Junior Firefighter

This weekend Josh had so much fun. He went to his friend Dylan's birthday party. The fire department came with a truck and the kids got to take turns sitting in the driver seat. The other highlight for Josh was using the firehose (with a little help of course) to knock over orange safety cones. What a great day for a little boy!

Prom

Well, I lived through another prom. I actually thought that it was going to be easier with Alex then it was with Michelle - you know that whole girl vs. boy thing. Well, you may not have to spend the time picking out the right "modest" dress, shoes, getting the hair and nails done and all headaches that go along with it, but.... teenage boys being who they are provide a whole other headache! Being that they are male, and in our case a little brain dead at times, trying to get him to fill us in on where, when and how this date was going to take place and how he was going to pay for things and how much it was going to cost was trying. His group (five couples) did decide to have myself and another mom have a dinner for them. That was really fun - great to see all these terrific kids all dressed up and so excited. But, the irony of the whole "prom hype" is that the dance starts at 9:00pm and they left the dance at 11:15! They spend so much time planning, preparing and primping for a formal dance that they only stayed at for 2 hours and 15 minutes. But, being the proud mom that I am, I do have to admit that my son looked quite handsome and
his sweet date Megan looked beautiful.

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.