Adventures in synchro

Tomorrow I leave for Colorado. We (the kids and I) are going to see some friends who moved a couple of years ago, and also to leave Olivia at the Olympic Training Center for phase 2 of the National Team Trials.

While the other three kids and I are having a great time doing vacation-y things, Olivia will be back in the pool, stressing herself out over such things as a swordfish, a kip, a really, really fast routine, a sustained spin, and flat splits in the water. I think she has done all she can to prepare, I just hope that she keeps the home-sickness at bay so that she can do her best.

I have been with her for all of the really important meets up until now (except for one, and she didn't do so hot at that meet). Sometime or other, she has to grow up and learn how to do her best without her personal cheerleader, but it does make me a little sad that I won't be there. It is also a little worrying that if she does do her best (and makes the National Team), she will be gone for almost 2 weeks. That's a long time for an 11 year old to be away from home. I told her to pack her favorite "Olivia the pig" blanket, just in case she needed a little bit of home. I think she thinks I'm crazy. I'm so proud of her, and it's so exciting that she is one of only 16 girls in the ENTIRE country that gets this opportunity, but I'm going to miss my B.

But enough of that, I just want her to get out there and show those other girls what the youngest among them can do! Go for it, Olivia!

New Respect

I have new respect for all synchronized swimmers today. I have long known that it is a difficult sport, and takes a lot of skill and athleticism. But, now I really know. Like in, I have tried it and failed miserably!

Here's the story. Back in June, when Olivia competed at the Grand Canyon State Games, there were two Master's routines that swam. Master's is for anyone over the age of 20. A group of coaches from one of the other teams swam, and four ladies from Sun City West. I think their average age was 82. So, I got talking with a bunch of synchro mom friends, and we decided that next year, we would swim a routine. I mean, how hard can it be, really? And if 80 year old women can do it, then so can we! Right?

So, one of those moms and I decided that we better start swimming now to get in shape, so we don't completely embarrass ourselves. We swam a few laps a couple of weeks ago, and then last night we went with Olivia to practice and decided to really give it a try.

Let me just say, I am completely out of shape. Or maybe my shape is just super jiggly and weak. But after a pathetically few number of laps, I felt like I was going to throw up and then I could finally understand why some swimmers cheat on their laps.

So, after resting up for probably way too long, my friend and I started to try to do some figures. The operative word here is try. I have no idea how any synchro swimmer does anything they do. I couldn't even do the basic of the basic. How sad. We tried to coach each other, but since neither of us really knew what we were doing (you'd think we would after the amount of time we spend at practices, but apparently we really don't pay attention), it didn't go well. Finally, Olivia took pity on us and gave us a few pointers. I still couldn't do any of it, but after some encouraging words from both Olivia and her coach, I guess I'll give it another try tomorrow.

I'm not sure the routine next June is going to happen. I think this body is too old to teach new tricks to. And it has too many parts that hurt, or don't work right, or are too chubby, or too flabby, or just plain too old.

I think Olivia is embarrassed by me. And I can't say that I blame her.

six!

I can't believe my baby is SIX!!! Yesterday was her birthday, and in true Julia fashion, there was NO WAY we were going to forget it. She reminded us about 20 times a day for the last week, and was so disappointed that I didn't have presents wrapped and piled on the table for days beforehand. As it was, we managed to fill the day with enough stuff that she was content to wait until after dinner for presents and cake. Dad even made it home for dinner by 6, and then it was all about JULIA!!
She is such a girly-girl. Way more so than her sister. She made me a birthday list that had nail polish, makeup, jewelry and other girly things on it. Luckily, it's easy to get that stuff! She was very excited about it all, and immediately had to wear her new headband, earrings and lip gloss. She wanted to paint her nails right away, too, but I managed to convince her to wait.
It's so hot that I really didn't want to make her a cake. So, we went shopping and she found one that she liked, and the best part was that they wrote on it for her, in PINK!

Unfortunately, I didn't realize while we were at the store that I didn't have any candles. So Dad "Macgyver-ed" a candle for us. (Really just a match that he stuck in the cake). But before she could blow it out, it went out. The look on her face says it all...

But then, she did manage to blow it out, and all was well!

Happy Birthday, Little Stuff! We love you!

eSynchro Age Group Nationals

Olivia and I just got home from Nationals. Here's the scoop:

Team finished 5th in the Nation!!!

Duet finished 5th!!!

Trio finished 4th!!!

Olivia finished 16th in figures and qualified for phase 2 of the National Team Trials next month at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. AWESOME!!!

We had a good time, but I'm glad to be home. Florida is beautiful, but I'm glad I live in the dry desert! It was nice to have a break from my own kids, but I was glad to turn those 8 other girls over to their parents! All in all, it's good to be back.

And...

a few days before we left for Nationals, Olivia was honored with the "Athlete of the Year" award at the end of year party and award night. WOW! It's been a great year for her, we are so proud of all she has accomplished.

Father's Day

Things I love about the father of my children:

• he plays with them, and very rarely tells them he is too busy (even when he really is)
• he makes them breakfast on Saturdays (smoothies and waffles)
• he is a fabulous provider for our family
• he is conscientious and always does his best in everything
• he is a hard worker, hopefully the kids will learn by his example
• he figures out how to fix things around the house, and usually lets the kids help
• he teaches the kids life lessons without them realizing it
• he is proud of each of their individual talents and abilities
• he is fair (or at least as fair as possible-sometimes it's hard to know who started it...)
• he loves their mother

Happy Father's Day to the best husband in the world. I am so lucky.

Grand Canyon State Games

Olivia competed in the Grand Canyon State Games this past weekend. She took first place in team, trio and figures. I got some amazing photos of a couple of her figures. This barracuda was the best of the night--among all 72 girls. Just to put it in perspective for all you non-synchro people, most girls aren't completely vertical, or they only get up to mid thigh. Here's a pretty typical barracuda:

And here's the girl who finished in second place for the night:

We leave for Nationals in four days, it's time to start thinking good thoughts and sending good karma her way!

Watch Out for the Paparazzi!

Olivia was recently featured in a local magazine, Kids Celebrate. Click here for the online version of the article. She'll be signing autographs, donations are always accepted! (just kidding)

Family Fun

We had lots of fun out in the pool today. It was finally hot enough that we didn't freeze when wet! We had chicken fights (even three people high, but it took all of us, so there was no one to take the picture!), lots of flips and somersaults, a display of amazing flexibilty (I know she doesn't get that from me), and even some Olympic caliber face contortions.

This video shows the best back tuck somersault of the day--and, no, it's not from the girl taking diving lessons, but from Sam! I think he might have a future in diving! It was awesome!

Look what I did!

Do you like my new background? I made it MYSELF!!! Of course, I should have been doing lots of other things, but instead I was creating useless stuff for my blog. I also fancied up the Arizona Desert Dolphin blog. What a great time waster! I love computers!

Two Thumbs

We saw "Up" tonight. It was fabulous! Sam and Julia giggled throughout the whole thing (Olivia might have been, too, but she was not next to me). The 3D was really cool (and didn't give me a headache). Funny, funny movie. We give it two thumbs up!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Sam today.

He is a BIG seven!

He opened presents and we had cake yesterday because Dad and Dan left at 5:00 this morning for Scout Camp. Poor Sam (and Julia) had to be woken at 6:00 to go with me to take Olivia to practice. But, he did get McDonald's for breakfast (one of his very favorites). He got a new game for the DS, a new swimsuit, a bag of kettle corn, money from Grandma Ekberg and a Webkinz monkey from Grandma Anne. I think he looks like the monkey. Happy Birthday to the silliest, smartest boy in the world! Love you, Sam.

Missing

Today I called 911 for the first time in my life. I thought I had lost this...

We found him.

I cried alot.

I'm so thankful.

Life wouldn't be the same without him.

Happy Birthday to Olivia, who turned 11 on Tuesday. We spent most of the weekend celebrating the big day in one fashion or another (and it still wasn't enough for her!) Here's the rundown...

Friday she got a card and money in the mail from Grandma and Grandpa Ekberg.

Saturday we went to the store, and she got to pick out a new bike.Sunday she got to pick what we had for dinner (Cantonese Chicken) and we sang to her in Primary.

Monday I made a cake (chocolate with chocolate frosting and sprinkles), we watched a movie as a family (Get Smart) and we went out to dinner at Chili's.

Tuesday, we wished her happy birthday oodles of times, she got a necklace and "Olivia" bag in the mail from Grandma Anne and Grandpa Vee, she got a BUNCH of phone calls, we had some friends over to swim AND she picked what we had for dinner (scones and fruit).

Wednesday at synchro practice they sang "Happy Birthday" to her and a couple of her friends gave her presents.

I wish my birthday could last almost a whole week! Lucky girl!

Father & Sons Campout

Last weekend while Olivia and I were at her synchro meet, Brandon took the three* boys camping.

The four of them took a camera along, but I think Sam and Julia took most of the pictures. I hear they had a good time, but I haven't heard a lot of details. I know there was a fun swing, and lots of dirt, and a campfire, but other than that I've had to use my imagination. Here's what I think happened:

They were warmly welcomed to camp......after paying a bribe. Whereupon, they proceeded to fit right in (pink, really?!?)But, soon enough, trouble** ensued......and they had to run for it, away from an angry mob with a frisbee.

They high-tailed it out of there, past the lone (?) cactus,

but then something went wrong and the world started spinning!

But, never fear, they were saved from all peril by the superhero known as "Surly Almost-Teenager".

All is well with the world.

*Okay, we really only have two boys, but Julia was given the option of camping or going to the synchro meet. She chose camping with the boys. Since it was 105 degrees, I think I would have chosen it, too. Brandon was only given a *small* amount of grief over bringing a daughter with him. Oh well.

**Sam is usually the cause of Trouble around our house. He is a force of nature.

Hello Jr. High!

I just got back from Dan's sixth grade promotion/graduation/celebration thing. Surprisingly, it was a little sad for me. I know I'll still be going to the elementary school more than I want to for the next 6 years, but I guess deep down I'm not really ready from him to grow up. I didn't have a moments hesitation when he started kindergarten, but I'm just not ready for him to be a teenager and go to Jr. High. But, I know I can't stop it - he has grown about six inches in the last year, he thinks his voice is changing (but I think maybe he is just trying to talk in a lower register), he has armpit hair (ick!), he wears boats for shoes (size 11 1/2), he no longer thinks girls are gross, and he has interests that have nothing to do with me. I'm struggling with how to be a mom that doesn't hover and overprotect, but still has a say in what he does, who he hangs out with and what goes on in his brain. My mom was always the cool mom that all my friends wished their mom was like. I want to be that. But then again, the world is different now and I don't want him getting himself into a mess because I'm more his friend than his mom. How do I make him realize that the rules still apply to him and that there are consequences, without being the kind of mom that he wants to get away from? Then again, maybe he'll figure it all out on his own and I'm worrying for nothing. After all, he is a good kid, and I'm very proud of him.

On a funny note, when Ms. Wilson (the teacher over Student Council) was introducing the officers from this year, she called up each of the four girls and gave them their certificate, then she introduced Dan by calling him "the stud muffin, Mr. Macho, who is always surrounded by girls". It made me laugh, and it embarrassed Dan. I'm glad he got a little embarrassed, and I'm glad it wasn't by me!

Congrats on being a successful sixth grader, and just make sure you continue to do your best! I'm proud of you, and I love you, Dan.

Regional Synchro Meet

Olivia's Regional Synchro meet was this past Friday and Saturday. She swam a duet, a trio and team. Unfortunately, she got sick earlier in the week and wasn't at her best. However, she pulled it together well enough to compete, and all three of her routines did well enough to go on to Nationals next month in Florida. A pretty big accomplishment considering that she almost passed out getting out of the pool after her team swim. She was so dizzy I had to carry her to the car, but she was mostly worried about how many people stared at her. Poor thing. This is what she looks like today...

I know she REALLY doesn't feel good, because she hasn't even wanted to expend the energy to get the knox out of her hair or take the icky synchro makeup off. Usually, those are the very first things she does when she gets home. Hopefully, she'll feel better soon. Poor Olivia.

Mother of the Year

Check out this video of me winning the Mother of the Year award!!!

New Post

Just for you Ali, here is a new post.

Life at the Ekbergs...

Only 10 days of school left.

Sam lost a tooth. I bought it from him so the Tooth Fairy wouldn't have to make the trip to our house. I like that plan.

Julia had a meltdown getting to school one day. She ran after me out the door, followed by the principal, who dragged her back in kicking and screaming. Fun times.

I tweaked my back tying a quilt. I moved like an old woman for a couple of days. And I didn't get any sympathy. Boo hoo.

Watershow was last Saturday. It was so well attended, there was no where to park. But, we raised lots of money!

Olivia ran for Student Body President. Didn't win, but that's okay with her.

Sam needs a haircut.

It hit 100 degrees yesterday, 103 today, 105 tomorrow.

Kids have been swimming after school a lot.

Grandma Anne and Grandpa Vee came for a visit. Sam made them play games with him every afternoon. No Peekie, anyone?

Dan had his last Strings concert. He rocked the electric bass!

Brandon got a pool table.

Synchro State Competition

Olivia just competed in the Arizona State Synchro competition. This is the big qualifying meet for Regionals next month. It was an awesome weekend!

She took third place in figures (her lowest finish this year, but she's happy with it. Especially since 2 1/2 weeks ago, she couldn't walk or swim because her knee was injured).

She also swam a duet and a trio. Both took FIRST PLACE!!! So exciting!
Her team finished in second place, so all three of her routines will go on to Regionals, and (keep your fingers crossed), Nationals.

Olivia, Kaylee, Jenna and Addisyn

We shared the trip with some fun synchro friends, and we had a great time getting sunburned, windburned, sleep deprived, dehydrated and knoxed together.

If you'd like to see these awesome girls swim, come to the Watershow on May 2!!! It's going to be great, and it's so much fun to watch.

Just Julia

Note: Last the best of all the game.

How do I love Julia?

Let me count the ways...1. She loves to snuggle with me in the mornings. And she fits so perfectly in my arms.

2. She is my buddy. She always wants to go with me. I will never be friendless as long as Julia is around.

3. She loves me to tuck her in at night. And she always gives me hugs and kisses. Even if I've not been very nice or patient.

4. She instantly forgives me (see above). And she doesn't hold a grudge. It's nice to know that I have her unconditional love. I'm glad she's an example to me. I hope to be better at this.

5. She is willing to try new things. Unlike her siblings. I can always count on Julia to try whatever I have made for dinner. Most of the time, she likes it! That doesn't mean she'll eat it again, but she tries it. And I appreciate that.

6. She leaves me notes and presents. Especially when she sees that I'm having a bad day.

7. She wants to help me with whatever I'm doing. Sometimes, I'm not very patient, but I know I always have a willing helper if I want it.

8. She is content to be a home-body. She doesn't constantly demand to play with friends, which I will forever be grateful for.

9. She loves to snuggle. (Did I already say that?) But really, she loves to snuggle. And I love to hold her. Soon, she'll be too big, so I think I better take advantage while I still can.

10. She completes our family. I needed her, and I'm so glad that Heavenly Father sent her to me. Love you, Little One.