Snack size twix bars

 It only takes 3 little ingredients for this yummy treat, mini pretzels, Rolo's, and pretzel M & M's.  Unwrap rolo's and place one on each pretzel.  Bake in oven at 350 for 4-5 minutes.  While hot carefully place a pretzel M & M on each one, press down and leave to cool down.  Tastes just like a Twix bar!  Would be a great little treat to take to a party.

Olympic countdown

Nothing like an adorable preschool  camp olympic parade to get you in the mood.  We're on the countdown.



It's July

We're here.  Still living at the pool but wouldn't have it any other way.  Seriously with the 100+ temps everyday, there's not much else we can do.  All trip to the zoo, botanical gardens and the outside things we want to do are on hold for now.

 

 Jack's butterfly, simply beautiful.

 Callie at her swim meet last week.

 I know it's hard to tell in this picture, but she smiles when she swims.  So cute.

 Not sure if Jack is consoling her or coaching her.  But she welcomes his presence at swim meets.  Too bad it's not like that at home all the time!

 And just smiles, just because.  (I don't comb Carter's hair in the summer.)

 But the biggest news around here is our new furry friend.  Jack earned this baby when he got his triple AAA time in swimming.  We got her yesterday from the Humaine Society.  She is very sweet and the kids are thrilled.  And considering the non stop attention she is getting from everyone, I think she kind of likes her new home.

Happy July!

A Mama's Heart

So I have this kid.  He is  a swimmer.  Not just an ordinary swimmer, but a talented, dedicated, driven, hard working, and passionate swimmer.  He is 10.  Swimming is the only thing he does and it is his life.  And his family has made a lot of sacrifices for his swimming.  During the school year he goes to school, runs out at the end of the day to hop in the car, heads to swimming, comes home to eat dinner and try and get homework done and goes to bed.  And this is Monday through Friday.  And summer has proven just as busy.  We are the family with the "Eat, swim, sleep, repeat" t-shirts.  This kid sets a goal and works to achieve.  This past weekend he traveled for a swim meet with his dad.  He has had a specific goal for a couple of months now.  And these past couple of months at swim meets he has come so, so close.  Milliseconds away.  And while getting so close is such a wonderful accomplishment, close is not his goal.  So at the last minute I decided to pack up the rest of the kids and surprise him and show up at this meet.  And guess what happened?  He did it!  I watched it happen.  Watched the most incredible swim of my life.  Watched my own son meet his goal.  Watched him look up at the board for his time, get out of the pool and ask the timer for his time, and then realize he did it.  He looked up to find us and the pure joy and excitement was amazing, and so well earned and deserved.  I cried for him, and my heart swelled.  There was so much happiness.  To have this kid that not only wanted something so bad, but put in the work to get it.  It's awe inspiring.  It captures my heartstrings.  It's a mama's heart.  And it couldn't be any more proud.

Eat, Swim ,Sleep, Repeat

Oh where oh where have we been the past month...at the pool of course.  But my lack of blogging is not to be blamed on the pool.  The adjustment for me into summer was a hard one.  Having all 4 kids is home is wonderful, but there is no down time for blogging.  Down time is chore time, laundry, cleaning.....  I am honestly in bed minutes after my kiddos.  But we are having a great summer being all together and time is going way to fast.

Despite the fact we have the bigger blow up pool, this itty bitty is their favorite.  Cracks me up.

The one year anniversary of my dad's passing was last week.  Last year the kids wrote notes to him and wrapped them up in candles.  We lit them together and they all so sweetly talked about their favorite memories.

And the biggest happening around here is that Anna turned 5.  I feel so bad I didn't do a big post that night.  She had a wonderful family birthday party.  She chose a Hello Kitty cake and was thrilled with it all.  She is such a spunk!

I will try and get back on track here.  Thanks for hanging in there.

All in a days work