Macie's swim team held a fundraiser last Friday called Swim a Lap. Each athlete was responsible for getting either flat donations or pledges for as many laps as he/she could swim. Macie collected donations for the most part, but did have a few committed pledges as well. We were out of town for the event so she swam her makeup session yesterday.
Leading up to it we talked about her pledges and how many laps she hoped to swim. She thought it would be awesome to reach a hundred. I tried to convince her that 40 laps was most reasonable at her level and with her pledges/donations she would do well if she reached that goal.
Well, my Macie NEVER settles for status quo. She takes on a challenge with full gusto and I love her for it. I have rarely seen her give up on anything. I have seen her not care about something and so therefore not give much to it. But if she cares at all, she's all in.
Now I'm just gonna brag on her because it's my blog and I can do that :).
When she started her first lap, she was motivated and ready to go. She didn't pace herself well and after the first 10 laps straight she was struggling. I thought she may not make it pass 20.
I'm not sure how many laps she did before changing strokes but it was a lot. The 2nd stroke was backstroke which is hard for her. You have to kick really strong and keep your head back or your lower body sinks. Well she was sinking on the first lap. Her legs were so tired at this point that her arms were doing all the work. She was in the 30's now with her lap count.
I realized that the other 2 swimmers that were doing their laps were moving faster than her. This means they were done and waiting for her to reach the end to start the next set. So, as soon as she would get to the end the other two would go and she would have to trail right behind them.
Essentially she was getting no breaks. I kid you not, the girl swam all her laps with only stopping to get the next instruction or to grab her kickboard for the next go. She amazed me.
So at the end, one swimmer finished and got out of the pool so I went to congratulate Macie and help her out. I asked the recorder of the laps how many she had done and he said 116. "Wow Macie, that's awesome!", I said. "I know you're exhausted. Hop on out and I'll help you get dry". She looked at me with this determined look on her face and asked if she had to be done. "What!?" I thought out aloud. She asked if she could go 4 more and make it to 120. And she did!
My girl swam 120 laps with barely a break!!! She is such an awesome kid!!
If you see her please congratulate her for her hard work and determination. Thanks!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
A Simple Reminder
This Christmas brings new excitement for us. Having four kids instead of two is four times the fun. I simply can not wait for Christmas morning!
This week starts the festivities for us as we begin the "Christmas rounds". First, dinner and gift exchange with my sis and her crew. Then, a weekend with all the Hudler's. This means lots of games, lots of kids, and lots of traditions. We look forward to it weeks/months ahead. Then my annual sleep over/Christmas dinner with all my girls (from SS). Then the Christmas Eve service at church. And, finally, Christmas day.
And between all that are Christmas crafts, Christmas baking, Christmas pictures, a little more Christmas shopping, and a whole lot of family time. Yay!
So, as you may be gathering, I'm very excited about the days to come. But, I have to stop for even just a moment and reorient myself to the reality of it. The reality is that once upon a time, a time when my name had yet to be spoken, I received a gift that would forever change my life. Before I made my first mistake, committed my first sin, or looked back with regret for the first of many times, the Savior I would so desperately need was sent for me.
Christ "became flesh and dwelt among us" so that years later you and I could spend a month or so being reminded and reminding others that there is a gift to be had and a gift to be given. The first is the gift of salvation found only in the Christ of "Christ"mas. The latter is the full surrender of you, and I.
Many people understand the necessity of accepting Christ for who He is. I want to challenge you, and myself, to be fully surrendered to Him. Enjoy this season, enjoy the gifts you give and receive, enjoy the good will and grace that is heightened in those around you. But don't forget as you bless so many others with your generosity to give God all you've got. Afterall, it is the reason for the season!
This week starts the festivities for us as we begin the "Christmas rounds". First, dinner and gift exchange with my sis and her crew. Then, a weekend with all the Hudler's. This means lots of games, lots of kids, and lots of traditions. We look forward to it weeks/months ahead. Then my annual sleep over/Christmas dinner with all my girls (from SS). Then the Christmas Eve service at church. And, finally, Christmas day.
And between all that are Christmas crafts, Christmas baking, Christmas pictures, a little more Christmas shopping, and a whole lot of family time. Yay!
So, as you may be gathering, I'm very excited about the days to come. But, I have to stop for even just a moment and reorient myself to the reality of it. The reality is that once upon a time, a time when my name had yet to be spoken, I received a gift that would forever change my life. Before I made my first mistake, committed my first sin, or looked back with regret for the first of many times, the Savior I would so desperately need was sent for me.
Christ "became flesh and dwelt among us" so that years later you and I could spend a month or so being reminded and reminding others that there is a gift to be had and a gift to be given. The first is the gift of salvation found only in the Christ of "Christ"mas. The latter is the full surrender of you, and I.
Many people understand the necessity of accepting Christ for who He is. I want to challenge you, and myself, to be fully surrendered to Him. Enjoy this season, enjoy the gifts you give and receive, enjoy the good will and grace that is heightened in those around you. But don't forget as you bless so many others with your generosity to give God all you've got. Afterall, it is the reason for the season!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
His unfolding plan
It has been a rocky road kind of journey over the past 7 weeks. We have experienced so many emotions. The trend seems to be that we hit a bump, have 2nd thoughts about our choice to foster, God smooths it out, and we're ready to move ahead. Lately, that pattern has been a daily event.
Even yesterday, my wonderful sitter had to cancel on me and I hung my head low knowing I was gonna have to miss Cody's bball game for the fact that the little ones would be getting home from visiting mom in middle of the game time. "I don't want to sacrifice anymore" went through my head.
Then my sweet friend who was on her way home from college calls to make a quick visit and seek a little advice. Well wouldn't you know she was free to sit for me and off to Cody's game I go. See, God's just good like that.
I know it sounds silly to complain about missing a game in order to be here for these little guys. The thing is there are so many sacrifices to be made to provide a solid stable home for children that several weeks before you never heard of. And some days they add up heavily as if they were all happening at once.
But when people start telling you how they can see a difference in the kids since they have been in our care, suddenly sacrifices fade to mild adjustments and a renewing occurs. Fostering is hard. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. It requires much out every one in my home and yes, sometimes it's more than we can give. But God can do more than we can imagine or even hope for and He is faithful.
So, we continue the journey, focused on Him who calls and equips.
It is most likely that there will be a significant change come Jan. It is a good thing and we are pleased with the potential outcome. Yet, our heart longs for more than what's too come. We are pouring out all we can give and seeking God to refill us. We want so much more than what this placement can be and we both know our desires are from Him. So, we wait out this ride with great anticipation of His unfolding plan.
We appreciate your prayers :)
Even yesterday, my wonderful sitter had to cancel on me and I hung my head low knowing I was gonna have to miss Cody's bball game for the fact that the little ones would be getting home from visiting mom in middle of the game time. "I don't want to sacrifice anymore" went through my head.
Then my sweet friend who was on her way home from college calls to make a quick visit and seek a little advice. Well wouldn't you know she was free to sit for me and off to Cody's game I go. See, God's just good like that.
I know it sounds silly to complain about missing a game in order to be here for these little guys. The thing is there are so many sacrifices to be made to provide a solid stable home for children that several weeks before you never heard of. And some days they add up heavily as if they were all happening at once.
But when people start telling you how they can see a difference in the kids since they have been in our care, suddenly sacrifices fade to mild adjustments and a renewing occurs. Fostering is hard. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. It requires much out every one in my home and yes, sometimes it's more than we can give. But God can do more than we can imagine or even hope for and He is faithful.
So, we continue the journey, focused on Him who calls and equips.
It is most likely that there will be a significant change come Jan. It is a good thing and we are pleased with the potential outcome. Yet, our heart longs for more than what's too come. We are pouring out all we can give and seeking God to refill us. We want so much more than what this placement can be and we both know our desires are from Him. So, we wait out this ride with great anticipation of His unfolding plan.
We appreciate your prayers :)
Thursday, December 2, 2010
A little bit about what's next...
Well we weren't expecting these two little friends of ours to be around very long. But, as is proving to be true daily, fostering is the most unpredictable thing I've ever been a part of.
We will get to spend Christmas with them, which I'm thankful for. Having four children emptying their stockings in the den waiting on us to get ourselves together for the good stuff will be so much fun for me! Macie is particularly excited about shopping for them. That blesses me.
We still have challenges we are working through. Some days they are too heavy to bear, but God does what He's so good at, and equips us to persevere. He has clearly called us to serve 2 precious children and to tell them all about Him, their Creator. What an honor it is to have this role.
And it has reminded me of the two we were already blessed with and how great of a responsibility we have as parents to serve them and to lead them to Him.
Next court date is in early Jan. This could lead to a major change in the situation so we continue to need prayer. Thanks!
We will get to spend Christmas with them, which I'm thankful for. Having four children emptying their stockings in the den waiting on us to get ourselves together for the good stuff will be so much fun for me! Macie is particularly excited about shopping for them. That blesses me.
We still have challenges we are working through. Some days they are too heavy to bear, but God does what He's so good at, and equips us to persevere. He has clearly called us to serve 2 precious children and to tell them all about Him, their Creator. What an honor it is to have this role.
And it has reminded me of the two we were already blessed with and how great of a responsibility we have as parents to serve them and to lead them to Him.
Next court date is in early Jan. This could lead to a major change in the situation so we continue to need prayer. Thanks!
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