swimming lessons!!

I enrolled the girls in swimming lessons. They went everyday for the last two weeks. This was the 3-5year old group without a parent, instructor only. The first day they met their teacher, Miss Emily. I was able to drop them off at the side of the pool and walked away. It was a breeze, wow the girls didn't even miss me. I was a little nervous this being their first class without me being right there. I wasn't too sure if they would be willing to stay without me. They did awesome, they were waving at us and doing whatever Miss Emily said. I did get a little teary eyed thinking my girls are growing up!! Then day 2 came. Miss Emily was out sick. The person subbing for her was a BOY!!!! You would have thought the world was ending. All 4 girls in the group (feeding off each other I'm sure) were crying, screaming, walking away, wanting absolutely NOTHING to do with this boy. I went to talk to the girls, we sat on the side and watched for the rest of the class. That day was pretty much a waste. They assured me Emily would be back the next day..whew!!! Day 3 arrives, I'm thinking everything is going to go smooth like the 1st day. WRONG!!! They didn't care if they had a girl or boy. Again all 4 girls were crying, taking turns at some point, in unison at times too! I went over to talk to the girls they were "all done". I was able to walk away without them following me. When they were sitting on the side waiting there turn they were miserable, when it was there turn to swim they were happy as clams!! But the crying was taking over the happiness for sure. Shawn was getting upset, he wanted me to get them out, I said no they need to learn to be with other kids, be away from us and learn to listen to teachers and so on.... even though this was so nerve wracking I did want to take them out but I didn't think that would teach them anything except to quit. Even though they are only 3 well almost 3. At the end of this 35 minute nightmare I walked up to the aquatic director and asked if I should take them out. She said absolutely not, she said in 14years she's never had a kid cry for all 10 days. I'm thinking they might be the first! She said it's going to take time for them to bond with their teacher and learn to be away from us.

Day 4, I was dreading going to swimming lessons all day. I was talking to the girls, and said if we finish our lesson you can have a present. They both said they wanted a cake...wow, that's simple enough, I can do that. So we got the calendar out and marked off how many days we had until swimming was over and we can get our "swimming pool cake". We get their and it was a totally different group all 4 of them. They cried a little bit, but NOTHING like to 2 days before. It was actually nice. Day 5 was even better, they laughed and seemed to be learning. The one teacher even gave them a lollipop for doing so good. Day 6-10 were awesome, they absolutely loved it, they were laughing, sitting on the side, listening, learning. They even went off the diving board on the last 2 days, with help from Emily of course. I'm so glad I didn't take them out.

Chloe, Miss Emily, Kayla

Chloe having fun!

Kayla having fun!

got this idea from the internet!

photography class

I haven't been around in a few weeks. I've been busy taking a photography class, although online that's mainly what I've been concentrating on for the past couple weeks. I've wanted to take a class for over a year and just never got around to it. Mainly because I didn't think I would have time to actually go to a class. Then I discovered these wonderful things called online courses!!!! It's amazing, since I spend most of my day at the computer it fit in perfectly. I wasn't too sure if I would even grasp learning something online since I'm more of a visual, hands on learner. But, I really enjoyed it and I now have a basic understanding of my camera and photography in general. I definently have a lot more to learn, but it was fun and hopefully I will just get better. Here are a couple pictures I submitted for one of my lessons.

http://s88.photobucket.com/albums/k188/kimangel90/lesson%204/

Wordless Wednesday!

LETS GO PENS!!!!!

I am so excited right now I can't even stand it! Our Pittsburgh Penguins are currently playing in the Stanley Cup Finals against the Detroit Red Wings. The Pens were down 3 games to 1. The Red Wings only need to win 1 more game to be the Stanley Cup Champs., I know many of the fans already counted them out. How can we win another game, especially in Detroit's arena. Anything is possible and we definitely saw that last night.

That was one of the most exciting and exhausting hockey games in the history of the Penguins. We started out leading 2 - 0, the Red Wings scored 2 goals in the 3rd to take the lead. Our Pens never gave up, with 35 seconds left in the third period Max Talbot scores to tie the game and force sudden death overtime. In the 3rd overtime 49 minutes after the regulation game ended. The pens were on a 4 minute power play, when Petr Sykora scores the game winning goal!!!!! Incredible!! And our awesome 23year old goalie Fleury saved 55 shots, amazing!!! Thanks for keeping us in the game Marc!!! I don't even think anyone watching cared it was 1:00am, it was so totally worth staying up to watch.

The best thing was during the last few seconds of regulation, Detroit had the champagne corked, the t-shirts in the locker room, and the trophy on its way to the ice. Talk about counting your chickens. Anyone who watches hockey knows it's not over til it's over!! And the Pens proved that last night!!! Way to go guys, lets have another win tomorrow in the Burgh, then head to Detroit to bring back the cup!!! We can beat these guys, you have the heart!!!!