Better Than Expected

Nathan's preschool class had their last fieldtrip on Wednesday. We went to a pizzeria that allowed the kids to make their own pizzas. Afterward, we went to Meijer, for a store tour. At the beginning of the tour, the store guide was telling the kids about what we were going to do, and what special treats and prizes she had for children that listened well. Nathan pipes up to his friends, "Guys this might actually be better than we thought!"
Love that boy.

Just Keep Swimming

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming. Since I can't tread water, I have to swim. I just don't know how long and how far I can go without a breath. The water is frigid and there is no land in sight. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming. Eventually I'll find a lifeboat or a rock to rest on.

I want my old life back. I want to go on like everyone else around me does, carefree, just wading in the water. Splish, splash, enjoying their fu-fu drinks in the sand.

I look back at them with envy. They don't see my gaze. They don't know how much I want to be them right now.

I never learned to butterfly. My backstroke is sloppy. I'll drown if I try to breastroke. So, front-crawl it is, and as much as that sucks it's all I have.

I didn't volunteer for this. I've been yanked from my beach chair and thrown in the water. Now I have to survive in a sea that is cold and unforgiving.

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.

Marathon

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Sweet Buster

Nathan has been appropriately and affectionately nicknamed, “Buster” or “Buster Brown”, and true to this name I am often retelling the exasperating tales of life in his dust! But, let it be marked in history that Nathan is also a tender, sweet, and affectionate little guy. Last night, we were watching The Prince of Egypt as a family. Nathan was curious about the part where Moses is sent down the river in the basket. Joe explained the story and made a comparison, asking him to imagine if his little sister Camille was sent away in a basket to save her life. A few moments later, Nathan sorrowfully remarked, “It makes me so sad just to think about losing Camille.” He then buried his head into his father’s arms and cried real tears. Joe and I were both touched by his emotional expression of love and concern for his baby sister. He loves her dearly! His tenderness continued today, when we were eating dinner. Someone had failed to set out water glasses, and Nathan jumped up to get himself a drink. Lauren sweetly requested, “Natey, would you please get me some water, too?” Without hesitation, Nathan happily returned to the sink, filled another glass, and delivered it to his sister.

I am so pleased that these tender moments are sprinkled into my days. It sure makes motherhood that much sweeter.

Camille

Heaven Sent Camille

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nathan's book

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