Swimming Upstream

After this week, I have new empathy for the harried soccer mother.

Both Stink and Pip have begun their bootcamp swim lessons. For two weeks straight, five days a week, they paddle, kick, blow bubbles and dunk. Of course this means ten days of me preparing snacks, cleaning swimsuits, and adjusting to the idea that we can't lounge forever in the book section of the mall if that's where our mood finds us. I've also met some super nice moms and seen some kick ass kids strutting their stuff.

As I finally come up for air tonight, pun intended, I am appreciative of many things: the ability to pay for lessons, the courage of my kids to dive into new territory with unabashed passion, and the boring life I sometimes complain about. There are people out there who fight the rat race every single day - not just the rare two week period that I am conforming to. I realize how blessed I am to have the luxury at 10:15 am to still be in pajamas (whether they're old and faded and my dishes are still in the sink, I'm home.) Many a cold day I have let my kids take warm baths (pretending it's the beach) for hours at a time. Many occasions we've been lucky to plan a day at the park only to change our minds last minute and head toward the beach "just because."

It's true what they say about how you don't know what you have until it's gone... whether it be relationships, health, or in my case, time (even if "time" is spent with kids rather than alone.)

Translation: I realize sometimes what a whiny bitch I can be, and I vow to not only remember my blessings, but be there for moms who might need a hand in the future.

And finally, I am so grateful to Rex who works his ass off to not only provide a life for me, but is working so hard at remembering to thank me for what I bring to this life, too.

Question: Did I ever think I could have such perspective on motherhood? On marriage?

Marriage: Did Pip and Stink ever think they could swim without floaties?

Life is a trip. Like those pool signs, sometimes we have to remember to walk (not run) in order to remember what's important. And when we forget, thank God for our family and friends. What would we do without our life rings?

What are you thankful for these days? Anything?

PS: Remind me of this post in a few weeks when my period hits and I am ready to kill everyone and book a flight to Jamaica. At least I won't have to worry about my kids drowning while I'm gone.