Thursday, January 15, 2009

Sweatin' to the Oldies

Why do I think working out has to be a chore?

When I was getting Evie dressed today, I sang the Hokey Pokey. When her pants went on, I sang "You put your right foot in..." For her shirt I sang "You put your left arm in..." Then we just bopped about a bit and danced around.

Of course, as soon as I stopped singing, my princess demanded "More!" So I went to YouTube and found the song. We danced and danced and danced. I was out of breath, and sick of the Hokey Pokey. We moved on to The Loco-motion. That song gave us at least 15 minutes of pure joy. We sang and danced and sweated. I started thinking this was more than just fun for Evie - this was a workout!

We kept dancing right through several rounds of The Twist. You know when you run too much, and get a pain in your side? I got one! I am telling you, this was the best exercise! I don't know why I think I have to go to the gym or spend grueling time on my elliptical machine. I have my very own, tiny and sweet, personal trainer! And this personal trainer isn't a pushover. You can beg "Evie, it's lunchtime. Let's stop now." She won't budge. She just orders "More dancing, Mommy!"

I love having this child. She allows me to see things with fresh eyes again. When we were at the park the other day, she filled her coat pockets with rocks. Finding those rocks again Monday gave her so much happiness. A candy lipstick can make her light up. A crayon will make her scream with glee. A new tube of toothpaste is enough to earn a smile. Even dancing with her mother is pure and simple bliss. For both of us.

12 comments:

Fiona said...

What fun! You and Evie just seem like you have a wonderful relationship.

Heather said...

The kids and I LOVE to dance to different stuff. Right now is the Cha-Cha slide. I'll do that one by myself.

::shh::

I love it when the boys leave little things here and there. I can almost see what they were thinking when they were playing with it. Life is so much sweeter through the eyes of a child, that is for sure.

Rae said...

Evie is fun to dance with!

I think that it's cute that she put those rocks in her pockets. It reminds me of when we were kids, and you would collect the shiny "crystal" rocks from the playground gravel. I was always so in awe of the amount of them you discovered. You and Evie must be closet rock hounds.

Anonymous said...

What fun and yes working out can be tons of fun. Great idea! My boys love music also, so that would be a great way to burn a few cals.

Jen @ One Moms World said...

Gosh that locomotion song brought back memories from my old skating days as a child.

It's so much fun doing things like this with our children :)

the voice of melody said...

That's such a sweet post! What a fun activity to do with your daugher and to think it helps burn calories too, can't beat that! :)

Scribbit said...

I'm afraid I"ll use any excuse in the book to escape exercise

Shanilie said...

That sure is the best way! Having fun and not even realizing you're working out....untill you realize that the lil one has tonnns more energy lol. I try to keep up with Jacob - but it can be physically exhausting. I'll blame the pregnancy hehe. No, lol I know I need more physical activity in my life.

jennifer said...

Those moments make every single sleepless night TOTALLY worth it.

Jackie said...

That's precious! Savannah always makes me dance with her during the songs on her DVD's and let me tell you...it IS a workout!

Alexandra said...

how fun!!! and you bring up a really good point! Even kiddos so young can understand so much. The other day when I was stretching I told Sweet Pea to put his arms in the air with me and he did!! Then I thought "I wonder if he would touch his toes?" And he did! Now I try to do it everyday with him! and he loves it!

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