Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Going at My Own Pace

Me looking forward to the future, while going at my own pace. (photo taken by one of my kids)
Have you ever gone for a run with a friend and found that you just could NOT keep up? That is how my summer went. As I finally settled into the feeling of not keeping up with laundry, kids' schedules, grocery shopping, projects, etc., I realized I had to go at my own pace. Blogging did no fit into my summer, which has so quickly rolled over into fall.

As I reflect back on summer and what my kids accomplished and how they have grown in maturity and defeating fears, it astounds me! I think this is the reason I love summer the most. By having free time, it allows us to try new challenges & to grow in ways we never thought possible.

A few of my summer accomplishments:

  • ran all summer long, at my own pace!
  • completed a 5K in August (haven't run a race in about 5 years)
  • water skied & learned to SLALOM
  • made decisions & started on kitchen re-vamp (photos to follow in future posts)
  • worked on photography skills (mostly from the boat!)

One word to describe slalom skiing for me: ELATION! At 43, I did not believe I would ever be able to slalom ski. Now I am hooked and can hardly wait for next summer! 

My kids' accomplishments:

Miss A (12, turned 13 end of July)

  • sang National Anthem solo & a capella
  • sang duet with a friend (National Anthem) it was ~awesome~
  • learning to sing Ave Maria
  • learned to wake skate
  • crossing wake on wakeboard & trying a Shaun Murray (rope behind your back as you lean body toward water)
  • swam 200 IM
  • completed a conditioning camp & volleyball camp
  • performed as the finale in a ski show (1 of 3 wakeboarders behind the boat at the same time)

Miss A (on right) with her friend before they rocked the National Anthem in front of 1,000 + people

Miss A wake skating (no bindings on board, just your feet)
Miss A

Mr F. (11)

  • attended action camp where he learned a 720 with a grab (2 sideways revolutions with a grab). He skied down a ramp on manufactured snow, performs the trick,  & lands in a swimming pool
  • learned a double flip in diving
  • learned to wake skate & can go wake to wake
  • performed as the finale in a ski show (1 of 3 wakeboarders behind the boat at the same time)competed
  • qualified for Nationals in wakeboarding


Mr F showing you his "Shaun Murray" with the rope behind his back while his front faces the water

I love this shot!

Miss Boo (7, turned 8 in August)

  • learned to water ski
  • learned to wakeboard
  • finished a summer homework packet
  • got over her big  fear of going around the island, while water skiing & wakeboarding
  • took 5th in diving championships

Miss Boo's contagious energy
My Hubby
This guy is a saint! My hubby was so awesome all summer at driving the boat (safely) and helping so many kids & adults learn how to wakeboard & water ski. It was amazing to watch him! I also was able to return the favor & drive the boat for him while he wakeboarded. He is headed to Nationals for wakeboarding, as well. Photo by one of the kiddos! ( I can't drive the boat & take photos)



This is an updated photo of that picnic table that I painted this past spring. Here is a link to that post & here it is in use:


You may have projects to finish, work to do, or a coach may want you to go faster, a friend may require too much, a spouse may have certain expectations. Go at your own pace and it will turn out better than you expected.
Miss A. This is for my sis: who does she look like in the water?
Hugs,


10 comments:

  1. Welcome back! And lemme say, go YOU for not worrying about your blog while you enjoyed summer. I need to do that some more. Like, oh. . .now. :)

    So the summer pictures. . .sigh. Beautiful, fun, warm. That's my kind of summer.

    Totally jealous of your tan/swimsuit hotness.

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  2. Hey Cathy this is so cool. Read about your Picnic Table where did you find it your inspiring me to do that. I don't have a back yard like you do but I can add it.

    Susy Burhans

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  3. Love it! Summer is such a busy but great time! I have been making it a point to go at my own pace lately, but I still love to pack in all the action I can get... We enjoyed meeting you guys this summer and look forward to finishing up the wakeboarding season in FL and hanging with you next summer:) Julie Herman

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  4. Great to see that all had a great summer! Welcome back to blogland! Looking forward to your projects!

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  5. Holy Moly! Nice shot of you first of all! So glad to have you back and happy to hear you had a fab summer!

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  6. Oh, I love this post-so real and your summer sounded wonderful. The best part was going at your own pace. I'm always a fan of going at our own pace vs. the pace of those that place expectations on us (hence why I work for myself. LOL)

    So glad you are back. I think sometimes as bloggers we feel so guilty leaving it for a while but life is meant to be lived to the fullest and I'm sure you created a summer with your children that they will never forget.

    Hugs,
    Karla

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  7. I've been reading a lot of posts like this lately and love them. Blogging should never be a have to, only a want to.
    Your summer looked like a great one.
    Dana

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  8. I'm ferklempt...can I just tell you how wonderful and responsible you are by wearing helmets?? I LOVE YOU FOR THAT!! Dressage divas used to sneer or make fun when I wore my helmet while riding.
    I just keep in focus that I'm still raising kids and want to enjoy my life, and want to be around for as long as I can! You and Mr. F are amazing
    role models...especially for your children!
    What a great post, with MANY great messages, written and in pictures! Welcome back - we all missed you!! xoxo

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  9. It looks like you all had a fantastic, fun-filled summer. Just the way it should be! You are g.o.r.g.e.o.u.s. in that first picture!!

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  10. um, you're gorgeous in these pictures and I am amazed at you're willingness to slalom ski, let alone your ability!!

    great summer.

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