1.   She was straining to keep her head above the water.

2.   Barbara Jewell, her face flushed and eyes brimming with tears, smiled at her son and strained to keep composure.

3.   A therapist strains to keep a level head.

4.   But it is more than the growing number of those needing shelter that worries Rendell and other mayors as they strain to keep their programs operational.

5.   He is in constant motion, rescuing teammates in distress, distributing the ball, dribbling while larger opponents strain to keep pace.

6.   He smiled widely at the sight, especially at his mom straining to keep the elevator door open.

7.   He strained to keep his feet extended.

8.   In the face of this burst of prosperity, the Chargers are straining to keep a check on their emotions.

9.   Keith Van Horn strained to keep a straight face, putting on a most earnest expression when he was asked about the Miami Heat.

10.   Meanwhile, Angels starter Chuck Finley strained to keep it close.