Skate anyway.

I logged on to edit a previous post. But thanks to my natural blond roots and a bad night's sleep...I deleted it instead.  Seriously?!

A little recap: Summer time is officially here! I didn't think I would say this...but...I am so happy Jeff's job puts him in a hotel. It's been such a blessing! Having access to a pool all the time has been so much fun! Especially since it gets too hot to do anything else. Gavin has been getting full use out of it! He is our little fish. He always has been. With the help from mom, we would blow in his face as a baby and dunk him. By the age of two, he thought himself how to swim under water. Now, he is doing cannon balls, treading water, and doing flips off the side of the 9 FOOT! He has no fear....imagine that!

I didn't think Layla would share the same love for aquatics. Last year, she didn't take to us blowing in her face as well as her older brother and besides, she has never liked water on her face. But this year, she is proving to us she will be a water baby as well. She will go under and not take in any water. Yay for Layla! Her favorite thing is to walk off the steps and "drop" off the side! She likes to hang on to the side and pull herself over to the steps. And she also likes when we toss her in the air! She absolutely HATES being in a float or wearing floaties. Restraining things are not for her...(she hated the car seat forever for this reason).

The other day we took Gavin to a skating party. He didn't enjoy it so much. It was only his second time to skate. After falling down, he walked off the rink and bowed his head as he told me "I never want to skate again." My heart broke for him for two reasons. 1. He was embarrassed. I remember that feeling. It's so awkward. 2. He already cared what others thought. Later that night, as my head hit the pillow, I was thinking about what I had to explain to Gavin. It doesn't matter what people think. He would only look silly if he didn't get back up and try again. I had to tell him we weren't around to to see the good skaters fall down when they first learned how to skate. It reminded me of a valuable life lesson. It really DOESN'T matter what people think. And I needed to remind myself of that. In this age of Facebook and Twitter, I find myself comparing my life with everyone. And wondering if I am good at enough things or if I made enough of myself. So reminding Gavin of that, was a refreshing reminder that if we worry about what others think, we could miss out on some incredible things in our daily lives! I'm so thankful we were blessed with two beautiful, healthy kids. I thank God for his grace and giving us these children. Because in raising them, I am becoming a better me!

(Skating rink pictures are poor becasue of bad lighting and I used my iphone)

We may fall. We may look stupid. But that's alright! It's OK to fall...the biggest failure would be to fall and NOT get back up!

Train up a child in the way He should go

Today has been sobering to me. As Layla and I made a run into Target, I hung up the phone with my mom. She called me to tell on Gavin. She told me that she called for Gavin to come downstairs (because it time for them to leave) and she wondered what was taking him so long. When he came down, he told her "I cleaned my room, my mom's room, and Layla's room. I know that will make my mom happy." He wanted to surprise me. With tears in my eyes and tears in hers, we were overwhelmed with his thoughtfulness. He has matured. In just two months, our first born will be six. I don't know if I'm ready for it, but that doesn't really matter. It will be here in the blink of an eye. I can't get over the change in maturity. I use to have a little boy who wouldn't sit still long enough to eat and who was asking me for "shockit milk" and now he is approaching kindergarten and his 6th birthday party. I am very proud of him not only as our son, but as a big brother, and for being the faithful child of God that he is. Last night, we said our prayers and I thought to myself "no wonder he was asked to say the closing prayer at his four year old graduation." His prayers are full of faith, sincerity, and innocence. It is no wonder God's word says "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 18:4). As a parent who is trying to raise God fearing children, this is my biggest proud parent brag.

Something else Jeff and I have noticed is how Gavin has matured into not just being Layla's big brother, but he has become her caretaker. Gavin babies her, consoles her when she is hurt, defends her, and he is even getting her dressed and offering to watch her for me while I clean. Of course, Layla loves it because she is convinced she is his shadow. Wherever he goes, she is sure to follow. I love it. It makes my heart feel as though it is bursting with joy. And let me tell you something- don't think for one second you can scold Layla with Gavin around. He will give you the evil eye and comfort her. Even if she has done wrong (which honestly rarely happens), he only wants her to get a mild "no, no." (That is unless it is coming from him. And if HE hurts her feelings, he is down on her level trying to take back what he just said). His love for her and wanting to please her is so endearing. And she feels the same way about her brother. She wants him near all the time. Kindergarten will be a big adjustment for her too because her other half won't be here with us during the day.

                                        (This wasn't a pose. It was just a sweet moment)

And I can't forget to mention that Gavin is now a yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do. Watch out world, a ninja is in training!

So, ready or not, August will be here before we know it. Khakis, polo's, lunches, and homework. All of this will come too soon. As for now, I will cherish every minute I have with my five year old, bug hunting, faithful, pool loving, little boy. Because he is only young for a little while.....

Train up a a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6