Our sweet second son will turn eight soon. Not yet, but soon enough. We celebrated his birthday this weekend, since his real birthday will take place over the Thanksgiving break. It was his first-ever swimming party, and by all accounts it seems to have been a hit.
Well, most accounts anyway. Little brother felt a little slighted a few times throughout the day:
Adam was born a day before Thanksgiving. I had my Thanksgiving meal that year under a silver dome with processed turkey and fake mashed potatoes. It was delicious. I’d worked hard (he came before the epidural had a chance to take effect) and felt so relieved and thankful. He was such a beautiful boy and we were so blessed by his arrival.
Thinking back on the birthday party, I can easily begin compiling a Thanksgiving gratitude list based on Sunday’s party alone. I’m thankful my children have good friends with whom they can share their lives, and for the chance to kick back and shinny down a slide every once in a while, and for daughters who help me prepare for such events (my oldest made the birthday brownies — they were to die for!), and finally, for a husband who is willing to sit near me poolside at a crazy eight-year-old birthday pool party and just smile at it all.
Yep, life is pretty good!
Q4U: When was the last time you slid down a slide?
That slide looks great! And here’s what else I want to do. My daughter has been using a springboard to practice vault form in gymnastics, though she’s not ready for the real vault. every time she runs up and bounces off that board, I want to do it too! I keep joking that I’m going to run out and do it, and she tells me “do it, Mom.” 🙂
I loved the “walk fast, don’t run.” I always skipped the “walk fast” part. Whew, another event down, and a smashing success! Good work.
Rosslyn, oh, I definitely think you should do it, but I really love the sentiment behind her wanting you to. That speaks of love and connection.
Sandra, what’s funny is I had my laptop on mute when I was choosing which clip to put on there and I didn’t know I’d chosen the one of me yelling at the kids. I had a hard time with that rule too. There’s something about pools and wanting to run that go together! But they were playing tag and pretty wild, and my youngest had already fallen at least once, so I was nervous. 🙂 And being a mom, of course! (Not that they really listened…)
Hi Roxane,
Just to say, I luv your blog! Thank the Lord for children, huh? What a great time to be 8!!
Best,
Clara
Oh that slide looks familiar to me! How fun 🙂 Just a little over a month ago I went down the big curly slide at the park. I’m sliding while I still can, and my kids don’t think I am a dork yet.
I too loved hearing that mommy command… walk don’t run. Swimming and birthday parties are such a great combo!
Vicky, yeah, I’ll bet you’ve been there, huh? I LOVE slides. I didn’t get a chance this time around but I’m looking forward to the next run down hill in the water. Weeeee! Oh, and glad you appreciated that comment. Only other mothers would, I think. 🙂
Swimming parties are always so much fun. What a wonderful way to kick off Thanksgiving – our children are one of the greatest blessings for which to be thankful. 🙂
I also smiled at the “walk, don’t run” line. They need constant reminders. The party looks terrific. Glad you had so much help!!