This is Jim with Son #2 when he was 2. All of our kids could swim before they were one. We lived in the pool. I'm just glad I could find a picture where the kids had on their swim suits! The boys absolutely loved swimming (and everything else) naked. I think they've finally outgrown that. Whew. Well, the poll has left me without words. Literally. I am amazed at the number of you! And I am grateful. More than I can say. It feels wonderful to have so many people caring and praying for us .... still. And it feels wonderful to know that many of you don't even know us and you are caring and praying.
Thank you .... so, so much.
Today was better. I finally got out on the courts and played tennis. My shoulder did fairly well. We drilled with a pro, who kept telling me when to relax and rest it. Then we started to play a match. That was fine --- until it was my turn to serve. I did manage to serve a game (and win it!) but it pushed my shoulder over the edge. It became aggravated again! But not as bad as it was before. I took something for the pain as soon as it started and that helped a lot. We then stopped playing and went out for lunch and a bit of shopping. Who wouldn't have a better day?! Oh, and Mr. Fix It stopped by to look at the printer -- he fixed it!!!! Thanks for the prayers!
The boys are all out tonight -- babysitting, Bible study and Confirmation. Daughter #1 is at work. So the kittens and I are just relaxing and enjoying "Supernanny". OK, the kittens are passed out next to me so I'm the only one enjoying it. And really, "enjoying" isn't the right word. I'm always shocked at the kids and parents on this show. They want to be on national TV with this behavior? Really?!! Do they get paid? And let me just say --- I would love that job! I'd love to go to parents' homes and help them with their kids. Not that I have all of the answers, not at all --- obviously, but I think that "no-nonsense, appropriate consequences and no crap-tolerating" parenting is not practiced as much as it used to be. I'm not sure why, but it's not. Too many people want their kids to like them. What's up with that?! Sheesh!!
Parenting and parents ---- don't get me started!!
That's something that has become more difficult without Jim. We almost always agreed on discipline and parenting -- 99% of the time. We balanced each other --- we kept each other sane. I hate doing this, as well as everything else in my life, alone. Especially the really, really hard stuff. I have to admit --- once or twice I've found myself angry at him. Angry that he has left me all alone to deal with this crap. And trust me, "crap" is a nicer word than what it actually is sometimes. I know, intellectually, that it wasn't his fault. He never, ever would've chosen this for us. Never. But sometimes my heart, soul, mind and body just grow weary. And intellect goes by the wayside.
OK, enough of that. I'm going to stop now so that I can see how Jo takes the "paci" away from the disrespectful, tantrum-throwing, non-disciplined, not sleeping-on-her-own 4 year old.
Don't. Get. Me. Started!
9 comments:
We were at confirmation rehearsal tonight and I thought back to 4 years ago when Jim was our group's leader. I had a lump in my throat missing him. He was such an incredible influence in my son's life as his confirmation leader and I felt it was fitting to honor his memory this week as son#2 is being confirmed. We miss you Jim-you were an awesome confirmation leader to all of those boys! Love you!
Janine - As a single parent who does not have "backup"...let me affirm you for your parenting! I have told so many people about your "do your own laundry early" approach. I think my kids were maybe 7 and 9 when they started and honestly, by the reaction of others, it was clearly abuse. And yet completely empowering to the kids. There have been absolutely no negative outcomes to them stepping to the plate early and often. Thank you for being willing to set a firm, tough example for others! It is a gift to me that I try to pass on continuously to others. The story starts...."my friend from Texas with 6 kids....."
Lots of love and support....
Good evening my darling daughter. Well dang......I certainly picked the wrong day to be "out of pocket" and away from the pc! I missed your poll completely. But what a blog to come back to! A little late, but, as you know, I read it the first thing every day. Then I go to work and open it on my pc there. I check it several times a day. Then I come back home and check it again before I go to bed. You could say I'm compulsive about it. But it makes me feel closer to you. I love you so very much. And what a blessing to see all the lives you touch daily. You make me exceedingly proud. You are in my prayers always, as is Jim's mom and family. Take care of yourself and be well.
I saw that word "shopping" again!! Good girl!!
I know what you mean about the parenting thing. Wow! It's hard. Luckily, your bro and I got it together. I never had a "dad", so first of all, when M1 would yell at the kids, even I was scared! Or when he would discipline them, even I would think, "dang! your mean!" But it didn't take me long to see who they listened to! (him!)
We listened to and obeyed our mother growing up...no question!! She was like Judge Judy! But I never realized how not having a "dad" affected my parenting until I was one! Poor M1! One time, when K1 was still a baby, I called my mom and complained about how M1 was giving her a bath...WOW! I got my ear chewed off that day!! Yep, she went "Judge Judy" on me. Basically, she said how dare I call her and complain about a husband who will come home from work and happily give our daughter a bath and get her ready for bed! She was never so lucky, and she had 7 kids! Uh, yeah, I crawled under a rock and have been thankful to Almighty God for M1 ever since!
Ok...see...don't get me started either!!! LOL!!!
Love you all.
K in AK
J.
I'm glad you enjoyed your game and lunch with friends and having time out. I enjoy reading your blogs they've made me laugh out loud and I've also cried for you and your family. I understand the anger part also. Hey, I love you and have a great day.
Deb E.
I didn't get a chance to read yesterday as I was on my way home from visiting your sis. We had a great time.
Yes, I read everyday and pray & hope that each day is a better day for you.
I also notice that you change & add things to the left side of the page. I like the words to The Dance & the quote from the Rabbi.
I missed the poll yesterday - but wanted you to know that I read your blog almost daily! I care about you - and your family! I don't always leave a comment, but it's a way for me to feel connected to you - and to be able to PRAY FOR YOU!!!! I do love you!
Malinn
Hiya Sis.
I'm with you on Supernanny! My kids always watch that show and say, "Sheez Mom, you would KILL that kid!" Yes, I would.
I was glad to see that you put the quote I sent to you on the left side of the page. When I first read that, it really touched me and I knew it was just somehow meant for you. "We should learn not to grow impatient with the slow healing process of time..."
I can't imagine being in your shoes and not occasionally being impatient, wanting it all to be better..and yet somehow needing to hold onto it too. But I suppose that all goes with the second half of the quote, "We should anticipate
these stages in our emotional convalescence: unbearable
pain, poignant grief, empty days, resistance to consolation, disinterestedness in life, gradually giving way under the healing sunlight of love,
friendship, social challange, to the new weaving of a
pattern of action and the acceptance of the irrestible
challenge of life."
Every time I read it, I feel like it was meant for you.
I love you so much J. I called you today and left a quick message. I just wanted to tell you:)
You're still my best sister!
Lis
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