Maybe I'm reading into people too much...........

So the last 3 days Jayla and I have been going to a dance camp that our league sponsored ( on top of our other obligations) . Of course 2 of those days I had to take my little boys with us. MISTAKE!

The first day was managable. We only had a few close calls of toys hurling through the air and almost decapitating a few cheerleaders. The second day was a non-football day so that Tanner could watch the little terrors at home(Dan works late on non-football days to try to make up for the days he is coaching). I didn't mind being outside in the cold and rain that day, when there wasn't the stress of making sure that one of the little boys didn't try to slide tackle a cheerleader to her knees. The 3rd day was inside, but I had to bring the 2 little devils. Unlike many parents, I try to teach my kids to behave in public. Not more than 2 minutes after starting the camp, the discipline started. Again toys flying through the air, name calling began, running through the cheer formations turning into a "frogger" type game. Who can run through them as fast as possible without getting knocked down by cheer moves. The boys spent more than half the time sitting with their backs against a wall, with the threat of loosing limbs if they dare escape. The 5 year old is smart and takes his punishment, the 3 year old thinks it's funny to try to run away, while yelling "Ha, Ha! Come and get me mommy!"

I love the stares I get....... Some as if to think "it serves you right!" Others just glare, even while their children are playing the same "frogger" game and sliding their toys through cheerleaders feet. I find I get defensive and end up in a starring contest. Who ever wins is the better parent. I find that I feel that where ever I go I am always being judged by people. I have had people flat out tell me "That's why we've stopped at one".

Generally my kids are well behaved. A lot of the stress I feel is self imposed. Yes my kids act like kids, but I do try to give direction to them so they have minimal effect on others around them. Though I have those days where I think "What have I done!?" and maybe want to sell a few to make a buck. Those days are really few and far between. If they are not harming those around them I find myself laughing at their antics. I really wouldn't have it any other way.......... but "the buck stops here", uh I mean at 4.