Red Rover

Do you remember playing Red Rover when you were little?  I sure do, and I forgot how violent of a game it really was.  There was also a lot of social pressure associated with that game.  What if you were never asked to come over?  What if the person broke through and you were never selected to join the other team?  Then there were the boys that would try to break your arms when they would try to break through, or the chance of getting clothes lined when you run through.  Seriously, why did anyone ever think this was fun?

Apparently, not only had I forgotten how violent of a game it is, I actually suggested that we play it one night with Payton.  We were doing our usual night, night games and we were in a lull on games to play.  We already did duck, duck, goose about twenty times.  Then I had the wonderful idea of suggesting red rover.  At first we were having a grand ole' time playing.  However, one time Payton accidentally got clothes lined by Derek and I.  Nothing major, but Derek and I decided that no matter what we would "let her" break through our arms.  Well............. I guess we both thought the other person would provide a little resistance when Payton came running at full speed.  WRONG!!  Payton came running towards us and Derek and I broke hands before she got there.  Payton run full speed into the molding around the bathroom door.  It was violent and scary.  It was one of those accidents where there is that long pause before the gut wrenching screams start.   She hit is so hard she left teeth marks in the wall.  I was flossing dry wall out of her mouth after she finally settled down.  It was horrible.  We are lucky she didn't knock out her teeth.

The only evidence left now is a huge bruise on her chin.  Also, I was stopped at a red light when I took this picture.  No, need to call CPS on me.  Her entire chin was black yesterday.  It is starting to fade; however, Derek and I still feel awful about it. Also, her recital is Thursday.  I am hoping it will be gone by then.

Here's another parent dilemma I was in all weekend.  Do you volunteer the information to people?  When we went to church yesterday, I blurted out to her Sunday school teacher what happened.  I know she noticed the bruise.  How could she not?  Her chin was black!!!  I feel so guilty that it happened, but it was an accident.  Then I start to think, by me blurting it out without anyone asking does it look like I am trying to hide something?

I think there should be stickers or buttons that you can just put on a kid.  The first one I would get would be one that says, "I dressed myself."  Therefore, when your kid is out in public and obviously doesn't match and is wearing Uggs in June, you can just put that button on them so everyone knows that your four year old selected the outfit.  The second one would be for accidents.  Ours would say, "Red Rover gone horribly wrong."


Other than the red rover accident, our weekend was pretty good.  My mom is starting to feel better and it appears I will be able to work a full week this week.   Oh, except on Thursday, when I have to take off early to attend her dance recital.