He's in the top 10!

Caleb competed in the AAU State Swim Meet in late June. It was a HOT day, but Caleb had a great meet. He swam in four races and was in the top ten in each event. His personal time improved in each race, which is always our wish for him. Caleb continues to love swimming. We are so proud of our little fish!

And, it is done.

Today marked the end of our first All-Star experience. The overall journey has been a blessing, even if a little overwhelming. We have lovingly called Jon David's team the Searcy Sevens. Because of a restructuring, the 7-8 division was split into just sevens and just eights. So, we had an All-Star team for each age group. It allows the younger kiddos a chance to have the honor and experience of All-Star for two years. However, all that said, the boys struggled with playing teams who were predominantly eight-years-old. There have been a few who had only one seven on the whole team. So, our kiddos were small in comparison. It was difficult for them to walk on the field when they looked up, literally, to the majority of the other team. I think Jon David was the smallest (with maybe one who was comparable) on his team. He played hard and did well in spite of his size. He has a heart of a champion, and we are so proud of him.

The little things . . .

To say we have been busy or that I have felt overwhelmed would be an understatement. We are entering week three of All-Star practice and tournament play. During this same time frame, Caleb has had three swim meets, Nathan's parents have arrived from China, our local churches had VBS, etc. Somewhere in there, I needed to continue with the boys' school work and to work through my lecture prep. And, I really just wanted to enjoy summer . . . Finding the balance during times like this is one of my greatest challenges. I REALLY want (and almost need) to do it all. I feel better about life when I get it all done. But, I don't feel better about me at the end of the day even when it is all done. So, once again, my kiddos have reminded me of what's important--the little things. Caleb asked me over the weekend if we could read a book together. I said sure. He then asked again if we could read a book together. I then took note of his body language (a topic of one my recent lectures) and realized he NEEDED me to read to him, to spend time with him. Once I stepped back, I realized I needed it too. We are two-thirds through Percy Jackson and lovin' the book and the time together. On Monday, Jon David was acting out. I couldn't seem to reign him in . . . finally, I got in his face and asked what he needed to help him behave. (Of course, I was thinking of discipline.) He said with a somber face and tears in his eyes that he needed me to hold him. Of course, I dropped what I was doing at the time and held him. After a good cuddle time, he got down and has had a better week since. Just today, Ali told me over and over that she loved me. I have smiled and told her I loved her too. She finally told me tonight during our family devo that she couldn't wait to have a 'darling' (daughter) who she could love just like I love her. Wow . . . after feeling so inadequate, what better compliment could I have gotten than that. Finally, we had both sets of grandparents here last night for supper. After supper, the kiddos decided to play family baseball. It's the Mills' Family version of backyard baseball--plastic baseballs, t-ball bats, short bases, and few rules. To my great surprise, all four grandparents agreed to play. We took turns hitting, running bases, and fielding the ball. It was great fun. At the days' end when everyone had gone home, we discussed our thorns and roses for the day. All three kiddos listed family baseball as their best part (roses) of the day. It's the little things that make summer what it should be!