Well, once again I have neglected to take the camera with us on several of our outings. We went on a very fun camping trip over Memorial Day weekend with some of our church family. The kids basically ran a muck all weekend and had a blast with all their friends that were there. We all ate to much. The YMCA was closed for several days for Memorial Day and so the kids missed one week of swimming lessons. We went to the pool yesterday for free swim and I was curious to see how Alana would do since she has been so fearful in the past. I got her a bubble to wear on her back, a kickboard, and a noodle and then just went and enjoyed the pool myself. My stategy being that I would not pressure her. Before long I noticed that she was kicking around with the noodle. Then she took off on the kickboard. After watching her "swim" across the width of the pool several times with the kickboard, I saw her quietly take off the bubble and try the kickboard without it. I was bursting to cheer loudly, but still kept my distance. In just a few minutes more she was yelling, "Hey, Mama, look what I can do!" YEAH, LANIE!!!! I told her how proud I was of her and she said, "I'm proud of me, too!" AND...not to be outdone by a four-year-old boy at the pool, she went under the water over and over. Quite a change from not even wanting to get in the water, and bruising her intructors arms while she clung to her and screamed. On the way home, Lanie asked that I not forget the camera at her next lesson because she wanted to show everyone that she really can swim now.
Terry has been working at Sears a lot, and has a funeral today. So, he is working up until funeral time and then getting off to do the funeral, then going back to work until seven. After work he will have to spend time preparing for Sunday.
Nate is finished with school, Lanie has two more days left, and Mikayla about five. Sooo... that's us in a nutshell, lately. I will try to get pictures of the kids in the pool on Monday, and get them up.

Busy

Our homeschool group girls. About four are missing. Aren't they cute!

Alana swimming with help.

We have had a very busy week. First, we had visitors that stayed with us for a week. Next, we had a big "end of the year" bash for our youth groups, and we have been working very hard to finish our schooling for the year. Plus, swimming lessons and mother's day, and a field trip to see the Bangor Symphony Orchestra do Peter and the Wolf with the home school group.

Anyway, I took pictures of the kids at the pool. Mikayla and Nathanael have both moved up a level and are doing very well. I can already see a big improvement in their endurance. They are also much more careful about their strokes. Alana is working on being brave. She is still quite fearful. She is very happy to get in the pool and dance around. As long as her feet don't have to leave the floor of the pool she is fine. This week she got so she could kick and paddle her hands at least. Her teacher is really pushy, and Alana really hates to be pushed. I'm debating whether I should talk to the teacher about that or not. I'm afraid if we push her to much, that the fear of the water will just get worse.

I also took pictures of our youth group party. We had 14 kids. They had a blast. I think that the parents had a lot of fun, too, which is always good. One teenager was saved after Terry's campfire devotional.

No News is Good News

The news is that there really isn't any news, but since I haven't posted in awhile I figured I should at least say something.
We have had our first couple of swim lessons at the Y. Nathanael and Mikayla were moved up right away, which made them feel good. Alana is in a one-on-one class to help her get over her fear of the water. She has been in the water since she was a baby, so not sure where the fear is coming from. Anyway, I forgot the camera both times, but maybe next week I'll try again.
Alana has had a consultation with the oral surgeon to decide what to do with her tongue. It requires minor surgery. I was completely staggered by the estimated cost involved in such a little thing, but hopefully our insurance will cover.
We are keeping busy trying to finish our curriculum for school, working on Bible School preparations, general Church stuff, music lessons, and end of the year party for our youth groups.