Blogging Handicapped!

Okay, I admitting it! I am totally handicapped when it comes to my blog. I have suspected it all along, but this morning it has been confirmed! I was checking out several friends blogs, and when doing so was greeted by music - their favorite music! I told myslef - "Ginny, you can do that to your blog - try it". So...I tried...searched...read...failed! It has confirmed what I already knew but was afraid to admit - only those under 30 can figure these things out. Not those of us who went to high school before the invention of the personal computer or the internet! I give up...for now...I will probably have to get Alex to help me (Ben could probably even figure it out)! Oh, by the way....how do you put a custom background in there? Can't figure out how to do anything but use the template! I know....loooossser!

Way To Go Alex!

Just taking a minute to brag about my boy! His his high school swim team swam against their #1 nemesis - El Diamante on Thursday. There is one kid in particular who has been a thorn in Alex's side in both swimming and water polo. This swimmer from El D is a very good swimmer and polo player, but also extremely arrogant and very full of himself and loves to flaunt his superiority in Alex's face as well as the other Redwood swimmers / players. Alex found out earlier in the week that he was possibly going to compete in the 100m backstroke against this kid. He wanted so badly to beat him - but in the past has psyched himself out and not done as well as he wanted to. Well, Thursday - Alex took 1st place in the 100m back and beat that kid -

El D's best backstroker. He has been floating on cloud 9 since! Who'd of thought that the kid thatwas called "floater" as a freshman would end up doing so well.

A Mom's Worries!

This is for any or all of us who have children that may not be perfect. I was recently talking with a friend of mine and we were commiserating on the stress and worry we feel as mom's when our kids may not do, say, act the way we want them to (especially when we are not there with them). Or when they choose to do something we don't agree with. It is so hard when you have a kid that is so great, and you know of their fantastic attributes, their loving ways, their inner faith and their love for their family and what a terrific person this kid is yet others may not see it. And, there are times when during your everyday activities and encounters you may hear someone talking negatively about this child that you love so dearly - and it is clear that they do not know this child but feel necessary to criticize - not only the child - but often the parents. And very often comments and conversations like this very often get back to the child or parents, and it is very hurtful. I do have to admit that there have been times in my life when I have been critical of children or teens that I have come in contact with. I have realized as I have gotten older though that old saying is true, "you can't always judge a book by it's cover". We don't know what goes on in peoples lives or in their homes. We cannot make assumptions and judgements based on our little "snapshot" into someones life. And, for all of you who have felt the sharp sting of criticism directed toward a child that you love and hold precious - just remember that those that truly love you and love your children are the one's that count. Do not listen to or take heed to what other un-informed individuals my have to say! Just keep loving and teaching you children the best way you can. In our life - we know that the best way to do this is to help them learn the ways of Jesus Christ and to strive to be like him and to stay close to the Gospel, and keep them involved in the church and with good friends and activities.

Anyone want a 3 year old - cheap!!!

Disclaimer - If you don't want to read "potty" talk, just skip to next paragraph! Well, I thought that we had Josh all potty-trained ... I was soooo wrong. I think he is just messing with my mind. He went 3 weeks with no accidents and then he pooped in his pull-up and informed me he did it because he did not want to be a big boy anymore. I have tried rewards, bribery, logic, schemes, threats, and swats NOTHING is working. I'm sure he knows he is in control and he LOVES it!!! You would think that with 4 other kids that have learned successfully how to use the toilet as well as being an older, more experienced mom that I would know what I was doing. Wrong! Our tactic this week is Tae Kwon Do - he wants to go with his brothers, and we told him that if he could once he wore only big boy underwear. We'll see if this works!

Well, enough of that...

I am still sporting many different hats - sometimes all in the same day! Because of this I am feeling somewhat overwhelmed - but life is good and I am happy to be where I am in my life. David and I are trying really hard to get into shape. We have started walking. We are doing 2-4 miles 5 days a week. I am feeling much better - it is true what they say about it helping your state of mind! It is really such a stress reliever. Now, any hints to help with sore muscles?

Speaking of stress...My adorable Michelle and Andy decided to play an Aprils Fool joke on David my mom and I. They sent us an email of an ultrasound picture with an announcement that they were expecting and due in October. Because I have never been a real "April fools" joker - I took it seriously and got myself all worked up. I do want to be a grandma - just not yet. She was sure that we would know she was joking because we have talk with them so much about their plans. They want to wait until Michelle graduates. We determined that she definitely has her dad's warped sense of humor and that my mom and I really are gullible.

Abby is busy this week with Choir stuff at her school. She has also been accepted into Redwood High School's choir. She is excited. She is also anxious to play summer water polo and then be on the JV team when school starts. I can't believe she is going into high school!

Alex is doing great with his swimming this year! Last week he improved his time in all his races. Today they swim against the "evil" El Diamante Miners. It is always their goal to beat this team because all the schools really have a vendeta against this team. He is competing against a kid that is so arogant and he really wants to beat him. He has been working really hard this week to improve his technique. I will try to get some good pictures and post them.

Ben just turned 10 last week. Now all but Josh are in double digits! Imagine that. He is excited to be a Webelo Scout. I am his leader so that is really fun. He is anxious to take some friends to Adventure Park this weekend. He is just a great companion!

I am excited for General Conference this weekend. What a great thing that on Saturday morning we will get to sustain a new President of the Church. I read that this is only the 15th time in church history that has taken place. I love listening to the words of our leaders. It is like a shot in the arm of strength to help me get through whatever may come up in my life.