My youngest child put his name down to try out for the swimming gala for our local Borough. I think he assumes because his older brother and sister got in every year that he will too. Actually, he’s not a bad swimmer, but I presume he thinks he’s better than he is (which is frankly not a bad way to go through life as long as you’re not eternally disappointed).
I was watching him race from above. In the first race, he did quite well but nearly drowned a poor boy that seemed to be swimming underneath him for some reason. For his second race he had to do breast stroke which he’s not brilliant at and then he was given the option of the third race – back stroke or butterfly or opt out. He called up to me “MUM, what do you think? Shall I do the butterfly race?” and I was thinking “shit, I’ve never seen you swim a stroke of butterfly but good for you for having a go” so I shouted down “do you think you can swim a length?” “YEH NO PROBLEM” he shouted “then go for it” I shouted back and he jumped in.
Actually, he really wasn’t too bad – much better than I could have done with that bloody stroke but two thirds of the way down the pool he stopped and stood up for a few seconds and then carried on. When I asked him why he’d stopped he said that he’d had no idea how to breathe in the butterfly stroke and hadn’t been able to get his head out of the water high enough to take in any air and so he’d been about to explode because he couldn’t hold his breath for a moment longer.
I left my daughter in charge of turning on the oven at a precise time so that my lovely chicken dish would be ready for our return:-
Not sure why she decided that a clean shiny pea in amongst the burnt offerings would make all the difference, but she thought it was funny.
Expat Mum
January 20, 2010OMG – did you throttle her? Actually you were quite brave/stupid for leaving a teenager in charge of a working oven.
Bless the little guy too.
Family Affairs
January 20, 2010At 14? I leave my youngest in charge of the oven too – although not when I’m out admittedly. Still, I was cooking full on meals by the time I was 14 – perhaps that was the problem – peaked too early. Story of my life Lx
Crystal Jigsaw
January 20, 2010Yuk! Did you eat the pea? That’s what I want to know.
Your boy sounds very positive and I think he’s doing really well. Don’t let him be pushed too much, it’s takes time and patience. I used to teach kids how to swim and managed to get one boy from being totally petrified of the pool, to his first badge. Something I’ll always be proud of I have to say – not that I’m one to brag!!! lol.
Wanted to give my sympathies to your daughter re the ear piercing. Not nice, but I’m sure it’ll get better – if perhaps they have got infected, do you think antibiotics might help? Just a thought.
Also, thanks for your lovely comments on my blog. I’ve found you – and it’s a lovely blog you have here, love the elephants (reminds me of me, and when I gave birth to Amy). I’ve added you onto my blogroll, hope that’s okay.
CJ xx
Family Affairs
January 20, 2010Great. Thanks for your comments and for adding me Lx