See What Joining Gets Ya...

Rich and I used to have a rule that served us well:

If we brought you into this world, you could only be in one activity at a time. No overlapping. Swimming lessons were the only exception. It was a fantastic rule. It was easy to remember and not difficult to implement or enforce.

And then things went horribly, horribly wrong.

We encouraged our kids to explore the world around them and pursue their interests.

We let them make friends who were allowed to join wholesome activities.

We (strike that) Rich developed in all of the kids a desire to play sports.

The kids, against my will, grew older.

The "rule" became merely a suggestion of days gone by, a whisper of a simpler time.

Now, Rich and I engage in our own activity which I like to call, "Where in the city or state is Tolbert Child X."

We receive points if the child is at the right event on the correct day, on time, with all their gear and a water bottle.

Bonus points are awarded if: The children are fed supper ahead of the activity or there is a plan for supper by the time children make it home. Also, no melt-downs are huge bonus point earners, as is dropping off multiple children.

My favorite bonus point earner is the drop kid off, drop kid off, grocery shopping, run errand, field three texts from Rich, pick up kid more than which you left the house with, drop off all kids, come home, make supper, help with homework, get the "Mom I need 37 cupcakes tomorrow at 9pm notice!" combo. (This is a top-secret bonus level that most parents work their way up to...new parents would go into a catatonic state after the grocery shopping trip.)

As wild and crazy as the schedule becomes at times, Rich and I wouldn't change it.

We have talked about how truly blessed we feel that we are able to give the kids opportunities to pursue the sports and interests that they love under the tutelage of coaches, directors, and teachers that give so much of themselves and friends and family who support all of us.