My heavens, where does the time go? Last time I updated this thing was on November 8th? Can we say, SLACKER?? I am not really a slacker, it's just that most mornings before work I am working out, and then I go to work and can't update there and then I come home and I am never on the computer after work. Poor blog falls to the wayside. The upside is that a lot of life happens between blogs so I always have something to say, right? :)
It's been pretty low key around here. Last week was Jason's birthday though. He turned the big 3-5. Youngster. I didn't know what to get him for his birthday. He always loves clothes and shoes, boots etc. but, that's kind of boring. He can get clothes anytime, right? So, I got to thinking...what does my husband love MOST in this world? You must know that what popped in my head was "bom chicka bow wow!!". Yeah, it IS that simple around here!!
For Jason's birthday I went shopping. FOR ME. For something pretty and special, and not the ordinary. I was successful. I set up our bedroom like a spa with candles and calming music and I wore my pretty thing, and I was a jazzy masseuse! It was a lot of fun, and I think it was the perfect gift for Jason. He loved it. He deserves all the relaxation and pampering I can give him as he really works his butt off. Was a great evening!
This week has been rather regular. No celebrations or anything. Tuesday started off a little bit hectic though. Every once in a while Lily "opts out" of being cooperative in the morning. She just plain decides that doing what she is supposed to do is not working for her. Tuesday was one of those magical days. She gets all ready for school, breakfast eaten, coat on, and our neighbor comes over to get her to walk to the bus. In an instant Lily decides that she is not riding the bus today and that I am going to drive her to school. Ummmm, what? If I drive her to school, I am late for work so unless there is a catastrophe of some sort, we need to follow our regular programming. I tell her that her plan does not work for me and that she best be marching her little butt to the bus stop right now. Then I proceed to exit the house out the back door, get in my car, and head down the driveway. As I am nearing the end if the driveway I hear Lily scream "MAMA!". Kid had not left the front sidewalk. She was still standing in front of the house. Guess what I hear coming down the street?? Yes, the damned bus. I had a moment of clarity. I realized this is a battle I cannot let her win. I can't let her think she can always manipulate her world. In this clarity and strength I get out of the car and grab her hand. We proceed to run as fast as we can to the bus stop. Me, in my high heels and work clothes, her crying and in shock because I was making her do this. By dammit, we made it to the bus. She was not pleased with me. The bus driver on the other hand was giggling. I explained to him that "we had a little attitude this morning". He just laughed and told me it was okay.
My neighbor was waiting in her car after the bus left and she said to me: "Noelle, be thankful. That was probably the worst part of your day, and it has already passed." She was right. That was the perfect thing to tell me in that moment. It also had a more significant impact as the day went on.
Later that day I got a text from my boss who was out of the office. She asked me to check the news because she thought one of her daughter's teachers had been in an accident and that her son was killed. I got online and found the story. I was saddened to find out that it was true. Nicole Dorwin, a local mom and teacher, was driving her two boys to school on Tuesday and was hit by a drunk driver. Yes, at 7 am, she was hit by a drunk driver. The morning hours are when you tend to feel safest on the road. People getting their kids to school, people headed to Starbucks or work. Drunk drivers?? Not so much. Nicole's car was hit and her 9 year old son was killed. Her 5 year old is ok. Now she is waking up every morning without one of her babies. One moment, a moment that was absolutely beyond her control, changed her life forever. I cannot begin to fathom the anguish. It has brought me to tears several times this week. Mothers are like sisters in that way. We are all connected in our love for our children.
The story of Nicole's accident made me so very thankful for my hectic morning. I am so blessed that my little girl can refuse to go to the bus stop, and she can get angry with me for making her run down there and then she can come home and shower me with her kisses, her love, and her giggles. Life is so very precious.
My friend Jaclyn has been posting what she is Thankful for every day on her blog. I want to do that to. Starting now.....
Today, I am thankful for:
- The beauty of an ordinary day
- Being able to cuddle up in my son's bed with him and work on the puzzle in the back of his Highlights magazine.
Enjoy your weekend, everyone!
