More than just swimming....

The two little kids joined a swim team this summer.  Actually, I signed them up without their permission. All four of my readers know that Jon was a swimmer - a really good swimmer - and none of our children have ever even tried swimming as a sport.  So I decided we needed a swimmer or two.  It turned out to be a really great thing for both of them.

They learned to swim better than before.  That was the initial goal.  How could they not improve with practices five days a week?  Little Molly, who was sure at the beginning of the summer that she needed a swim belt to get in the pool (which she quickly learned she didn't) is swimming all four strokes and improving her time with each meet. Will has beautiful strokes and is also improving his times in each event.

But that's not all!  There were other great things happening. Will learned the valuable lesson of pressing forward even when it was tough or he really didn't want to do it. They both got great exercise almost every day!! (I actually got exercise, too! Cooper Fitness Center is a great place to be on swim team - nice gym right inside the door!  I got an afternoon workout in most days.)

One of the best things about swim team was the friendships strengthened. Both Will and Molly made new friends and they spent lots of times with friends they already had.  And I was blessed to enjoy the company of three great women for three hours a day.  Tori is my email exercise buddy. She always has a fresh perspective on things and was so fun to have around.  I'm sad she had to move away.  We missed her at those 102 degree swim meets! Shahna is a great friend. We are very much alike in many ways.  It was fun to visit with her (and Brent) every day.  My kids appreciated the food she was always willing to share.  And Diane joined me in the gym, shared her gardening knowledge (and the fruits of that knowledge!), and shared many a laugh with me.  

Will and his buddy Brady cooling off at a meet.

The whole gang (except for Harris, who was at camp)

Buds. 

How lucky am I??

A Little Summer Service

The kids and I had fun sharing a morning with some friends visiting an Assisted Living Center in Plano. Molly played the piano, Lucy sang with her guitar and helped personalize shadow boxes for a resident.  Will helped give out cupcakes we made to share with the residents.  We made some new friends, shared our talents and left with a good feeling in our hearts for having cheered someone's day.

Molly visited with this delightful lady.

Lucy brought her friends Deanna and Katie along and worked on shadow boxes the residents have outside their doors.

This reminds me of a hymn we sometimes sing.  Maybe we should sing it more often.  The message is a simple reminder to me to do better....

Have I Done Any Good?

Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I helped anyone in need?

Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?

If not I have failed indeed!

Has anyone's burden been lighter today

Because I was willing to share? 

Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?

When they needed my help was I there?

Then wake up and do something more

Than dream of your mansion above.

Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure

A blessing of duty and love.