KIDS....can't live with 'em...can't shoot 'em.

This is why I didn't get dogs for my children when they were younger. They wouldn't have fed or watered them and I always said that I had four kids to feed and water everyday and did not need two more animals in my house.

Violet has set this blog up as a "mother/daughter" thing to relate to strangers all of the trials and mishaps of being my daughter. Yet I am the one that has found my voice and an outlet to share my many trials and mishaps of motherhood. There is five years between Violet and my other three children. The best thing I every did for that little girl was to give her brothers and a sister. I was on the road to totally destroying her as a human being when I decide to have more children. She was then relieved of the main focus of my attentions, anxieties and aspirations. Now I can spread all of those things among my brood of four. It is a tough job to be a child 'o mine...but somebody has to do it. I need a lot of attention -- thus the four children. Of course, I shot myself in the foot...who knew that chldren require a lot of attention? Some more than others(Violet).

My two youngest (girl 17 and boy 15) are playing in a tennis tournament today. Since returning to the workplace last fall, I have found it increasingly difficult to be "the Mom" and attend every activity that my children participate in. These two youngest are probably secretly happy that I am not constantly in the bleachers cheering them on....but I'll bet they miss my handy cooler with ice cold gatorades! Luckily, I have a flexible boss and can work through lunch in order to make an early afternoon softball game, tennis match or golf tournament. Today I will use my lunch hour to take lunch and gatorades to these two aspiring tennis champions, maybe even getting to watch them play a game or two. With tennis tournaments, it is kinda hit or miss on when you can watch your child play. As I remember when Violet played (and I attended every tennis lesson, try-out, practice, practice game and tournament), tennis is an all-day long spectator sport---bring your sunglasses, camp chair, and sunscreen...it's gonna be a long day. Maybe if they get into finals again, I can catch a match after work.

I truly enjoy my children. They give me such joy. Even during the years when it is not cool to have your mother hanging around at games or activities, they have been kind. I think that they would tell you that they didn't feel as though they had a choice in the matter. Truthfully, that is exactly the impression I wanted them to have. Gotta keep 'em SKEERED. My job here is done.....for the moment.