Similarities between golf and motherhood...

There are few places I'd rather be than on a golf course playing a round with Chris. I love it for a variety of reasons; the scenery, the relaxed atmosphere, the hours of uninterrupted adult conversation (possibly with a beer or two) and then of course, there is the actual game. Now mind you, if you know me, I say I can enjoy golf still because I am not that good. I put no pressure on myself other than to enjoy the round. I can also enjoy it because it hardly ever happens anymore; since kids, I think I've played once, maybe twice a year.

That is the big picture of why I like it; however, in a round of golf there are frustrating aspects, I do not like every shot I take, there are few times that I feel 100% confident in my swing but overall, I love it. This is why I think it is a lot like being a mom. I do not feel confident in 100% of the things I do with my kids, I wish I could take mulligans on a daily (if not hourly) basis; but overall, I LOVE what I do.

This metaphor is what "drives" this story home. My family was sitting around the dinner table tonight and I felt like I had just hit a great shot (the kind that kind of makes me want to pack it in, because I know there isn't going to be another one like it for a while :). I had told the older kids earlier this week that they had to give me ideas for dinner that didn't come out of a box or a bag. We're attempting to eat a little healthier in our house and this was idea one for me. Anyway, they did; Ryan picked swordfish and Ainsley picked salmon (be careful what you ask for I guess -- when they said they wanted lobster, I did decline that one). Well, I found simple recipes and they each "cooked" dinner for the family. Tonight I also made them put lettuce on their plates and had a tray of "toppings" (fruit, veggies, cheese), they each had to pile it on to make their own salads. Well, it worked, everyone had a really healthy meal and really enjoyed it. There was no whining, no complaining, no nothing. On top of that, we had great family dinner conversation (probably because we could because of the lack of whining and complaining).

So, I share this story with you for two reasons: 1. it could be an interesting way to engage your kids in your menu/meal planning and 2. know that I will probably be asking for a mulligan before 8 am tomorrow. That was my great shot for the round!