Monday, June 9, 2008

The bigger they are

Towards the end of the school year, I had a brainstorm.  I have been increasingly concerned over Ryan, he's gaining weight, and was trying to think of a way to up his activity level without making him feel like I was picking on him.

I realize that he may have a growth spurt in his future, but maybe he doesn't.  And having a lifetime of "you'll grow out of it" still ringing in my ears experience behind me made me start thinking.

I decided that although our summers are brutally hot, we could do things together, as a family, that could be fun and get the kids off the couch, late in the day or early in the morning.  I told them they would have to earn their video game time, and just to sweeten the deal, I made it easy--15 minutes of activity for 30 minutes of game time.  I came up with things like kickball on Monday evening, maybe walking on Tuesday mornings, etc.  We would all play, and it would be good for every one of us.

I invited another family with four kids to come and play kickball with us, and tonight we had our first match up.   We had a lot of fun, even though I failed to take into consideration that they are quite athletic--soccer and running kids---and we are....not.  LOL 

We still had quite a good time, in spite of the fact that Mr W was not along this evening, and Audrey was not feeling well.  The other family readily stepped in and rotated people onto our team once it became apparent that we were in need of help.  :p

At one point, I was running to third base, my brain urging me to run faster to make it, just as my eyes noted one of the other kids moving towards me.  I put on the brakes. 

And still managed to trip.  In a most spectacular, play-of-the-week fashion.  It was not pretty, and it dispelled my thoughts of ever being a contestant on the Amazing Race, as clearly my talents are more of the MXC variety.

As the earth sped up towards me, I thought, sweet Jesus, this is gonna hurt, and I was right.  My hips and legs came up off the ground, and I scraped up everything from my right boob on down. My hands are scratched up, my knee and ankle really hurt, and there's a fabulous bruise on my calf.  Although I would have blamed no one for erupting in peals of laughter, my friends were good and asked me how I was before commencing to tease me and chuckle heartily.  (My children later assured me it was hilarious.)

All in all, as I sit here nursing my wounds, I realize it's not such a bad thing to remember how hard the ground really is, and not so bad to embarrass myself publicly. 

What's a little dirt amongst friends?

Besides, I'll be okay.

Once my ego stops smarting.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

OUCH!!  
Missie

Anonymous said...

My daughter, who had a baby six months ago, decided to take her brother and sister roller skating the past weekend.  She did a belly flop... on roller skates!  My youngest daughter informed me it was quite hilarious even though her sister was a bit sore the next day.  That might be a good activity to add...air conditioned roller skating.  :)  

Anonymous said...

At least nobody got it on video!  The last time I wiped out like that was at VBS in AZ playing tug-o-war games with the kids...we were using one of those pool noodles (not sure who's bright idea that was)  I wasn't going to lose for my team of girls for nothing.  I held tight the noodle snapped and I landed so hard on my ass my glasses flew off.  AND it was all on video tape which they played over and over on the final day.  Sigh....take care of you.

Anonymous said...

"DAH-DAH-DAH...DAH-DAH-DAH!!

::: ESPN highlight fanfare :::

It's good to know your family keeps the PT's number on speed-dial...

Anonymous said...

well at least you can laugh about it:) have a good week

Deb

Anonymous said...

I am impressed that you made the effort to get your son more active and did not just sit on the sidelines.  Bless your heart for going for the gold!!  Hope everything returns to normal soon.

Donna
Dust Bunny Protector

Anonymous said...

One way to compromise....get the kids doing physical activity and still allowing them to play video games.....DDR! I love my DDR and I am shedding the pounds while doing it without changing my diet. It's tons of fun for the whole family too!

Anonymous said...

Maybe you can help me please ... I see you have a journal listed called Tilly's Adventures.  If that is Tilly from England, would you ask her if she can add me as a reader to her private journal?  I used to love to read her entries but I have been "gone" for two years and would love to reconnect.  She was Tilly'sSweetChops back then I believe. Thank you!!

And, I am once again enjoying your entries as well.

Donna
http://journals.aol.com/dbp2000/DustBunnyProtector/