I am so good at braving the elements, I may have a future as a mail carrier.
Spring sports season is in full swing around here. I am wore out. And the seasons are only half over.
Since the end of March, I have been rained on, hailed on, frozen, windburned, sunburned, sweaty, and snowed upon. I have faced the elements out here on the prairie, interpeeps.
And still, week after week, I go. Out to the soccer field to root for the Girls u10 Watermelon soccer team. Go Melons! And then I make my way to Sunset Park to cheer for the peewee baseball Angels. Go Angels! And lets not forget my 4 day a week presence at my local ice rink. Go Leafs!
I know. It sounds crazy. I always swore I wouldn’t be that mom that over scheduled her kids. The mom who shuttled them from activity to activity in the name of enrichment.
And I’m not. I think.
I have made sure that each of my kids is only in one activity. Well, the girls are only in one activity. My son is in two. He’s in baseball and hockey. Don’t ask. I don’t make the rules around here.
And the one (or two) activity per child? Has us running around five days a week. Thursdays are the busiest. On Thursdays we have soccer practice and a baseball game. And I always miss some of one or the other. And on Saturdays too, when there are two games. I only make it to one for part of the time because I have to be at the other.
But I try. I guess I could wait in the car, but it wouldn’t be the same. Instead, I am out there, week after week, in the unpredictable spring elements running back and forth between the soccer field and the baseball field, cheering on the Angels and the Melons.
And even though two weeks ago my nose got a sunburn, and last weekend I was a walking, wet, shivering mess, I will still go again. I will continue to cheer on the girl’s soccer team and then race over to watch the end of my son’s baseball game.
And when they ask, “Did you see that, Mom?”
I may be cold, wet and windblown, but I will always be able to say yes.
Posted: May 9th, 2008 under Growing Up, It's All About Me.
Comments: 21
Comments
Comment from Jdude
Time: May 9, 2008, 5:36 am
With four kids quickly growing up I gave up on lots of activiites long ago. But even though I gave up - they did not. Truthfully, they are not that busy but why do some days come and we are so busy I can’t even see straight. Kudos to you for figuring out how to brave the elements. You are a good mom. I’m the one in the car - or at home because I sent my husband. Last year I talked to one of the other moms from my son’s soccer team on the phone and she told me she had never met me - in the 3 years my son has been on the team. I was a bit embarassed. “I’m always in the car or I send my husband”, I tell her. Looks like I got some ’splaining to do.
Comment from JanMary, N Ireland
Time: May 9, 2008, 5:50 am
My kids are involved in activities but the only one I attend is the swimming lessons. And taking my 2 other kids to my middle child’s lessons are NO FUN. From lugging baby seats in, clambering toddlers, now moody 10 year olds - no fun! The eldest one constantly complains, but I remind her that it was once her turn for the lessons (4 years) and her sister and brother came along for her. She says that is just not the same, as they were too young to understand. I remind her they did not have Nintendo’s to play on….and so it goes on…..
We have swimming lessons this afternoon….deep joy!
Comment from Robyn
Time: May 9, 2008, 7:27 am
First, THE MELONS!!! That’s awesome. I love love love it.
2nd, our softball season started in February, which is impossible for you, my northern friend. Even down here in Alabama, it can get coooooold in February. We even had a game snowed out - which is RARE here - we had about 1.5 inches and it was gone by 10 am. Now we’re in All-Star season so we’re at the ballpark Tues, Thurs, & Friday nights, Sat mornings, and Sunday afternoons. Phew! My younger 2 daughters are too little to play yet, but I can’t imagine my life when all 3 are playing!
Comment from Howdy
Time: May 9, 2008, 7:44 am
My youngest is 28 this year… I still miss all those practices and games and am glad that we went and cheered everybody along as the 3 kids went through their various town sports leagues. Yeah it was a hassle some times and I ate many a hot dog or tuna sandwich off a paper plate from a paper bag - but I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. We are all better for making the effort.
Comment from ValleyGirl
Time: May 9, 2008, 8:22 am
And that’s the important thing.
Is carpooling an option? That might help cut down on all the running around.
Comment from Jul
Time: May 9, 2008, 8:52 am
Yep- I have a cooler filled all week and weekend in the car and spare clothes- snacks - portable DVD player as well. If I could fit in an inflatable bed for naps I would 
But it is so fun to see the kids in action!
Comment from Queen B
Time: May 9, 2008, 9:29 am
You will be so glad that you put forth the extra effort. Someday.
Go Melons! Go Angels!
Comment from Becky
Time: May 9, 2008, 10:08 am
I can totally relate!!! Even though I only have one kid in sports. I have emersed myself into the little league by getting on the board. Actually being at the fields when I don’t even have to. How crazy is that. But I am one of two parents on our team that is always there and always at practice’s. I love seeing everything even if it is cold as ice out there. My son knows he can count on me to be there and cheer him on no matter what.
Hope you have a great weekend which I’m sure will be filled with sports.
Comment from sheila
Time: May 9, 2008, 11:20 am
yes, when you have multiple children even one or two activities keeps you on the ball in all of the element.
this is exactly one of the many reasons why we celebrate Moms- it’s why we matter- to be able to answere that all important question- “did gou see that mom?” great post.
Comment from Christie
Time: May 9, 2008, 12:05 pm
Oh, I feel your pain, sista. It’s the ballpark for us three to four nights a week, and I cannot wait for it to be over. I want my life back!
Comment from Carrie
Time: May 9, 2008, 12:14 pm
Oh, we have just begun our adventures with organized sports–my kids are 5 and 2 right now…maybe more to come? I have seen my future.
Thanks for sharing!
Comment from Kelly @ Love Well
Time: May 9, 2008, 12:45 pm
I was all set to tell you how I’ve been thinking about this very thing lately, about how I should maybe limit camps for my older kids now, because while they are this age I can handle it, but once we have three (or four) kids at camp-age, I won’t be able to keep up this pace.
And then I read your last sentence. And it took my breath away.
Trump.
Comment from Kim N
Time: May 9, 2008, 3:59 pm
For the first, this spring I can relate to this. I have two kids in soccer and they practice two days a week…not the same days. So four days of practice and two games on Saturday make me feel like life has become all about soccer. They don’t cancel games in Seattle either. They have played in weather like what you described. Sleet, hail, snow, pouring rain…and one warm sunny day. crazy! but fun!
I too told myself that I wouldn’t be the mom that over schedules her kids, but it is hard. I am going to try to stick to one sport and piano lessons…but we will see how strong I can be!
Comment from Wendi
Time: May 9, 2008, 5:27 pm
Great post!
I feel your pain.
I am at 3 dance classes, 2 baseball games, 2 softball games, and Scouts every. single. week.
I hope they remember I was there too!
Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Comment from Jen on the Edge
Time: May 9, 2008, 6:08 pm
This is just part of being a mom and, like you, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Comment from Heidi
Time: May 11, 2008, 10:36 am
…and that’s because you are a GOOD mommy!
Though I have to admit, I am so enjoying this spring of activity-less mommydom. Next year, though, I know I’ll be out there with ya.
Happy Mother’s Day, Lisa!
Heidi
Comment from Traceytreasure
Time: May 11, 2008, 11:47 am
Go Angles and Melons!! They are so lucky to have your support and love!! Hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day, Lisa!! You’re a wonderful mom!! Hugs and love!!
Comment from Mary@notbefore7
Time: May 11, 2008, 8:03 pm
Now…when you find yourself at the Watermelon’s game, yelling GO ANGELS, then you know you have meltdown
Comment from Jen
Time: May 12, 2008, 8:31 am
I guess our coaches don’t believe in braving the elements. They cancel if it starts to drizzle. Thank God!! I’d be the mom in the car, I’m sure.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I’m excited to read more of yours!
Comment from Deb - Mom of 3 Girls
Time: May 12, 2008, 11:34 am
Oh yes, I’m with you. And right now is the worst, when the winter activities are ending and the spring ones are beginning, so that they overlap… Just two kids in soccer and one of which is also in cheerleading is filling up our evenings and weekends much more than I would like. And the youngest isn’t even old enough for her own activities yet…
Write a comment