You Can Never Have too Many Balls

There's nothing like the lingering smell of sweaty male funk to remind you that you are truly never escaping Boyland.

You would think from the title of my blog that everyday I am reminded of how outnumbered I really am. In reality, there are certain moments when unapologetic bodily functions and footballs whizzing past my head are subtly tucked in the background of my life. I go about my day, unaware of the moms at who are playing princess dress up and having tea parties, while I'm playing goalie or watching Power Ranger Super Ninja Delta Force Overdrive Samurai in Space (that's a real show right?).

But yesterday my awareness of being part of a totally different universe became abundantly clear.

A few weeks ago Bryson began playing hockey in a local Learn to Skate program. Being that Brian played it his entire life and has a unhealthy love of the NY Islanders, it's a good thing Bryson loves hockey too. I think Bri would have been heart broken if none of our boys shared his passion.

Anywho...the hockey program had a special clinic last night with players from the minor league Albany Devils team. The two players that came out were so great with the kids. These massive guys towered over a bunch of 5-12 year olds, but you could see they had the same twinkle in their eye as the kids just learning to play. They did drills, helped them with their shooting skills, and signed autographs after the session was over.

I could tell Bryson had a blast and that Brian was getting a glimpse into his future as a hockey dad.

As we stood line to have Bryson's puck and hockey stick signed a faint smell began to engulf my nostrils. As the musty scent of sweaty unwashed uniforms and equipment grew stronger, so did the realization that I had unknowingly become a part of a group of jock strap washing moms who will probably never attend a dance recital (unless Bryson joins to meet "ladies" or Tyler finds some untapped rhythm, poor thing.)

I don't understand when this happened?! It seems like I went from just having Tyler in Tae Kwon Do, then lacrosse, now Bryson's in hockey, wants to play little league in the spring, and the way Nolan eats he is well on his way to becoming a Sumo wrestler. How did this become my life?

Should I be worried when a 14 month old's head is as big as a 6 year old's?

Tyler #40

My shed and "garage" (I use that term loosely because in reality it's a makeshift indoor hockey rink) have become a place where balls of all shapes and sizes come to breed and replicate.

The only car parked in here is Nolan's

Skateboards, hockey sticks, scooters, baseball bats, helmets, and LOTS of padding...yup we have that. Whiffle balls, baseballs, T-balls, basketballs, footballs, lacrosse balls, volleyballs. You need balls, we got em!

And at any give time, if those are unavailable, a rolled up pair of socks can be substituted for all of the above. My world has morphed into something I never imagined, but I no longer envy those moms who get to quietly play Barbies or go for Mommy-daughter mani-pedis.

I don't know what my life would be like if I didn't have balls flying across my face.

Loving Life in Boyland,