OK, OK, OK

I realize that I've been an negligent blogger lately . . . my apologies!

This is the time of the year that I get super busy with all things Children's Ministries . . . and the Church Lady is running around like a chicken with her head cut off trying to get all the programming up and running by the first Sunday after Labor Day.

Although last year was way worse as far as busyness . . . this year is beginning to bring me a high level of anxiety as well.

RECRUITMENT - my least favorite word in the English language. I put it off until the last minute because I hate it so much.

I'm a visionary . . . I love planning for the year . . . deciding how things are going to look and run . . . coming up with all sorts of creative ideas . . . praying that kids will take a step closer to Christ this year . . . BUT recruitment is another story. Unfortunately it takes people to make the vision come to life.

I realize everyone is busy . . . and that sometimes volunteering is "just another thing" but why can't people see that there is NOTHING more important than leading our kids to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ!

We need 200+ volunteers for nursery, 60+ for preschool and 30+ for Sunday school . . . we have most of those slots filled, but not without a LOT of phone calls and "convincing".

Of my 15 Small group leaders for Elementary, I've lost 7 so far . . . and there's only a week before kick off.

That'll teach me to procrastinate!

Boofy Head - Part 2

This morning was the best boofy head I've seen in a while! I know I just posted regarding the boofy hair . . . but I couldn't resist adding this picture too!

Boofy Head!

This is my boofy-headed girl first thing in the morning! The "BEFORE" shots if you will. I don't think the pictures accurately portray what a ratted mess it really is in the morning.



And here are the "AFTER" shots. Who says moms aren't miracle workers? I love long hair on little girls . . . but I think I may keep Bella's at a bob for a while. I can't imagine what it would be like to get through if it were much longer!


Nice bruise in the middle of the forehead, don't you think?

Hello/Goodbye

My sister Shelly, and her new husband Kent spent the last few days with us after coming home from a six week mission trip to Guatemala. Click on their names to check out their adventures in Guatemala.

My girls have been having a blast hanging out with them over the last few days! Here are a few Kodak Moments from the last couple of days:

Tickles and Tackles



How Great is our God - Faith's favorite song.


We know that God has amazing things in store for Kent and Shelly as they move to Washington State . . . but we're really going to miss them.

Good excuse for a vacation, right? Hmmm, and on our way, we'll visit the Lia and Scott in Africa, and Greg and Katharine in Japan.

The Swim Nazi - The Final Day

My sweet Bella swimming with the help of Miss Jenny!


Bella in the deep end - BY HERSELF!


Faith jumping off the diving board - BY HERSELF!


Faith swimming across the pool - BY HERSELF!


Miraculous!

For those of you wanting to get in to the Swim Nazi - sorry! She's done for the season. But she starts taking names in April!

The Swim Nazi

OK, under the recommendation of two fellow bloggers (Confessions and Follow the Leader), I have brought my kids to the woman affectionately referred to as the Swim Nazi.

It sounds a bit harsh . . . and it is . . . to a point. She is very loving . . . but very strict! Her very goal is to get your child to a point that they could get to the edge of a pool or dock if they were to fall in. She teaches them how to save their life! It's sink or swim, baby - LITERALLY!

I was told my sweet babies would be swimming within a week . . . I didn't believe it.

Faith fell into a pool when she was barely 3 years old, and ever since has been PETRIFIED of going under the water. ESPECIALLY without a life-jacket on. So, knowing her fear, and knowing her tremendous will, I brought her to the Swim Nazi thinking "good luck lady, but it'll be a miracle if Faith is voluntarily going under water."

Well . . . she's a miracle worker! She's tough, and she doesn't take no for an answer when it comes to going under . . . but it worked! Faith is was truly swimming by the second day (although SHE didn't believe it herself). By the end of the week she was doing awesome, but still not believing in herself. We ended up going back for a second week just to build her confidence. Day 1 included lots of screaming, clawing, crying, grasping etc. But, yesterday, she was jumping off the diving board, and the side of the pool and swimming all the way across - all by herself - without crying! Amazing! Even Bella is swimming in the deep end (which does make a mother's heart stop for a moment) although she still cries every time saying, "Me all done, me want my towel."

Thank you Swim Nazi! Now I don't fear how they'll react if they accidently fall in! I know they are able to make it to the side of a pool, or to the dock at the lake! What peace of mind! And it's so cool to see Faith's confidence get higher and higher! I want her to have fun swimming without the fear of going under. Now she has it.