Eat My Bubbles!

“I said a Boom Chicka Boom……..!” screams the LMT Crocodiles (Crocs) as they begin their 2008 swim season. One hundred and fifty strong, this team can rock (and swim)!!!

There’s just something that pumps me up about the swim team. Is it the warm weather? The people? Feeling “official” with a timer strung around my neck? Having water splashed on me as the big kids dive in? Seeing my kid’s faces as they race down their lane? Having them “beat” their record? ALL OF THE ABOVE!!

I love the community where I live. I have had the privilege of getting to know so many interesting and delightful friends through tennis and a local bible church. Many of those friendly faces show up when we gather twice a week to cheer our favorite Crocs on to victory!

As a parent, we are required to work the meets, five at the least. Of course I want to work every meet, I love being right there in the middle of the organized chaos when the Ready Bench people can’t fine a child (usually one of mine), or being a Timer in a lane when it is someone’s very fist race and they’re so nervous (little five year old Caitlyn tonight). The best is when a swimmer is clearly struggling to finish in their lane, we gather around (doesn't matter what team) and scream our heads off to cheer them on to finish, “PULL”!!!

The jobs I like to do at the meets are “Timer” and “Placement Judge”. The Timer is assigned a lane and records each swimmer's individual time. The Placement Judge actually determines the placement of the swimmer, first, second, third……place. There are many other jobs, and it is interesting to see the same people doing the same type of jobs. There is one job you couldn’t pay me to do. It is called the “Mouse House”. This parent is responsible for watching (babysitting) the younger kids when they are not swimming. Talk about CHAOS!! Yet, I see the same parents volunteering for the position. They have patience of saints.

In the bible it talks about the body of Christ, how each of us has a job to do. When we know and walk with the Lord He gives us certain gifts to be used to glorify Him. When you think about our bodies, it’s a good thing the elbow doesn’t want to be a knee, or an eye a nose! “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office” Romans 12:4. The verse sounds formal but it is basically saying if you have the gift of “Timing” then time and don’t try and be a “Mouse House” parent (thank the Lord!) A little paraphrasing there but I think you get the point!

“………LMT all the way!”

Go CROCS!!

Sweet bubble dreams,

Debbie

Can I Write?

My friend Kelli asked me several months ago to join her on a trip down south to a Speaker/Writer conference called She Speaks. Believing she has a true gift of writing and wanting to support my friend I said yes. Since then I have started blogging. For many years close family and friends have encouraged me to write a book. They think my life is hysterical and crazy, things unfold on a daily basis. Blogging (a daily journal) seemed like a good fit for me. My “on-line journal” has been a fun, light hearted, therapeutic outlet.

As the trip came closer I started to have reservations about the whole thing. “I’m not a writer!”, “I don’t want to campaign for myself!”, “Charlotte is too far!”, “I don’t want to leave my family!” The one thing I was looking forward to was being with Kelli and supporting her, after all that is what I committed to do! Like two swinging singles, when we arrived in North Carolina we rented a convertible sports car to zip around town!

I wasn’t expecting any life changing revelations at the conference, just confirmation that I was on the right path. “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs His steps”. Proverbs 16:9. It was interesting to watch many different ladies from all over the country pursue a calling they have to serve the Lord their God with all their heart through writing or speaking. Kelli and I agreed the “speaker” ladies were more dressed up then the “writing” ladies!

I felt like I was on the outside looking in most of the time, knowing well I don't have much "Debbie" time to persue writing. My time is limited with my children and family and I believe that is where I need and want to focus my energy. Early in the conference I listened to one of the speakers encouraging us to accept our LOT in life. In that moment I realized I was quite content with my lot. That doesn’t mean my life is easy, sometimes it’s hard, but I’m thankful for my lot, for the many blessings I have in life.

Someday God may move me in a direction to write a book (actually I would love to write a children’s book). For now I’m thrilled with my blog as a journal to give my children someday. I’ll continue to learn more as I can about writing, and see where God takes me on this journey!! For now, I have confirmation I’m on the right path!

Blessings,

Debbie

Cousins Rock Indiana!!

It was the last day of school and we were headed to Indiana to see our cousins. My kids love to see their cousins and hate to leave them but the time spent together can be an emotional roller coaster. Although my sister and I love to see each other, we become camp directors refereeing five children (age’s five through ten). There are also teenagers but they seldom make an appearance and run for cover when they can! We both treat them all like our own both praising them and correcting them.

Trying to corral them all is like trying to corral a herd of cats! We’ve recognized a few things when we’re all together that makes things run a little smoother. First, we laugh our way through most of the circumstances, remembering how we were once kids and did the same things. Second we keep them busy. Fishing, swimming, movies, amusement parks, boating, tubing, riding quads, motorcycles, biking, Guitar Hero wii. You name it, if the age group we have can do it, WE DO IT!! Finally, obedience and respect remain important but all the “small stuff” gets thrown out the window. Not brushing teeth is tolerated. Eating fruit for breakfast is requested but donuts are fine. Wearing dirty clothes is acceptable and taking baths are at a minimum. Every night is a dessert night (even if you didn’t eat all your dinner). Staying up until midnight is the norm and if you’re cranky the next day we feed you chocolate to cheer you up!!

God is about order and discipline but I think He also encourages us to enjoy life, an abundant life. “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” John 10:10. When we get so caught up in what needs to be done or “whipping” our children into shape we and they can miss out on the finest moments of life!! After five days of the cousins being together, “dog” tired, filthy dirty, and breaking up arguments in the car on the way to the airport, my kids were sad, and wondering when they would see their cousins once again!!

Being with my sister is always a time of refreshment. To know someone for your whole life and have them still like you is remarkable!! We live very different lives but our love for one another binds us together and has withstood the test of time and trials. I guess we’re old enough to laugh at the past, embrace the present, and know we’ll both be there for each other for whatever the future holds! Love you Karen!!

Sweet Dreams,

Debbie

A Different Kind Of Field Day

I think it is safe to say Field Day hands down, is kid's favorite day of the school year! It starts weeks before when the T-shirt order forms come home to claim your color team. Not only do I order shirts for the kids, I order one for myself because Field Day is not a day I want to miss either, the competitor I am!!

We received word last week an anticipated surgery for Emeline was scheduled for Field Day. Of all the 365 days of the year, why surgery for an eight year old on Field Day? I tried to change it but couldn’t. When I gently told Emeline she would have surgery and by the way miss Field Day she burst into tears. This little girl has been through numerous tests, scans, medications and now this!! As her mom my heart was broken too, but put it into the best light and told her we would have our own Field Day!!

Today was Field Day and surgery. Last night Emeline was visibly upset and nervous. We prayed many times asking God to help settle her heart and know that He would walk her through the day. I tried to think of special games we could play before and after surgery like the license plate game on the way down (not easy when you’re trying to watch the road), Battleship, Yhatzee, etc. Each year the school has a bible verse as a motto to encourage good sportsmanship and a reminder who we are in Christ. “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but One receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” 1 Corinthians 9:24. Emeline ran a different race today then her classmates. After fun and games with mom she was forced to run in a race she would not have chosen. Her race today included fear, anxiety, and pain. As her mom I would have given anything to run the race for her but I couldn’t. As she was taken away for anesthesia and surgery my very confident daughter was in tears crying for her mother, left to run the race with the only one who could run along side her. All I could do was pray and fight back the tears myself. When the doctor came to inform us about the surgery he mentioned as Emeline was in the operating room before she went to sleep she was smiling and her usual sweet self, talking to the nurses and doctors. My prayers were answered! I couldn’t wait to go see her and sit by her side, tell her how proud of her I was. Finally, our names were called and someone escorted us to the recovery room. As I entered the department I could hear a child crying in agony, it was Emeline. For the next twenty minutes (seemed like hours) doctors, nurses and anesthesiologists scrambled to try and stabilize her with pain medication. One of the drugs they gave her was a concern that she could stop breathing but they gave it to her anyway. Again, all I could do was pray, hold her, stroke her hair, help her take deep breaths, and tell her how much I loved her. She soon settled down and is now comfortably resting at home. So many people were praying for Emeline today but only SHE could run that race today with Jesus. She endured blood, sweat, and tears but finished the race and brought honor and glory to her God along the way.

Thank you to all our family and friends who love, support, and pray for Emeline.

Blessings,

Debbie

Unexpected Blessing

Our tennis team was undefeated. There was another team also undefeated but our record was better! It came time for the two teams to meet to determine who would go on to the district tournament. Our captain waited until the week of the match to put out the line-up. I was sure I would not be in--I thought others should and would play. When I found out I was playing, I started to tremble. What if I lose? What if I can’t serve? What if the opponents aren’t nice? WHAT IF I CAN’T HIT THE BALL?? Then a calm came over me and excitement began to build...after all, this is the game I love!! Having to prepare for the match was a blessing because my daughter was scheduled to have surgery the day after the match. Focusing on a little yellow ball would be wonderful therapy for me!!

The day came and I was so excited to play! I had confidence in my game. I was sure my team would take enough courts to win the match. I was hoped and prayed I could contribute to the win. My three prayers were that I would play well, serve well, and that my opponents would not question my line calls (that unnerves me!). My partner and I faced two ladies I knew well. From the get-go the match was a delight and the tennis was as it should be-competitive and good sportsmanship. That said, we all wanted to win the match! My partner and I won the first set, while they took the second. During the break before the final and determining set, I was in the bathroom. One of my opponents/friend was in the bathroom, too, and she asked how my family was. I asked her to keep Emeline in her prayers since her surgery was the next day. What happened next blew me away...my friend said “let’s pray for her right now.” She grabbed my hands and the two of us bowed our heads and prayed for my daughter. There we were, two opponents in the middle of an intense match which would determine who would advance to Districts, and we were praying in the locker room!! WOW!!

My partner and I did not win the match, nor did my team win. To say we felt disappointed and devastated would be an understatement. It’s easy to be a “Monday Morning Quarterback” and try to figure out how things could have been different. I think we do that because we need something to do and think about as we “lick our wounds.”

But for me, the unexpected blessing in the ladies locker room reminded me that we have a God who cares, and although we were there to win a tennis match, God has so many ways to bless us. Years from now as I look back on this sometimes-maddening game of tennis, the time I prayed during a split set with my opponent will be a highlight in my memories. God did much more then answer my three prayers. He reminded me through my friend there is never an inappropriate time to call on His name!

“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them.” Psalm 145: 18-19

Sweet Blessings,

Debbie

Healthy Bones

I guess God knew I needed a laugh because the last few days of my life have been utterly comical! It started on Wednesday. I was headed to play a USTA match. For us tennis lovers this is what it’s all about, the USTA season. It’s as competitive as tennis gets for us moms. I play at the 3.5 level which means we know how to rally and actually look athletic sometimes (HA!) I showed up on the court a little frazzled, I didn’t feel quite right, down right jittery. Was it the cough medicine with codeine I took the night before? Maybe it was the stressful conversation I had with my husband as I was walking on the court about the doctor recommending changing our daughter’s medication for a bone infection. What ever it was I was determined to set it all aside and play the game I love. My season had been going well and I was sure my partner and I had a win coming on. As I went to spin to decide who would serve first I realized I was not holding my racquet! Thoughts rushed through my head wondering whose racquet I had and where was mine? Of course I acted like it was no big deal. We started playing and doing fine. Then very shortly into the match the other team came on and my partner and I started to look like we never played the game before! What was happening?? Needless to say we did not win. I refuse to make excuses for my poor playing. On the way home I found my racquet. My friend had picked it up and I had hers. When my racquet arrived home my dog ate it. Now what do I do? That was my only racquet that I’ve been playing with for two years! No one changes racquets mid season!!

After fretting over my racquet I had to forget about it because, well, life is too busy to worry about a racquet!! The next day I had a minor procedure done on my mouth and I looked (and still do) like someone punched me in the face. Yes, bruised and swollen! I played tennis again and when I missed the ball my partner asked me if it was because my mouth got in the way!!

Finally Friday came and it was time to go out for a bite to eat. Steve worked late every night so getting out was a real blessing with my mom and dad. We were waiting for our food to come and one of my sons got both arms stuck in the back of a slatted chair. No problem, I was sure we could get him out. Finally after the whole section of the restaurant was standing, watching, and trying to help the manager had to cut and ruin the chair to get Zachary out! The manager told us he had been working at the restaurant for fourteen years and never saw anything like that!!

So, in two days I lost my racquet, embarrassed myself on the court, found my racquet, the dog ate my racquet, had a mouth that looks like Daffy Duck and a son who needed the restaurant’s “jaws of life” to cut him out of a chair! “Laughter brings health to the bones!” My bones must be pretty healthy right now!!

Blessings,

Debbie