Author: Lenore Diane

I am married. We have two boys, two dogs, and two cats. I am on the Oxford Comma team. I look forward to my first large cup of coffee, black, every single morning, and I look forward to that second large cup of coffee, still black, every single afternoon.

Swim Little Fishies

~ Lenore Diane ~ 1 Comment

I love Infant Swimming Resource (ISR). More importantly, my boys love ISR. Well, my boys love it after a day or two; initially, they didn’t much like going under water.

We have an in-ground pool in our backyard, and the boys have been in our pool several times. Though, last year, we decided to close the pool for good, because it was too expensive for us to maintain. Anyway, backyard pool or neighborhood pool, accidents can happen. Making sure the boys took swim lessons was important to me. See, when I was a little over 1yr old, I fell in our family pool. My Mom, who just stepped away for a second, heard the splash and came running out to find me at the bottom of the pool. She pulled me out, and well – clearly I am fine. OK, whether I am ‘fine’ may be debatable, but I am alive and well.

When I am around pools with my boys, I want to be confident they know how to swim to the side of the pool and get themselves out of the pool. I knew of YMCA swimming lessons, as well as a local aquatic center near our house. Still, I asked friends for other referrals. I was interested in finding out about one-on-one lessons. My friend, Andrea, mentioned ISR. She had her daughter take lessons through the program. After accessing the website, I checked to see if there were any ISR teachers in my area. And sure enough, I found someone who was close enough to take the boys.

Of course, I found this woman late last year, after outdoor swimming lessons season. Even with no lessons, we still enjoyed the pool and our trip to the shore. However, the boys were in their life vests at all times. I was excited when Michelle contacted me in February, letting me know she was starting to schedule swimming lessons this year. I felt like a little kid, as I anxiously awaited for the last week of April and the first week of swimming lessons.

Our first week of swimming lessons has been so much fun. As I said earlier, Joe and Charlie were a bit hesitant at first, especially when instructed to go under the water. But, with each passing day, the boys have done better and better. By Wednesday, Joe was eager to go under, swim to the steps and float on his back. Though Charlie cried when getting in the pool, he quickly calmed down and was smiling as he swam to the steps and floated on his back. My husband took the boys to swim lessons today, so I could head to my boss’ house. I hate that I had to miss even one lesson. Rob said that both Joe and Charlie were eager to get in the pool and swim. Charlie did not shed a single tear. (I am sorry I missed it.)

One of the most amazing parts of taking the boys to their swimming lessons is seeing the infants learn to swim. Joe and Charlie are 5yrs and 3 1/2 years old. The little girl who has her lesson before the boys is only 14 months old. And, the little boy who has his lesson after the boys is around 6 months old. And, when Michelle puts these ‘babies’ in the pool, it is incredible to see their natural swimming instinct kick into gear. I watched as these two babies literally moved their arms and kicked their legs in order to get to the steps. Amazing.

If you have little ones and have considered swimming lessons for your little ones, I strongly recommend you look into an ISR certified trainer/teacher. You’ll be amazed, and your little one(s) will become pool and swim safe.  I am finding this to be a great and fun moment in the boys’ life, and I look forward to taking them to their lesson tomorrow.

And, thank you for your support.

~ Lenore Diane ~ Leave a comment

How old are you? Do you remember the Bartles and James wine cooler television ads? The two guys, Frank Bartles and Ed James, would be enjoying some part of life, while also cooling off with a refreshing wine cooler. At the end of every commercial, Frank Bartles said, “And, thank you for your support.” You can watch one of their commercials by clicking here.

Perhaps putting the cart before the horse, I’d like to go ahead and ‘thank you for your support’. You see, I am once again soliciting donations to various charities.

My friend, Angela, recently posted a picture of Kate on her Facebook page. Seeing the picture, reminded me about the fight to cure Cancer and the groups making a difference. Kate is the girl who was battling Leukemia, and Angela is the girl running with Team in Training to increase awareness and funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Angela is still accepting donations for her next run on October 17, 2010. Angela is not the only advocate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. There are other folks out there who not only fight for the cause, but they also fight for their own life as they battle Cancer. For the survivors, those battling the disease and the memory of the lives lost, we hope you’ll support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and donate to Angela’s Team in Training by clicking here.

In addition to the efforts to save human lives, I have a friend doing all she can to save the life of dogs, cats, pigs, goats, etc. Elise spends most of her day trying to stay on top of her animal rescue, Pick of the Litter. She’s a one person team, relying solely on monetary donations. And, as a one person team, there are times when she feels defeated, as her fund raising efforts draw little to no response. It is a full time job keeping her place running smoothly, the animals cared for and ensuring food is available. If you live in metro Atlanta, you can support Pick of the Litter by visiting the booth during Woofstock, which takes place in Suwanee, GA on May 15th. Elise will bring her goat, Tinkerbelle, and her pig, Piggy Kiwi, as well as some cute rescue pups. Hope you can make it. And, please, if you can, lend Pick of the Litter a monetary hand. You can make a donation by clicking here.

There are countless other charities needing your help. As I have said in posts past, my sister-in-law has Multiple-Sclerosis, and my brother-in-law has battled Type1 Diabetes since he was two years old. Bret Michaels, the band Poison’s lead singer, is in the headlines these days, as he recovers from a stroke. My brother-in-law, Walter, can relate to Bret’s struggles. Recently, Walter suffered a stroke. Happily, Walter has recovered, and we hope Bret recovers, too. And, I have several friends taking part in Relay for Life, which supports the American Cancer Society. By clicking on any of the above links, you can donate to these charities. I also encourage you to take a look at Charity Navigator, which reviews thousands of charitable organizations.

Thanks for your time, and thanks for your donation.

Gentlemen, Start your engines!

~ Lenore Diane ~ Leave a comment

Please note: This blog was started on Monday April 26th.

It begins today, and it will run for the next four to six weeks. Swimming lessons Monday – Friday from 11:10 until 11:30, admission process for Montessori school, putting 25hrs into my paid job, various dental/doctor appointments and maintaining the chores in and around the house. As I drove the boys to Suzann’s this morning, I was going over the chaos beginning today. Seems this is a good example of what summer will bring, when the kids actually do start school and follow the school-year calendar. Happily, I still have a year before that happens.

On Sunday, I went to luncheon for women at our church. The purpose of the luncheon was to make sure the women knew what type of groups and activities took place within the church, specifically for women. In addition to the rundown of various woman’s groups, we heard Connie Smith speak. And, as I listened to Connie’s story, it was another reminder that we all live a life full of chaos and challenges.

The chaos of this week and the weeks ahead seems trivial in the shadows of Connie’s story. But, I am not Connie, and though I learned something from her story and took with me a refreshed mindset, the reality of my life is the only reality I know. I mention Connie and her story, because as I write about my challenges, I understand there are others out there with bigger challenges. Plus, knowing others are struggling, helps me keep my things in perspective.

I tried to find my Super Woman outfit Sunday night, prepping for the weeks ahead. In my search, I found Charlie’s wubba nub, one of Joe’s puzzle pieces, two quarters and a slice of toast. [Don’t ask.] I’m not sure where I left my Super Woman outfit. Maybe that is why I am having a hard time keeping everything afloat. Surely, once I find the outfit, I’ll be back on track and invincible. Plus, I look really hot in the Super Woman outfit. Though, honestly, when I am bloated, the outfit is much too restrictive.

I have started my engine, and this week has me running in high gear. I’m enjoying the chaos for the most part; because, when I don’t have things pressing, I tend to procrastinate to the point of complete avoidance. Plus, it is easier for me to keep away from spontaneous snacking, when I am busy with life. As is often the case for me, snacking is frequent while idling. Although, snacking while stressed is another habit of mine. Here’s hoping I continue to find the fun amidst the chaos, and the Ben & Jerry’s stays at the grocery store.

So, I started this post on Monday, as I indicated. And today? Yes, today is Wednesday April 28th. Seems the busy schedule leaves little time for blogging. Rest assured, I have managed to stay up-to-date on emails, Facebook, Woot.com and shirt.woot.com. We all have our priorities, eh? I have also squeezed in a movie via Netflix, playtime with the boys, multiple loads of laundry and . . . Well, I am sure I accomplished other non-scheduled tasks. And once again, my blogging is being cut short, as it is time to pick up the boys and take them to swim class. Once swim class is over, I will need to tend to the vacuuming. I don’t think it is a good sign, when the carpet resembles a hiking trail.