I’m not sure if I’ve gone into it here…but I’ve probably mentioned in the past that my kids have of yet to be enrolled in any kind of activity like soccer or ballet or even Gymboree when they were babies (though we did attempt “blast ball” with Oliver last year and decided he wasn’t ready).
Initially, the fact that I worked full time made the weekday activities for babies and toddlers impossible. And of course, there has always been the issue of expense.
While my days are now devoted to the care and feeding of my kids, the concern for money flying out the window never goes away. And to be honest – the idea that we should be spending hundreds of dollars each month (or week!) so that our preschoolers could twirl in tutus or practice their off balance somersaults with a professional instructor seemed a bit ridiculous. They can do that here! We have a carpeted basement and a dress up box. AND there are three of them – which is kind of like a class…
But now that they’re getting older and watching their friends arriving home in leotards and white pjs, it’s started to seem a bit cruel.
So as you know we’re trying out Tae Kwon Do for the boys (and Eleanor by default) and dance for Eleanor.
We’ve been lucky with the ballet class – no reasons to skip it. But Tae Kwon Do… The last class they attended was last Monday. We were told that the Friday and Saturday classes would be cancelled due to tournaments (or whatever they’re called in martial arts).
So instead of Saturday, I planned to take them to the following Wednesday class. But then Wednesday was SO HOT. Like high 90s, sweltering, jumping into cold water without wincing hot. And I couldn’t imagine forcing them all into those synthetic white pjs, marching them into an oven-like car and then making them actually exercise. We went to the pool instead.
I thought, okay – well miss a week. Not a big deal. But then the following Monday, Oliver had a fever and I took Eleanor to the doctor today… Now we’re shooting for Friday or Saturday. I think I’m experiencing the frustrating “activity fail” experience that I’ve been hearing about for the past year at our bus stop. Now I get it.
And that may be the most boring 5+ paragraphs I’ve ever written… DON’T say anything – let me have this one…
Moving on, I also got a call today about my gouty knee. It is in fact NOT gout. Blood work was clean and the x-ray didn’t indicate any issues with my bones. But here’s the thing: it still hurts. And it looks a little bit puffier than the other one. I’ve been popping ibuprofen like tic tacs – which I’m pretty sure isn’t good for you long term – so I kind of need another assessment.
So next week, I will have an MRI. My second MRI in the past six months. The first one was for something completely unrelated. Can we say domino effect. Once my hip breaks, it’s all over right?
I’ll keep you posted on my health developments. It’s all so glamorous and exciting – I just have to share.
But I did have something kind of amazing happen this week – yesterday to be exact. I heard from two little girls (now young women) I used to babysit when I was a teenager. And what makes it relevant to this blog is that I once wrote about them! About they were like little sisters to me. [Never Underestimate the Power of a Girl if you’re interested.]
We haven’t been in touch since I was in college, but they both just friended me on FaceBook. All of my FaceBook friends know that I’m kind of a lame FaceBook friend…I’ve never gotten that into it. But this is one of the reasons that I keep my profile. Best thing that happened to me all week (which as you know – isn’t saying much…but still!).
I know I was supposed to post about the big boy/girl bedroom overhaul we did over the weekend. And I will – but I have to download some pictures I took first. Add that to the list of many things I didn’t do today.
So I will fall back on something else that thrills me/bores others to no end. I will charm you with my photography! The new camera is my new boyfriend. When was the last time Chris gave some thought to his auto settings, I ask you? It was inevitable…
Tomorrow – pictures of bedrooms. Which have now been talked up far too much. I apologize in advance for the anticlimactic viewing.
P.S. You’re welcome for all the back-links. I’m nothing if I’m not thorough.
I'm very glad you don't have gout. But I really hope they figure this out fast. Ibuprofen non-stop caused me to get ulcers.
I tend to do one night of activities a week. Our rec center has classes that all go at once. During the school year our one night was Wednesday. Dance, gymnastics and toddler tumbling all at once. I do that mostly because I'm lazy. ha.
We're not doing anything this summer. It's costing me more than enough money to send the girls to day camp all summer. No money for extras.
man! hope you are back to feeling whole soon! those shots are wonderful!!
xxx
p.s. not too boring at all. :)
The shot of "Ballerina Girl" is great, and Oliver looks healthy, tan, and adorable, but what muddy river is George swimming in?
Mom
Love those gorgeous pics! Glad you don't have gout, but I hope you get relief and answers SOOOOON!Both kids are in drama camp for a week. Their one week costs more than I make in 2 weeks. Hmmm.
Glad to hear it's not gout. Do keep us posted. We want to know!
Sweet, sweet photos.
The pictures are fantastic! And where can I rent a cute baby to coo over? Are they cheaper than camp? We do karate (and when I say "we," I mean she) since its done more good for her than did physical therapy. Also? The outfit is cotton. Hope you can get a diagnosis and route to a pain free summer.
I love the photos, and that you don't have gout. I'm still not exactly sure what gout is, but the name alone makes me shiver a little bit.
My oldest is practically aged out of so many programs, at least anything *I* think he'd be interested in, and right now, it's hard enough to convince him he has to go to weight lifting/open gym NOW for fall sports LATER, but my youngest is running me ragged with all the events and activities he has to go to, or that he thinks he has to go to. When I try to let one slip, he reminds me…and then, on the days/nights off, he comes up with some activity we absolutely must do right this very second! I honestly haven't sat down on anything other than a bleacher/fold out lawn chair/driver's side of a vehicle in the last three months. I'm exhausted!