

6. Jewelry: I like jewelry, but I am not good at choosing it. Because of that reason, I don’t really wear a lot. But I would love to have a nice set of diamond earrings, and a necklace to match. I also really like those chunky beaded necklaces that are in style these days.

7. Concert Tickets: I love going to concerts. There is something so fun, and amazing to hear an artist in person. I actually got Shawn tickets to a Snow Patrol (they sing Chasing Cars) concert later in July! But you can never go to too many concerts right?

8. A Trip: I have always thought it would be so cool to be whisked away on a surprise trip. I think it speaks volumes because of the planning that is involved.

9. Books: I love to read. It is something that I really enjoy. Shawn hates that I read a lot of “self-help” books, but I also like great novels too.

10. A Bombay Chest: I love the look of a Bombay Chest. There is something so elegant. I have always wanted to get one to put in my front entry way. I think it would look so beautiful, and also provide some storage.

11. A case for my new phone: We recently got new phones. I actually wanted to get The Chocolate because it looked sooooo cool. Instead we went with the LG VX8300. It isn’t as pretty, but it has the capability to play MP3’s. I am really excited about that. In the past my phone has been really trashed because my two little monsters like to play with it so much. In the process it gets thrown onto the ground A LOT! I think a case would help extend the life of the phone.

12. Money to buy some new clothes: It is not like I can’t go out and buy clothes for myself. The problem is that I don’t. I feel guilty because sometimes money can be spent better. But because of that guilt, I don’t have much variety in my wardrobe (I am seriously waiting for the day that Stacey and Colin from What NOT to Wear pop out and tell me how bad my 'style' is) If I had an amount to spend specifically on clothes then I would be able to get a cute outfit, without the guilt!

13. A Big Kiss and Hug! Affection is always a good thing. There is nothing better than knowing that you are loved.

Head on over to the Thursday Thirteen HQ for more participants!

Wordless Wednesday - Ice Cream!

For more participants visit the Wordless Wednesday HQ or 5 Minutes for Mom!

Photoshop comes in handy when your children can't both smile in the same picture. :)

It is not a perfect match, but pretty close!

What is Your Favorite Quote?

I have been lurking on this fairly new project called Woman to Woman. It is hosted by My Many Colored Days and Morning Glory. They create a topic and on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday woman bloggers everywhere post on that subject. I have enjoyed reading others insights on things, but have yet to actually put in my two cents. This week they asked:

"Share an Important quote and what it means to you."
I have come across many quotes in my short lifetime, but there has always been on quote that has stood out for me.

"Every person God puts into our lives, Every Experience that He gives us, Is the perfect preparation for the Future only He can see."

I can still remember the day that I read it. I was a sophomore in high school, and was going through some tough times. At that point in my life I was really struggling with the direction that my life was going. Home life was hard, and I was just trying to gain some footing in my new life as a high school student. I had gone over to my Aunt's house to try to clear my head, and spend some time with my cousins. Right beside their front door, hung this quote...it was exactly what I needed to hear, and is now ingrained in my mind.

It helps me to realize that all the trials, and things that happen in my life really do have a purpose. It doesn't really make them any easier, but it helps me to have a different perspective as to why some things are happening. As I look back on my life, and see many trials that I faced...there are many that NOW I understand, but didn't at the time. It helps me to be stronger because I know that whatever "experience" He is giving me is going to help me someday.

The other aspect of this quote that has changed my perspective is "Every person God puts into our lives." I now look at people in such a different way. It doesn't matter how small the acquaintance...they have come in contact with me for a reason. There is something that I must learn from them. It gives me a little bit more patience when I encounter someone in who I do not mesh well. Everyone comes from a different background, and can teach you something.

More than anything this quote gives me a feeling of peace because it shows me that God is aware of me and my life. He knows me better than I know myself, and is doing his best to take care of me. Just like I am trying to be the best mother to my children by making them do things that they sometimes don't want to do. My Heavenly Father is doing the same. I know without trials in my life...I would not be the same person. They make me who I am. I am thankful that I have a Heavenly Father who is not afraid to help me grow.

To read other insightful quotes head on over to My Many Colored Days. If you decide to participate...Let me know! I would love to collect some more wonderful quotes!

Dora?

My friend Meg brought this to my attention the other day. Shawn and I laughed till we cried. If you have ever seen Dora the Explorer...you will understand why. Enjoy!