Ryder just finished 2 weeks of swim lessons through our city's Parks and Rec Department at the aquatic center 2 minutes from our house. I wasn't sure what to expect since the only other swim lessons he had done were in our friend's backyard pool in CA when he had just turned 2 :) At these lessons, we didn't get in the pool with them! Little by little, I'm learning that all these activities my boys are participating in now don't involve me! I'm so used to "Mommy and Me" programs..I guess my boys are growing up though and now I watch and cheer them on from the side. What a wonderful transition Ryder has made too. He is so excited and eager to get involved in new activites. John took him the first week while I took Cole to a therapy camp at his school, and this week I've been able to take him and see how much he's grown! It's amazing what an eager learner he is...
Ryder and Jack with his teacher, Samantha
Ryder doing the freestyle
Getting ready to do a sitting dive
Elementary Backstroke
Playing, "What Time is it Mr. Fox"
I have to tell you that my kids inspire me to overcome my own fears. Growing up, I was very shy and had a difficult time in new situations. Because of this, it's always been my prayer and desire for my kids to be confident and cling to the promises of God when they are faced with new situations. Ryder is an incredible example to me of the Lord honoring that prayer. As he grows, he has inspired me with the way he is honest about his fears, but prays to overcome them....
Here are a few examples from this last week...
- After his first day of lessons, he told me he was scared, but he just prayed and the Lord helped him be brave.
- A few days ago he prayed, "Lord, if I'm not that good at the Elementary Backstroke, please help me get better...Amen."
- Yesterday, Cora was crying in the car holding up an owie she had gotten on her finger days before. Ryder leaned over and said to her, "It's okay Cora, when I got an owie in my tummy, the doctors had to cut my tummy to get the owie out. Look, I have a scar but I'm all better now! It will get better! (He was describing his appendectomy to her!)
What a blessing it is to learn from my children. They truly are a blessing from the Lord!!!
Oh Danice.... what a precious blog entry! I love hearing about Ryder and how he is growing up to be wise young man and wonderful big brother!
XOXOX
Awww.. the faith of a child Perfect examples of why God tells us to have faith like a child.