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Our first day back to Plummer Pool 2012

Whenever possible, we try to keep these boys active in the summer time.  I don't want to necessarily be one of those moms that regulate every waking minute of their day.  At the same time, I cannot stomach the boys lounging around the entire day watching tv and playing video games. 

Some days it is easier to keep them active doing things, than others.  Working full time can make keeping them busy challenging.  On my days off, I really try to make plans for us to do things together as a family.  Each year I buy a membership to Plummer Pool in Sylvania, so that when we are looking for something to do...we always have the option of swimming!

 Dylan...I swear he grows more manly each and every day

 Nicholas...everything is more fun when he is around

 Jonathan playing catch with the boys

 Luke swimming around

 Kyle didn't want to get in the pool and play.  The boys are currently working on getting their Physical Fitness Badges for Boy Scouts.  I gave Kyle the option...get in the pool and play with his dad and brothers or do a Walk Away the Pounds video when he got home.  He chose Pool Play

What was it like for Mary?

I was getting ready for work, listening to my Inspiring Music Playlist when the song "New Again" by Brad Paisley and Sarah Evans played.  I was suddenly struck with the wonder of what it must have been like for Mary to stand there and witness the mockery, beating and crucifixion of not only her Lord and Redeemer, but of her very own son?  I cannot begin to fathom the heartbreak that she endured as she witnessed those events unfold.  It makes me wonder what kind of mother she was?  What kind of sister she was?  What kind of daughter she was?  What kind of woman she was?  What was it like to know you were raising the Son of God who would show us the way to our Heavenly Father, suffer for our sins, and then seal His mission with His life? 

The conversation has come up on many occasions between friends of just what we think we could endure in this life?  Every time, I have made the statement, "the one thing I know that would definitely knock me to my knees, not knowing if I would be able to get back up again, would be if someone ever molested, killed or harmed my children."   And yet, Mary was the mother of the perfect son.  She not only knew who He was, she knew what He was here to do.  Being a mother myself, I am certain she loved Him with her whole heart and therefore, His suffering became her own.  We don't know much about her from the scriptures, but I am still struck by her example of faithfulness, devotion and pure love.  She inspires me to know what kind of mother I can be.  What kind of sister I can be.  What kind of daughter I can be.  What kind of woman I can be.

I am so grateful for Mary...and I am so grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  My heart is full to know of His great love for us..His endless mercy.  His willingness to endure through ALL to allow us the opportunity to return to our Heavenly Father again.  I am so grateful for my relationship with Him.  He is my advocate with the Father.  I am grateful to know that He knows me...He loves me...and He looks out for me.  I trust in Him with all of my heart.  I know the kind of person I want to be...I want to be like Him.  It is my prayer I can know Him, seek after Him, and have His countenance upon me today and always. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.