Published Articles: Victory

There are some words you cannot help but associate with summer, like sun, and fun. What about victory?

When was the last time your family had a water balloon fight?

"Ah, summertime," writes Mom Beth Vogt. "The season for barbecues, beach trips - and water balloon fights!

"My husband and I purchased several bags of multi-colored ammunition. Our three kids spent most of the morning running between the bathroom and the backyard. With each trip, the pile of water-filled balloons grew bigger. Red. Yellow. Green. Blue. Orange. The cooler overflowed with rubber projectiles.

"Our house echoed with laughter, the sound of running water, and the occasional "POP!" of an over-filled balloon. The kids donned swimming suits and piled bright beach towels by the door to the backyard.

"'It's only water,' I reminded myself as I wiped up the puddles forming around the bathroom sink and the wet footprints splattered across my kitchen floor.

"Rob and I faced off against our son and two daughters. We dodged between trees and bushes while trying to avoid our two dogs scampering around our feet.

"Our shrieks and giggles brought the neighbors out to their lawns, where they stood safely behind the shrubs. At first they looked bemused. Then they cheered us on. Were they rooting for our children?

"Balloons bounced off trees and rolled across the grass. All told, our battle lasted 30 or 40 minutes. The neighbors applauded. No victor was declared. But if victory is calculated in laughter and lingering memories, we all won."

In the next few weeks, many of Mothers of Preschoolers groups will be starting up again. Moms with children from infancy to pre-kindergarteners, their hearts and minds full of summertime experiences and lessons to share, will be gathering for more fun and encouragement. To find a MOPS group near you, log onto www.MOPS.org.

VICTORY piece aired on the August 26, 2004 MOPS radio broadcast.

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