First we learn to ride a horse, then a bike.

We all knew it was in their blood. What with Mr. Scary's love of thoroughbreds and his occupation which often takes him and the Twofer to the track to visit, feed, and in general talk horses.

ScaryMom and M walking Dallas to the riding ring
(notice the fear in my gritted teeth?)

But was it asking too much to think my kids would learn to ride a 2-wheel bike before learning to ride a beast that weighs as much as a small car???

Apparently so.M riding Dallas like a pro

For years L & M knew that the horse center near us offered riding lessons starting at age 5. And for the past year and a half they have been counting down the days until they turned 5 and could take riding lessons. I successfully held them off through the summer, but come fall, there was no stopping them.

L holding Mozart
(and showing him who's boss)

What I didn't know is that there is a fair amount of parent participation in riding. Oh yes, see I am responsible for tacking up the horse (I don't even know if I used that term correctly). I have to secure the bridal, reigns, stirrups, and girth belt thingy that holds the saddle on. The girls are simply too short to do it right now, but they are supposed to learn by watching me every week. (So really, I'm paying over $300 per kid to learn how to be a ranch hand.)

However you can see that within the first 30 minute lesson, they learned to climb onto, as well as start, stop, turn, and otherwise "drive" their new friends named Dallas and Mozart. And I have to say they walked away with huge smiles, and feeling like they could rule the world...not that we need much more of that in our house but I guess it's good starting at a new school and all.

Giddyup Mozart. Ride 'em L!

Am I crazy to let them do this? Let me know by answering my poll in the column to the right.

I'll check results after I'm done mucking out the stalls.

ScaryMom

Sugar, Sweat & Tears...just another day at Hershey Park

"This is the BEST DAY Ever Mom!"
A direct quote from L & M.

Not so much for the parents.

I think you have to go into any amusement park in the summer knowing:
a) you'll be hot and sweaty
b) whatever the day, there will be crowds and lines
c) you will spend too much money and eat too much junk



In addition, if you're a neurotic like me you will also
d) yell too loudly as one child keeps wandering too far away
e) cringe at the thought of the germs living in the water park area




And if you are married to Mr. Scary you will
f) get annoyed when he keeps walking off and not telling anyone where he's going
g) give him the silent treatment
h) make-up and still love him because it's a team effort to get through a day like that.

That said, you are also guaranteed to get huge smiles, screams of joy, and lots of giggles from your kids. And that is what makes it worth the trip.


ScaryMom

Let's Cut to the Crust, Shall We?

Today I have broken my own rule. Today I have set aside my own beliefs to satisfy the beliefs of others. Today I have lost the battle with the crust.

I cut the crust.
I cut the crust off the grilled cheese.
And now there is no going back.

Long ago I decided to give L & M whatever we ate and since they were 1 they've eaten all kinds of foods most kids wont...wheat bread, tofu, chicken parm, grilled octopus (I kid you not!), AND....bread crust on sandwiches.

Until today.
I gave in. They are getting pickier these days - is that a 5 year old thing? And I'm tired of reminding them, "Yes you do so like peanut butter! Yes you eat the crust, you've eaten it for the last 4 years!"

Today I gave in because I'm tired of the fight, and I'm tired of food going to waste, and I'm tired of eating the leftover food so that it doesn't go to waste!

What's next...white bread???
Scary thought.

ScaryMom

Where's MY Bike?

I'm out of breath.
I'm sweating.
I'm tired.
No, I'm not at the gym. I'm trying to keep up with my daughters who are getting really comfortable on their bikes.

I need to either buy myself a bike, rollerblades, or one of those scooters to keep up with them.
Or....I could take their training wheels off.

Now that would be scary.

3 F's for the Beach: Fluff, Family and Food

For me, packing for a week at the beach requires 3 things to boost the excitement.

1) Twofer Thumbs Up for My very favorite food in the whole wide world: peanut butter & fluff sandwich. That sticky sweet, yet surprisingly filling treat made it's great comeback into my life when I was pregnant with the girls. And since I'll never be pregnant again, I had to find other times to treat myself to it.

2) A shopping trip to Costco: today's trip was a mere $300 (nothing in comparison to my usual $500) and consisted mostly of crackers, chips, and diet coke with a few chickens and veggies thrown in for color.

3) Email banter with my family:
After an entire day spent emailing back and forth and sideways with 8 of the 11 adults going on this beach vacation, my dear mother comes home to a full inbox and replies:
.
Grammy L: “Once again after WORKING a long day caring for the sick & disabled I come home to find the entire family has been e-mailing for hours. Just because I actually WORK at my job I am penalized from having my thoughts & opinions included. Let me just say NO ONE IS SELLING MY SISSY, D. She is a true gem & is the only one who really understands me."

That last part I'll have to explain another day :).