Smiley Saturday - Kids
It’s funny how kids can go from making you smile to tearing your hair out to making you smile again isn’t it? One wonders whether the ability to make you smile is a survival mechanism some days.
Here are a few smiley moments my children gave me this week:
Singstar Princess made me this beautiful flower (on Valentine’s Day as it turned out).
Inside the card says “To Mum I Love You You are the greatest mum in the world” Love ………
I tend to get down on myself and my abilities as a mother so this was very special and some much needed encouragement right now. 
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On Wednesday night we had some friends over and Trailer Boy and his mate decided to do some “work” on the cubby roof:
Trailer Boy was busy measuring and marking with a builders pencil (he has a builders set complete with actual tools) while his mate was hammering in nails. They looked to be very industrious.
It’s interesting how your parenting style changes over time. We were discussing with our friends how if it had been our first borns attempting that we would have been in a great hurry to get them down from the roof of the cubby. Instead we just warned them to be careful and not to walk around up there. Of course, “babies” in the family are just a whole different kettle of fish to “firstborns” aren’t they. And these 2 have very different personalities to their older brothers (these particular friends had boy-girl-boy just like we did).
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On Friday, our local school held their yearly Swimming Carnival. Lleyton isn’t the most confident swimmer. He has been working hard at it but it’s not something that comes easily to him. We’ve never forced him to participate in the Swimming Carnival. In fact, when he reached the age of participation (year4), I had assumed he wouldn’t be interested in participating.
Every year he surprises us with his team spirit and determination to be as involved as he can. I have been so proud and encouraged by his courage when it comes to getting involved.
Here he is in the Chariot Race (the only photo I managed to get on the day). A younger student has to ride on a senior student while they swim.
He’s participated in this event before and really had the technique down pat this time. He floated on the top of the water so that his weight was negligable on the swimmer. His team won this event. His particular senior won the championship trophy for his age group (as did both his younger sisters - a very talented family when it comes to swimming).
This is one of those times when I really appreciate the fact that our children attend an Area School (R-12) as it’s great to see the leadership and interaction between the senior and junior students.
I also completed my first task as Vice President of our Parents & Friends Association. At the last minute, the President couldn’t make it to present the trophy’s and awards so I was asked to fill in. It was a rather rushed affair as we were running late. I’m hoping I matched up the right awards with the right students.
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I REALLY love my children but this week hasn’t been one of my easiest as a parent so it’s great to reflect back on the good times - and realise there have been plenty of good times as well as struggles. It’s easy to focus on the negative at times isn’t it?
I hope you can all find a reason to smile this weekend. If you’ve not participated in Smiley Saturday before, I encourage you to read the Smiley Saturday page for more information. Please only add your link to the Mr Linky below if you’re participating in Smiley Saturday.
Happy Smiley Saturday everyone!
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What a lovely weekly summary. I’ve never heard of that kind of swimming contest before. I like the idea of a mixed age school too but unfortunately there’s nothing remotely like that here locally.
Best wishes
Unfortunately it goes by so very fast ! Our son is 35 ! I could follow grandchildren now but he hasn’t any kids yet !
The perils of parenting! I really think that you’re doing a great job, and that you really shouldn’t be too harsh or unforgiving to yourself! It is awesome of you to share your journey in the way you are!
Children can drive us crazy at times but it is good to remember to focus on the positives - especially for the children themselves, they really benefit greatly from Mums and Dads focusing on their positive points.
You are doing a great job.
You’ve got great kids there and I can see just how much you love and appreciate them. I kinda wish now that I’d been a bit more involved in my own kids school years.
I have been away for awhile. Glad to see you are still here.Still trying to figure out the workings of the little one’s. Good Luck. One never knows what is coming next with them.
Well come visit me At Grampy and You and we can have some fun.
http://copdspouse.com/grampy
Maddy - me either until I moved here. We never had them as kids (not through school anyway). I do think all school configurations have their positives and negatives.
Gattina - yes, so I’ve been told (and am gradually learning). I was talking to my 5 year old today about how he might be a dad one day. “When I get old like you mum”, he tells me. ROFLOL. I would prefer that he waits until he’s a little older to father a child although he doesn’t necessarily have to wait until he’s my current age! After all, I’ve been a mum for 11 years now.
I LOVE kids perspective on things!
Thando - thank you.
Marita - I’m sure they do - for their own survival! LOL. It’s a big nasty world out there so I agree that we need to teach them to focus on positives and see that we see their positives (it can seem at times like we’re always on their backs). Thanks for your encouragement.
River - I haven’t been for the past 3 years. Sometimes life deals us hands that don’t quite work out how we want them to. It’s hard not to beat ourselves up over past regrets though isn’t it? Not productive though. Thanks for your kind comments about my children. I think they’re pretty special.
Russ - I’ve been wondering where you got to! I’ll check out your new blog soon (gotta take off for a few days so don’t think I’m not interested if I don’t get there for a week or so - will do my best).