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Me too! Interestingly enough, they usually have a great time. My youngest has been to countless games and practices and usually pairs up with another "spectator sibling". We bring snacks, a ball and sometimes a DS/Ipod. I've only brought those for the indoor matches over the winter though because kids can't run around a gymnasium as they can a field. We make the best of it. ;)

My son started soccer at age 7. It took him only a few weeks to learn the rules of the game and play well. It just came naturally to him. He now plays rec soccer and travel soccer and loves every minute of it. If I had waited until middle school age (he is currently 11) I would have done him a great disservice. Sure he would have been allowed to play of the rec team, but there are so many skills that he would not have mastered yet. It would be very hard, if not impossible, to compete with the kids who have been playing for years. He definitely wouldn't qualify for the middle school team or travel. My daughter started soccer at age 5. She is a quiet, artsy, gentle soul. Yet, she transforms into a fearless, competitive player once the whistle blows. It is so interesting to watch! She is so cute with her pig tails and polka dot socks, but is a fierce competitor. You just wouldn't know it to look at her. :laugh: She has tried gymnastics and excelled in that area, but really loves the team sport aspect and the excitement of soccer. My youngest daughter also began playing at age 5. One season. ;) She had the skills and was easy to coach, but didn't like the game. If a kid would pressure her for the ball, she would just let them have it. Not a fan of rough boys getting up in her personal space. She will play around in the yard with her siblings, but prefers the gentler atmosphere than gymnastics offers. We've tried other recreational activities: scouts (didn't like), ballet (natural talent, but found it boring) piano (love), and swimming (like, but not enough to join a team). We might try deck hockey, cheer, basketball and other instruments in the future. It is important to me to offer the kids an opportunity to try different activities. I grew up with no choices due to lack of funds and parental involvement. I still wish that I'd been given the opportunity to learn a sport and an instrument. I'm trying to learn piano now, but it isn't easy! As far as the father participation goes, my husband does coach my daughter's team, but isn't able to make it to all of my son's games/practices or my other daughter's gymnastics. We do what we can. Perhaps he can take your child to practices. The kids often have scrimmages during practices too. In the end, it is your decision. I would just advise to try different activities as you can. One season is enough to gauge if the activity is fun/right for the child. Our rec soccer isn't very expensive at all. Less than $50 for an entire season and the only purchase necessary are shin guards and socks...cleats are good to have, but not required. Gymnastics, well that's another issue! ;)

Scrubbing the shower and tub. Hate it! Also strongly dislike scrubbing the grout on the ceramic tile in our kitchen. It only stays white and pretty for a short while and it is such a time consuming task. We are moving soon. I plan to ignore the dingy tile for another month and give it one last scrub before saying goodbye to it forever. We will not have any grout in our new home. That's a promise!

I've said to my husband multiple times that buying our trampoline was the best money we've ever spent. We've had it for about 3 years and never an accident. Maybe a few stray kicks or accidental elbows, but nothing beyond that. We do only allow 2 kids at a time and it does have a safety net. It is used by my three children multiple times each day. My daughters practice their gymnastics on it and my son works on his soccer moves. It makes the perfect setting for working on goalie skills with a willing sibling. Maybe their favorite trampoline activity is when mom comes on to jump. ;)

My very active 8 yo broke her wrist while roller skating on Sunday. She fell and landed on her wrist. We went to the orthopedic doctor today and he put a half cast (plaster) on her arm. She will return in 4 weeks to have it removed. The doctor didn't provide much information aside from the obvious...don't get it wet. He also wrote her an excuse for gym, although he said it was more for the school liability issues than anything else. Hmm. She plays soccer and is permitted to play as long as her cast is bubble wrapped and covered. My question is, what type of physical activity is reasonable? He made it seem like she was free to do whatever she feels like, but that seems a little worrisome to me. It's our first broken bone. Anyone with more experience wish to chime in?

We have pretty regular meal times and always have an afternoon snack. The snack choices are usually something healthy like fruit/yogurt/string cheese/granola bar. Kids can pick any one of these. Candy, chips and sweets are off limits unless you have permission. If kids are hungry at other times, the only rule is they have to pick a healthy snack. My son is playing sports 5 days a week, so he might have a sandwich or something after practice so he isn't starved before breakfast rolls around.

I have really fair skin too. Mary Kay has a concealer that is a good match for my skin. Also, Cover Girl has a very light foundation that I use. Have you ever tried any of the Jergens Sunless Tanners? I use them in the summer when I want to blend in with the crowd. ;) The light moisturizer is supposed to be applied for several days to see a result, but I only need one application to do the trick. Do you generally wear lipstick? It can go a long way to brighten up your face. As for clothing choices: yellow, blues, pinks and purples tend to look nice on someone with a light complexion. I've learned to embrace my fair skin and freckles. I've started wearing sunscreen daily, rain or shine. My grandfather died of melanoma and I've had many terrible sunburns.

Our "trial" of public school is coming to a close soon. My daughters are really enjoying themselves, but my son wants to return to homeschooling. He is advanced and is very bored in the classroom. I have no problem bringing him back home because honestly, it really would suit him better. The girls wish to remain in school. Does anyone homeschool some while others attend school?

We transitioned from home to school a few months ago. My daughters are quiet and can be shy. My son is very talkative and more of a leader. Guess who likes school the best? It is actually my "shy" girls. They are both doing very well and made friends right away. You might be pleasantly surprised by how well she does! :)

We made the switch from homeschool to traditional school in December. The kids attend a public school that is only 5-10 minutes away. I was just commenting to my husband about how expensive school is...even though it is technically free! Lunches, fundraisers, classmates birthday parties, snacks for the K class, holiday parties, additional clothing, etc. It all really adds up. My daughters absolutely love it, but my son is less than impressed. He will return to homeschool in the fall. I blog about it. If you are interested, the link is in my signature. Best wishes to you. I know just how difficult it is to make such a big decision.

Our kids are each getting books they've been wanting and chocolate and jelly bellys. Each child is also receiving an item related to their activity. Shin guards for my son, funky soccer socks for my daughter, leotard for youngest daughter. Also something little--lego minifigures for son, drawing pencils for daughter and earrings for youngest. We have a beagle who we dress up as the easter beagle (like the Charlie Brown episode :)) and he "helps" deliver the baskets.