Why I really need a swimming pool....

I know this is going to come as a shock to everyone but I would really, really, really love to have my very own pool in my back yard. There are many reasons for this-- 1) Jason and I both grew up with pools and I have so many wonderful family memories that are centered around that, 2)There are so many games that you really cannot play in the Y pool with a thousand other people around, 3) All five of my kids absolutely love the water--I would not be surprised if Abby is swimming by the time she is three, if she ever makes it into the water that is, 4)You definitely cannot throw your children up in the air at the Y pool, 5) Here in hot and steamy NC a pool could honestly be used 9 months of the year (not just the 12 weeks the Y is open). These are just the few that came to mind right now but I think the real reason I need a pool would be illustrated very well in the sharing of a little story.

Once upon a time there was a wonderful, kind mother (who was feeling neither wonderful nor kind) she had five happy, sweet children (who were acting neither happy nor sweet). It was the middle of the seventh week of summer and all three babies woke up early from their naps. Not knowing how to (peacefully and happily) spend the rest of the afternoon , she peeked out the window to see if the sky was cloudy and dark. But the sun was shining (it was a fair 101--according to the car thermometer) so she decided to quickly feed the baby and grab every one's swimsuits and head off for an unplanned outing at the pool. In a mere 45 minutes they were off like a really slow flash. She began to feel both wonderful and kind again :) They arrived at the Y and--wanting to be able to play with her older children--they went to take the baby to the child watch center. They were told there would be a brief wait and could they please stand (quietly) in the hall. So they waited, and waited, and waited. Twenty minutes had passed when they heard a glorious sound--the melodious voice of the ever patient and loving child watch girl calling little Abby Jane to play. Abby eagerly went into her waiting arms and the rest of the happy family rushed out to the pool for a few hours of fun. When the walked out the doors they were faced with a sight so terrible, so maddening and so depressing there are hardly words to describe it. The Wade Pool was closed for the remainder of the day....why, OH WHY did this have to happen today when this wonderful, kind mother was trying so hard to have a fun afternoon. All she really wanted was to have some fun with her children and make this summer a fun and memorable one. Well her big kids went in the big pool (the twins were not allowed because they are not potty trained and we wouldn't want to shut down the big pool too) and she desperately tried to convince the two-year-olds that they didn't really want to go swimming any way. If only she had a pool of her own.....

Swimming at the Hafener family reunion last year with Julie, Zach, Elodie and Grandma.
This would most definitely not be allowed :) I wish I had a good one of Andrew flying through the air!!
Me and my water babies--I love being in the pool with them
So, if Jason happens to ask any of you what I would like for my birthday...I can think of one thing :)