Coaching

This was the first summer I didn't coach since my mission.  It came with mixed emotions. LOVED spending all the time I wanted with my kids and not have a baby in a bjorn all day.  I played at the pool with Tyler and Kira. I got in shape. I was able to be mom which I loved.  I took a needed break from coaching to recognize how much I love it and am ready to go back to it very part time.

Brentwood is a soccer/baseball culture instead of a swimming culture.   I helped a little bit for my parent hours which was fun to be with the kids and took a back seat the rest of the time. 

I am going to help coach (almost volunteer) the fall clinic 2 days a week.  

How I learned to coach is very different than the way the team is coached.  One isn't better than the other, just different.  That makes me excited because blending the best of everyone's background equals success. The team has 300+ swimmers so there is potential for the team to be really good. A lot of families were talking about going to a smaller team that does more stroke work, but I think this team can and will succeed at that. It is a relatively new team and just needs some more time to find that balance.  I am not a big believer of the grass is greener syndrome.  If your kid fits in socially and is uplifted the other stuff can come together.

I grew up and coached for a team that really believed in kids having fun while learning to swim correctly.  It fit my personality perfectly to succeed.  It produced and continues to produce some of the best swimmers in the nation.  I feel I have been blessed with some great mentors who taught me a ton and taught me to coach.  

I'll let you know how coaching in B-Wood goes.

Routines

I have always needed to be better at routines and I am improving.  I wake up early and fill my days with productivity.  I read to get a desk and foster independence with homework.  Scott is young to be totally independent but he can do some things on his own and we used a desk today which helped him have quiet space.  I need to actually get a desk in their room.  I have gotten up at 5:30 to workout a couple of days lately and really like it.  Danny is a champ and takes the kids early if I am sleeping or awake so I might as well take advantage of the time.

Having the boys at school gives me time to work with Kira and clean the house.  We started music time again which is soo fun and I started a womens church group tomorrow which I am excited about.  I wasn't involved in a bible study last year so I am excited to do that again.  I pick up the kids, they usually play in the 100 degree heat at school, we come home for down time and snack and it is homework until swimming or soccer and off to bed.  A good busy.  I am starting to get how to keep the house clean, dinner on the table still needs some help, homework done and kids taught.  I am a definite work in progress but at least it is a work in progress.

I have realized it is ok if we can't make it to something because it is too busy.  We missed swimming yesterday because Danny was boating and I was at back 2 school. Originally I was going to have someone bring Scott and it was just too much to do.  It added peace to my life and I hope some peace to his.  We missed soccer the day because we had swimming and it was smart.  There is such a delicate balance between school, play and sports. I recognize having a bigger family comes with doing less things and I don't think that is a bad thing.


I realize I do better when we are balanced with activities.  I was the same way as a kid.  If I had a break from swimming I would get nothing done.  If I had little free time I was productive. We shall see how this goes in the years to come when we get busier.   For now I am really enjoying this stage of life of having little ones home with me and little ones at school.  Life is still so carefree and fun and stressfree for them.  School is simple and primarily filled with friends and fun.  Life at home is filled with kisses and hugs and having buddies that love being with me.  I will treasure this time!

Teachers

Every year I just feel like Scott and Tyler get exactly who they need as teachers.  I don't request teachers but put down their needs and pray that the Lord will place them with the perfect teacher for them.

Scott is somewhat a perfectionist so I always want him to have someone nurturing and positive.  I also really wanted him to have a good reading teacher.  We got a teacher who is so kind and gentle, teaching forever and a great reading teacher.  She does plays and art that reminds me of when we were kids.  I feel so blessed!  I was so impressed at back to school night how organized and great his teacher is at what she does.  It is also incredible the resources these kids have.  They watch these fun animated math clips and have electronic books they get to read at home.  No wonder they are so much smarter than we were at this age (and that parents are pushing their kids to be superkids which don't agree with and hope will eventually shift trends).

Tyler's teacher is perfect for her.  She talked tonight about how she has a child development background and really seems in tune with how unique kids are and what there different needs are.  So far she has been so great with Tyler and communicating his needs.  He has had a great 2nd week.  Thanks to lots of prayers.  On Monday he asked Danny for a blessing which he never does.  I thought he wasn't feeling good and asked why he wanted a blessing and he said, "So I can be happy at school and so I can have some boy friends."  He said he just has girl friends and really wanted to play with boys.  Danny gave him the sweetest blessing.  He was blessed with maturity and the skills necessary to make friends.  He was told how proud Heavenly Father was of him at school.  And so many other great promises.

Sure enough at back to school night moms told me how they all talk about Tyler.  They were girls.  They said Tyler is the only name they can remember and talk about.  I wonder if boys are more active and it is hard to keep up or if it is harder to initiate hanging with the boys. Who knows.  Yesterday the missionaries came over and asked if we needed anything and we told them to pray for Tyler to make a boy friend.  Today he said he made a boy friend.  Can't remember his name but came home one happy kid.  That is the greatest feeling as a parent.  I hope he has a boy friend tomorrow.  If not, I think he is lucky to have girl friends.

I am excited to volunteer this year.  Last year I couldn't and I am excited to be a part of their day at school even if it is just once a week for an hour or so.  Kris always made time to be a part of her kids activities and field trips and that impacted me from afar.  I realized you just have to make the time and it is sooo worth it. Even if it means getting a babysitter.  Luckily Danny has off one morning for Scott's hour and my parents wanted to come out once a week and help with the Kira and Blake for Tyler.

The Gospel and Church

Today we had a great lesson today in Relief Society given by Jill.  She talked about the difference between the gospel and the church.  The gospel being the doctrine of Christ.  The atonement, the ordinances and covenants we make (baptism, gift of the holy ghost, temple, sacrament etc), scriptures, etc.  The Church being the Sunday meetings, auxillaries, fellowship, leadership, etc.

There is a distinct difference between the two.  We go to Church to build our testimonies of the gospel. The church is imperfect, run by imperfect humans that help us and act as a vehicle for us to gain a testimony of the perfect gospel and perfect God and Lord whom we worship.

It was a great lesson that helped me recognize the importance of the two in my life.  I am grateful for the Church which I belong, filled with brothers and sisters, that are helping, guiding, teaching and leading me to better live the gospel.  It helps me feel the Spirit to more fully follow Christ and the Gospel in my life.  So often on my mission I saw people forget that the Church was simply a vehicle to help us follow the Lord more closely when they left the Church because it was run by imperfect humans. Or forget that the Church was a great and necessary tool to better follow the Lord (when they stopped coming to Church feeling it was unnecessary to help them live the gospel).

It was a great lesson.  Made me more fully appreciate the gospel and Church in my life!

The First Week of School

These two boys successfully completed the first week of school.  Phew!

Scott has the kindest teacher who is known for fun, creative projects including a play.  None of his besties are in his class but plenty of good friends.  His teacher said Scott is the leader of the class, so kind to others, such a good listener and she is so happy he is in her class.  Scott is a good kid.   I wish he listened to me like his teachers.  I am sure I am not as consistent and patient as his teacher.  I am grateful he enjoys school.  Today in primary, they asked who was excited to go to school tomorrow and Scott and one other person raised hands.  Scott was a minimalist in reading last year so we shall see if a year of maturity gives him the patience to work on things that are hard for him.  He was so well liked last year but was a tid-bit emotional if kids weren't kind or made a poor decision.  He would be much better off if he was able to brush things off and move on.  So we shall see how that goes.  I am really going to work on getting into routines with Scott.  I think eating healthy and on-time, having down time and going to bed on time will really help Scott. He is going to do do soccer and swimming in the fall.  So we will come home, relax, get homework done, have 1 activity and go to sleep.  I think having sports or an activity helps me have a routine.
Tylers first week went better than expected.  You might think having a kid in kindergarten last year makes this second nature but my two boys can't be any more different.  Kids come with there personalities and Scott got Danny's and Tyler got mine with some kick.

His first day went well.  I was expecting some tears when I left, but he walked right in and sat down.  I could tell he was a little nervous.  Day 2 was early day and he had a meltdown.  Tyler said he got upset in a game and was embarrassed to hold his teachers hand.  When he sat by himself he calmed down.  I was proud and surprised Tyler verbalized his feelings.  Just wish he could have done that better in class.  Hopefully next time.   I am going to try to get him to bed earlier so we don't have to wake him up for early day. Sooo grateful he isn't early everyday!  Day 3 went great emotionally, however, I got a phone call that he had an accident which really surprised me.  I woke up Kira and got to school.  He was waiting in the nurses office with the saddest look on his face.  I quickly changed him and he said he tried to get into the bathroom twice but it was always locked and he couldn't hold it anymore.  I explained he needed to find another bathroom when that happens or wait for it to be unlocked because of his meds.

Before school started I explained to his teacher he was on lasix and aldactone (two diuretics) and will be going pee a lot but didn't even think to tell him what to do when the bathroom was locked.  That is something you just don't need to worry about with another kid. Learning moment for me.  I felt bad but graeteful I can give him diuretics right after school so it isn't an issue. He was surprisingly resilient.  He went back to class, some friends greeted him and he was happy again.   Grateful things don't bother Tyler.  Scott is another story.  Scott takes a day to get over things and Tyler takes a couple of minutes....again, Danny and me. Other than that the day went well for him emotionally which was a bigger concern. We can figure out meds, but emotions are much harder.  Friday went well. He seems to enjoy it after he gets over being a little nervous.  He said they took out the fun toys on Friday which made his day.  His teacher is awesome.  Very patient and very good with the kids.  Parents tell me she is really good with boys.

So other than the one meltdown, the week was a success!

We shall see how next week goes.  Hoping Tyler continues to be more comfortable and able to verbalize his emotions to his teacher. It is the best schedule for Tyler and my family.  All the pre-k's start early which is hard.  He is tired and sleeps in.  930-130 gives me some quality time with him after Scott goes to school and doesn't make us rushed or force me to wake him up in the morning.  Wednesday is the only day that starts at  which is rought.  On top of being the perfect start time, I pick up the boys within a half hour of each other which works out great. Kira has been able to nap earlier after I drop of Tyler.  It makes her happier and ready for bed at a decent hour. The convenience and schedule couldn't be better so here's to a successful week 2.

Last year I wasn't able to help with Scott's class because life was crazy.  I was in survival all year with Danny's hip surgery, Tyler's many attempts at surgery and finally his surgeries, our condo flood, the baby and my mom going through chemo and radiation.  I am grateful life has calmed down a little bit so that I can volunteer in the classroom and get a schedule established. 

August haps

Tyler made it through his first week of kindergarten.  It went about how I expected:  two of the four days the teacher had to call us because of "incidents."  Here he is, enjoying a hot dog and watching TV.  I don't let the kids sit on our bed and eat, so this must have been his idea.

Scott's pretty into the movie, too.  The boys got their hair cut but can still make mohawks.

Blakey still wakes up at night and Heidi usually feeds him, but I've been giving him bottles of formula and they seem more satisfying.  Heidi has an emotional battle about whether to stop nursing him.

Kira always seems to be dirty.  We dress her cute and I do her hair and it always ends up in a rat's nest with food on her face and clothes.

Kai and Scott painting their nails blue at the Scottsdale invitational.  Scott got two medals.

Second place in 25 yard fly!

Blakey did pretty good at the meet.

Heart Moms

Perhaps my favorite thing about the blog are the heart moms I have met along the way.  I haven't met most of them in real life or met there kids, but I love them.  I pray for them through there surgeries and rejoice with them in their accomplishments.  There kids are going through the journey of HLHS or another heart condition and I know I am not alone.  They fill me with insight and hope and an assurance that it will be alright. Cici and Andrea are two of those people.  This post was inspired by the comments they just left that made me filled with gratitude for friends who care and encourage and tell me it will be alright.

They are always there to give me advice and assurance.  I always appreciate that advice because it is always meant with such love and encouragement.  It is interesting when you go through a journey like having a heart kid together, you grow in love and empathy for each other.  I feel that love in every comment. I have been tipped on finding super duper expensive special formula on ebay through heartmoms, cool id bracelets, diapers through insurance (which I don't think our insurance covered), the ins and outs of surgery, the emotions involved with being a heart kid and so much more. I have been reminded to enjoy the simple things in life.  I have been buoyed up through prayers and messages.  So to all the heart moms out there keeping a blog or connecting with this virtual world we live in, THANK YOU!!!  You are such a great support.