Slumber Party

I have mentioned before about a really awesome community I have become involved in. Eleven and a half years ago I went on this thing called a Walk to Emmaus. It was such a cool experience that I began serving on teams almost every year for the last 7 years. I have met some great people...especially 3 amazing ladies who have touched my heart on such deep levels.

These 3 friends (one from Austin, one from Hamilton, and one from Tulsa-soon-to-be-Ohio) and I reunited at my house yesterday for a fun-filled afternoon of swimming & dinner...followed by a chat session on my back patio till nearly 2am. We laughed, cried, prayed, laughed even more, and enjoyed meaningful fellowship over wine and cheese. So great to hang with these chicks who are like sisters to me. And, so grateful to God (and the Walk to Emmaus) for bringing us together.

Never been on a Walk to Emmaus? Leave a comment if you're interested. There's one in July. Or, one in March. I'll be there for both if you'd like to have a familiar face (or bloggy friend) to go with you.

The slide was a hit by all. Here's Catherine's beautiful daughter, Campbell.


And, her other beauty, Addison.




Even the big girls braved the slippery slide a time or two.

Sweet Catherine...


Crazy Jeanne, Jeanne, the dancin' machine...


Lovely Priscilla...


Trevor opted to be the slide observer. Maybe next year.


The little girls...


...and the big girls. Most of us still in jammies. I don't think any of us would protest the blurry picture since it smooths out the lines on our faces.


Girls, thanks for such a fun 24 hours. What blessings your friendships are.

Jeanne, see you in a week! Danskin Triathlon, here we come!

Farewell, Mr. Alligator

I still can't believe it. Yesterday morning Lisa and I successfully completed the entire triathlon distances. We swam the 1/2 mile, biked the 12 miles, and then ran (well, I huffed and puffed) the 3 miles to finish the course. We celebrated our 2 hour finish time by plunging into the alligator-free private lake to cool off.

Before we started, though, the friendly people renting the house by the lake informed us that they had, indeed, spotted a couple snakes in the water. Gasp. Lisa and I said a prayer for the snakes to leave us be and proceeded. What an amazing feeling of accomplishment. I felt great all day till about 4pm. It finally hit me. I collapsed into bed and fell asleep watching the Spurs game. Good thing. It would have been pretty depressing to actually watch us lose the game when we were ahead for so long. No championship this year.

At least I know now that I am capable of finishing the BIG race on June 8th. Wahoo!

I have mentioned how elated I was when this private lake had been offered to us for training. I was having severe anxiety about swimming in the Boerne City Lake with the legendary alligator. I thought it was really a myth. A tall tale. Something to talk about amongst the locals.

Then, this story was aired. (Scroll down to the Boerne City Lake Alligator story and click on "play video."). It was true. He really did exist. And, the intense fear I had for Mr. Alligator has turned into intense sadness and frustration towards those who felt it necessary to treat one of God's creatures in such a way.

The kids saw me watching the video this morning, and Priya asked if Mr. Alligator was in heaven. I said yes. She asked if Mr. Alligator was biting Kirby in heaven. I said no. I told her they were playing with each other. Deven added that Kirby was probably licking the alligator's face.

I smiled and agreed.

Overcome

It's early...Priya's last day of school, and I'm taking her to breakfast before I drop her off. Just mother and daughter. Just the girls.

Afterwards, I'm headed to the lake for a "dry run" triathlon. Yep, going to attempt the full distances for all 3 events. One right after the other. It'll be tough. My body is tired. And, not just physically. I'm emotionally spent. Overcome with emotion.

You see, yesterday wiped me out. Sure, I was running from one place to the other, but that's a usual day for me. It was the emotions coursing through my veins that took its toll on me. One of those days where all I wanted to do was cry. And, I pretty much did.

After I swam very early at the gym yesterday morning, I met Daddy and the boys at preschool for Deven's graduation. Pictures to follow soon, but my sweet Deven in his graduation cap--saying the pledge to the American flag, Texas flag, Christian flag, and the Bible--was too much for me. And, then when he sang AND did all the sign language motions? I about lost it. But, what pushed me over the edge was when Deven's teachers both cried as we bid our fond farewells. I knew in the deepest part of my heart that they love Deven almost as much as I do. And, to think I was worried about leaving our beloved preschool in San Antonio.

Noon found me helping other kinder parents setting up the kinder end-of-year party...a water day extravaganza complete with wading pools, water balloons, bouncy castle, and snow cone machine. I was lucky enough to be one of the snow cone makers, and I had a tummy ache to prove I sampled almost all of the flavors. FUN. I gave Priya's teacher her gift...very unceremoniously as I was rushing out to get a snow cone machine tutorial...and tears formed in her eyes. She, in return, gave me a "thank you" gift for room parenting. But, the clincher? The unbelievable letter she sent home with the kids. I bawl every time I read it.

I whisked Priya from school and we headed to Trevor's program. He didn't take a nap that day in class...and his UNparticipation in the the singing program was quite evident. He sat at the table with his head in his hands the entire time. Which sent me into a fit of giggles. So very much a Trevor-esque thing to do. Trevor's teachers are so loving and kind, and they were appreciative of their gifts. But, the clincher? One of his teachers gave ME a gift...a little "atta girl" gift in honor of the upcoming triathlon. I couldn't believe it...such kindness extending beyond the kids and pouring out onto a mom who very much needed an "atta girl" at that moment.

Yesterday I realized something that I haven't wanted to face till now. I am not my kids' only influence. There are other wonderful, loving, talented, kind humans out there helping us shape our children, and they care for them deeply. Sure, families form the strong foundation, but there will come a time when that foundation has set. And, the building materials provided for the rest of their lives may not be materials their parents have so lovingly, protectively, controlling-ly provided. Thanks be to God for the loving influences my kids have had this year in their classes.

Never before have I felt this way after a school year has ended. Sure, it's always bittersweet...kids growing up, getting older, maturing. But, this time it's different. My heightened sense of awareness about how quickly my precious 3 little Indians are growing makes me want to stop the hands of time, hold them tight, and never let them go. I want them to stay little forever.

Since that's not possible, I will relish the laziness of summer and spend as much time with them as I can without going crazy. And, try to capture these moments in my head and heart forever and for always.

Nobody told me this mothering stuff would be so hard. Or, so rewarding.

Weekend Recap

Our weekend festivities began Thursday evening with Priya's Kindergarten Social and Program. All four classes sang, danced, and entertained their families after a potluck dinner. Too much fun. How that talented music teacher got all those kids to respond to her and her piano is beyond me. She's gifted. As most teachers are.

Priya, who dislikes public performances where people are staring at her, sang her little heart out. It helps that her best buds were standing next to her. My big "almost first grader." Bittersweet, this parenting stuff.


Hands down highlight of the program? When the parents had to join their kids for the Tootie Tot dance. Daddy was a great sport..."thumbs up, knees bent, bottom out, tongue out, eyes closed..." Hilarious.


Mimi is in Idaho visiting the cousins, so Papa came to watch the show.


Headed to the gym pool Friday after school. Had fun with the cool under water camera.







Spent Saturday doing house chores and (GASP!) cooking! Yes, I used my kitchen for more than nuking frozen foods, and, ya know what? I actually enjoyed it. Even snuck in some "Deceptively Delicious" recipes for the kids. Who knew baked potato soup with squash puree would be so yummy?!

Sunday was church day...and SPURS DAY! Animesh and I enjoyed going to the blow-out game agains the Lakers...GO SPURS GO!

Memorial Day Monday. Lazed around the pool in the 'hood and enjoyed burgers and dogs.

Deven's first trip down the slide. His anxiety-ridden face says it all. Traumatized for the rest of the summer...don't think he'll be trying it again any time soon.


Priya was the same way last summer. Scared to death of that slide. Now, we can't pry her away from it.


These are a few of my favorite things.



It's always more fun to swim with friends.


Priya took this underwater shot of Natalya.


Stealin' some lovin' from one of my boys. Another work of art by Priya.


Tomorrow Deven graduates from preschool. I'll be an official wreck. Till August when he starts kindergarten. Then, I'll be even more of a wreck.

Bring on the tissues. And, the waterproof mascara.

Under two weeks till the triathlon. This week is hard core training followed by a week of easy training before the big race. I cannot believe it's almost here.

Don't forget to cheer on those Spurs tonight! BEAT L.A.!!!

Out of the Mouths

Deven. Our resident joker. He's adopted one of my too-frequent sayings. With hand gestures.



Two days ago at the mall he informed me that he "was tired of walking because his feet had run out of gas."

Hope you enjoy some hearty laughs this Friday.

A Good Day

On mornings when Animesh isn't here, I'm always a tad more rushed and stressed. Usually he takes the Princess to school. But when he's working, I do the chauffeuring to the elementary school, kill about 40 minutes with the boys, and then deliver them to their respective preschool classes.

Today was a good day, though. I actually got everyone out of the house without having to hurry them. And, the best part of all? Before leaving I was able to FINISH 2 cups of HOT coffee. Rock on.

The boys take turns choosing where we spend our time before they go to school. Today it was the bakery. I know the teachers LOVE me for sugaring up my boys and then leaving them at school. The treats du jour promised to provide lots of hyperactivity, no doubt.





After boys were safely at school, it was time for my first lake swim. Thankfully, someone knew of this wonderful private property where her friends allowed us to visit for our practice. All I can say is...praise the Lord I avoided Boerne Lake and the resident alligator.

It was breathtakingly beautiful out there. I swam the 800 meters without drowning, which I consider to be a positive thing. All the girls did a great job.




Finally out of the water. We did it!!!!!!



Superstar swim coach Christy had no problems warming up to the sweet horses that roamed the property.




A Shetland Pony grazed right next to our cars.



Saying goodbye to the non-alligator infested lake...till tomorrow...when I return with another group of friends to swim our hearts out.



Now that I know I can feasibly swim the 1/2 mile distance...I'm feeling so much more excited about the upcoming race day.

In fact, I think Ms. Triathlon and I might get along just fine.

Alone

It's early Saturday afternoon, and, yes, I am alone. Alone in a house that is usually alive with children laughing, crying, screaming, and lately, TATTLING on each other incessantly.

Does anyone else want to pull their hair out at all the tattling?!

Deep sigh. I am alone, and it is awesome.

I had the Strait Country XM Station (yes, all George...all the time!) blaring in the house right after the kids left with my dad. It was great while I finished the dishes, but then I remembered I needed to relish the quiet. Aside from Spridle snoring on the family room floor, it is exactly that. Quiet. Peaceful. Heaven.

My parents took the kids to a kids play and then to lunch. Not sure when they're returning, but I have accomplished what I wanted to without having to worry about child care. I ran 3 miles and biked 12...and I believe I cycled with a bit more attitude sporting my new "biker chick" jersey.



Time to grill my fish and make my salad so I can eat in peace before my precious angels arrive home...but I'll be ready for their giddy accounts of the play and for the run down on who ate what at lunch. The kids are truly blessed to have grandparents who are willing to brave an outing with their grand kids, and I am so grateful for the break while Animesh is out of town this weekend.

And, I don't take it personally when my parents tell me that being a grand parent is WAY more fun than being a parent. Well, not too personally, anyway.