Posted Oct 28th 2010 3:38 PM by Jamie Allen
Filed under: Maranda's Go-To Gal
Being the mom of a curious four year old it’s fun to see her excited about trying new things and seeing what she likes and what she doesn’t. Growing up I did piano lessons and church choir and my husband did a lot of team sports, so I think we’re each curious to see where our daughter’s interests will lie. We’ve always said that we want to expose her to as many things as possible so she can chose for herself what she wants to be involved in.
A few months ago Sophia asked if she could play soccer. I was kind of surprised since neither me or my husband ever played, but she likes kicking the ball around at school and at home, so I figured why not give it a try. I immediately envisioned running down the field, scoring goals and playing for the next 18 years of her life. So, I signed her up through the local YMCA branch and our Saturday morning journey began.
The first week didn’t get off to the greatest start. We arrived to find out she was one of only two girls in the group. It also didn’t help that all the boys were extremely competitive and rowdy. I quickly saw how “kicking the ball around” didn’t translate to the fun Sophia thought she’d have on the field. After the first practice she left saying “I don’t like soccer, I don’t want to do it anymore.” I told her to give it a chance and she might just learn to like it. Well, it’s been an interesting six weeks. Each week she whines that she has to go, asks how much longer she has and is much more interested in watching the geese fly overhead than concentrating on the ball, but she’s also learned about teamwork, competition and sticking with something.
Posted Oct 25th 2010 3:10 PM by Kristen Aidif for the Fifth Third River Bank Run
Filed under: Where You Live
Close to 150 people applied to be part of the reality running team for the 2011 Fifth Third River Bank Run..the Road Warriors. Some want to lose weight or celebrate recent weight loss by training for a 25K; some have been told by their doctor they need to begin an exercise plan; some run to relieve everyday stress or stress related to military or public service; some are moms who want to incorporate exercise into their already busy lives so they can be better moms; and some are our friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors.
All the applications have been read and the top 20 applicants selected! The next step is up to you. Please vote for your favorite 2011 Fifth Third River Bank Run Road Warrior applicant at http://53riverbankrun.com/participants/road-warrior-vote.php. You have until noon on Wednesday, October 27 when the “Community Choice” portion of the Road Warrior selection process will close. The person who receives the most votes will fill one of the 10 Road Warrior slots for 2011, training for the 25K with the team, training tools and coaching to get them safely across the finish line. The winner will be announced online at http://www.53riverbankrun.com and on-air on NEWSRADIO WOOD 1300 on Friday, October 29.
After you’ve read the stories, continue to follow those selected as 2011 Fifth Third River Bank Run Road Warriors. They will begin blogging at http://www.53riverbankrun.com in late November, taking readers along with them through the ups and downs of training for a long distance road race. The friends they will make along the way. The challenges they will face and overcome. The warrior they will discover inside themselves, before or on race day, May 14.
Each year the John Ball Zoo celebrates Halloween with a series of special days called Zoo Goes Boo! There is still time to participate this coming Friday, October 29. Check out the segment below and take a look at what you can expect.
Between scary movies, haunted houses ghoulish costumes, there are a lot of things about Halloween that can be scary for kids. Our Pine Rest blogger, Kristin Kuipers has some advice for parents on addressing your kids fears.
Kids love Halloween candy, but how can parents make sure their kids aren’t eating too much? Erin Webley with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Healthy Weight Clinic has some insights.
Each season, Koetsier’s Greenhouse in Cascade offers something unique. They have loads of activities happening for fall including an indoor Halloween play area for kids!
One of the things that I love about the fall are the family traditions that come with the season—pumpkin carving, hayrides at the apple orchard, trick or treating. In my family, we are also having fun taking after supper bike rides and working outside in the yard on beautiful Saturdays—noticing that these are becoming new traditions.
Being the mom of a curious four year old it’s fun to see her excited about trying new things and seeing what she likes and what she doesn’t. Growing up I did piano lessons and church choir and my husband did a lot of team sports, so I think we’re each curious to see where our daughter’s interests will lie. We’ve always said that we want to expose her to as many things as possible so she can chose for herself what she wants to be involved in.
