Waving the White Flag

I could be just hours away from surrender.

The story begins in October of last year. I sat across from my daughter and shared with excitement that she could choose any activity she'd like to try this school year. Whatever she wanted to pursue, she had a promise that we would fund it and be committed to it on one simple condition: she needed to see it through.

Swimming became the activity of choice and we began our weekly trips to the local recreation center for lessons. Our common goal was that she would progress through the last three levels needed of lessons so that she would have all the skills she needs to be on a swim team this summer. We are entering the final level of lessons and there is only one problem: I'm over it.

After about six weeks, she was over it. At week 18, I'm ready to wave the white flag and surrender. I don't want to argue about going to practice. I don't want to schedule around swim lessons. I don't want to drive back and forth to the rec center twice a week.

So what's a mom to do? 

It just doesn't seem right to keep doing something that neither one of us really want to do. What's the big deal after all? Am I so worried about teaching her a lesson that I would have us both live in misery for another 8 weeks just trying to reach our goal? Does it really matter that much? Honestly, I don't know.

I just talked to my amazing friend who is a mother of four. All of her kids have special activities and sports that they are involved in. She is taking kids here, there, and everywhere. It makes me look like a wimp! We are all busy with whatever schedule we keep. And so maybe the question is less about the activity and more about the value...


What is more life-giving? Pursuing outside activities that give our kids outlets and opportunity OR Focusing on our attention on home and simplicity? I think the answer depends on each family and the season of life they are in.

As for me, I think swimming is drowning me. It's time to make everyone happy again.

Another Month Gone?!?

I almost didn't believe my computer when it showed that it has been almost a month since I posted! How is it possible? Where did the time go?

If you're reading this, my guess is you know the feeling. Since my last post we've had croup in our house along with at least three other viruses. We had Valentine's Day and a l-o-n-g President's Day weekend. We have been to several birthday parties and hosted out of town guests. It's also Girl Scout cookie time, so we've got that in the mix. (It took me about 3 hours to warm up after a very chilly cookie booth sale outside of our local Safeway grocery store on Monday!)

So long story short, I know exactly where the time went. It was spent doing what mom's do. I went to basketball games and swim lessons. And even though I spent my fair share of time behind the computer, it's difficult to squeeze in those extra few minutes to do "my thing."

It makes me wonder about the things we give up to be a mom. Some things deserve for us to take the time and they give us more energy and life. Other things are just one more obstacle to being the best we can be. So what are the things that you've given up that you need to take back? What are the things that you've given up that have actually made your life less complicated and more fulfilling?