The Energy Management Plan

Like puppies, little boys need lots of exercise. That's why I've got my twins enrolled in every imaginable organized sport. Actually, they are only playing baseball and soccer right now, but I spend enough time shuttling people to and from playing fields that it feels like a lot more.

I'm entertaining the idea of trading in my car for a camper van, but that's a different story.

You have to admit that when you think about, the idea is startling appealing.

Anyway...I don't know how it's possible, but sometimes even a two hour practice isn't enough to rid my children of the need to wrestle in my dining room and/or play freeze tag right next to me while I'm making dinner.

Inspired by the successes that I've witnessed at local dog parks, I'm now making them run laps around my neighborhood.

I would also like to purchase one of these super cool ball throwers that I've seen around. But my husband said "no." :(

Look how much fun she's having. This could so be me.

Some of my neighbors are supportive of my new energy management plan. One has even signed up her third grader for the same program. Others are a little freaked out by the sight of two--and sometimes three--boys sprinting down the street several times each day.

"One of your boys just ran past my house. Again!" This is what the woman who lives across the street called to tell me this afternoon.

I assured the woman that Cortlen wasn't casing the joint. Nor was he training for the Olympics. He and his brother just need "off" buttons.

It's 11pm as I write this and five minutes ago, I just caught them in the dark using my cell phone charger cord as a string to play with the cat.

"What are you doing up?" I screeched. "Why are you out of your beds?"

They asked me if it was too late to go running.