Dutton Swim Team

In the town where we live, swim team is really big, or should I say gigantic. Everyone I know has their kids on swim teams, and they live up at the pool several nights a week. My husband and I aren't "swimmers." We never have been. I didn't grow up with swim team, and neither did he. Maybe that's why we are a family of non-swimmers? LOL
Recently, my four year old has learned to swim. I'm so proud of him it's ridiculous. We have tried swimming lessons at several different places, and each time he clung to me like glue. He either: (a) wouldn't get in the pool at all OR (b) I had to peel him off of me and drop him in kicking and screaming. Not fun at all. My oldest child was the same way, but peer pressure helped him. Of course he is the child that can be bought, so there you go.
There are many things as a mom that I can forgo, but swimming is not one of them. You need to at least know how to swim enough to get yourself out of a dangerous situation. This I can do, but I am pretty sure I couldn't swim several laps in a row right now if you paid me. I don't care if he isn't on the swim team, or never wants to be. Frankly, it will keep me from living at the pool during the summer which I am totally okay with. But to see him today put his entire head under, kick those feet, and flap those arms, (he has my beautiful form) makes me so proud of him. I'm going to buy some dive sticks and swim team warpaint and take him tomorrow to the pool and let him go at it. Go Dutton Sharks!

Inspector Gadget

It has occurred to me recently that if I could have any type of super power or special power, it would be to have a "Go-Go Gadget Arm." If you are a child of the 80's then you know who Inspector Gadget is and how he used his "Go- Go Gadget Arm" to solve any situation. With three kids, I drive a mini-van (which I swore against at one point in my life), and inevitably while driving down the road, I am requested to try to reach around and pick up the dropped Lego, pacifier, or drink. Since my third child, I have developed back issues- wonder why? I have had many a conversation with the kids about how mommy needs to pay attention to the road and keep her hands on the wheel. Only to get a smart remark about- "Then why are you holding your coffee or your phone?" The point is that I am not capable of reaching my arm around and picking up whatever it is you need off of the floorboard in the car. Now, if I were Inspector Gadget, then yes, I'd be glad to shoot my "Go-Go Gadget Arm" out to help you.

I've also discovered that it's not just the car where it would be useful. This arm would be a salvation for digging out objects that fall behind the washing machine or behind the sofa. Better yet, it would be awesome to use when I get down on my stomach to scrape for paci's, or as we call them "Baps," under the crib. Recently, my husband has also declared he has shoulder problems. No doubt. I believe him. As a parent, you know you are going to be tired beyond comprehension. You know as a woman your body will never be the same, and it's all worth it, but no one tells you that it would be fabulous to have an arm extension.