Watching Storms

The first or second day of spring break, we had been working in the basement cleaning up after James and his crew were done.  Plenty of dust to sweep up before the girls could move down into their new rooms.  There was a huge thunderstorm passing by.  We could hear the big booms of thunder shaking the windows even in the basement.  So great!

Pretty soon, the girls disappeared. I went searching for them and found them out on the front porch, snuggled in blankets, watching the storm.  My heart melted right there because this is something Mike and I love to do and it took awhile to convince the kids that it was cool to be outside during the storms (They used to be scared of thunder and lightening.  Chalk it up to a couple of bad storms in our Murray house that knocked down trees and terrified them when they were just little).

It made me realize that the kids are picking up on some of the things we do that make our family 'our family'  Our traditions....our uniqueness....

During these busy few months heading into summer break, when I feel so inadequate as a Mom because I can't keep things straight, finding this picture today helps me to realize that I'm doing ok.  That Mike and I aren't just getting through each day, we are making memories even when we don't realize it.

This week, I thought I was so on top of things.  Brandon and Amanda both had soccer. Brandon had a game and Amanda had practice. Both had to be to the same field (at the jr high) at the same time.  I adjusted piano lessons so that I could drop them off, gave Amanda instructions to help Brando find his team and rushed back to teach.

About 45 minutes later, I get a phone call. It was Brandon.  'Mom, I can't find my team.' he said in a panicked voice.  I'm thinking that the game has started already and what can be going on?

I ran into the kitchen to look at the email from his team manager again and realized that I had him at Centennial Jr High and the game was at Centerville Jr High.  ugh.....

I told Brandon he was at the wrong field and I was coming right now to get him.  He was devastated because he was missing the game.

Then, Brandon's team manager called me and asked where Brandon was.  I explained to her my mistake and told her we were on our way.  I quickly texted Mike and told him the correct field, canceled my last 2 lessons and jumped in the car.

The story does not end well.  We got to Centerville Jr High-about 10 minutes away-just as the game ended.  Our crushed little 7 year old crying because of my mistake.  I apologized a million times and told him I wouldn't make that mistake again.  Mike promised to go on a bike ride with him when we got home.  Cute soccer parents told me that they've all been in that situation before, but it didn't make me feel better.

Eventually, Brandon was fine.  But, he isn't forgetting yet.  Just yesterday he said to me, 'Mom, when it says Centerville, take me to Centerville, not Centennial!'  Thanks, bud.  I will.

It's been another insanely busy week.  I've worked for a gal who had a sick daughter for 3 days.  I've been running kids back and forth. I went to the Mummies field trip with Amanda's Nat'l Jr Honor Society group and got back with 5 minutes to spare before I went to see Brandon's presentation on Komodo Dragons.  I've been getting Sydney's 'market day' items which have changed 3 times.  Finally she decided on Pace's popsicles that I need to take over to school in an hour.  I've been teaching.  I haven't been cleaning, but I did get the laundry and ironing done.  I have been trying to be present.  Trying not to act harried.  And reminding myself that I'm enjoying the journey and busyness of life.