Tales from the school office

My life is not glamorous.  Part of the reason that I've been so sporadic in blog-posting lies in the fact that my life is extremely repetitive.  I'm not complaining. I totally love my life.  I just don't think it's interesting reading.  I still cook every day, but I find I've been repeating some of the 500+ recipes I've already posted.  We're still the same family - nothing really changes (which I'm very grateful for!). 

Sometimes I just need a reminder that everyone else experiences the same challenges. 

Last week tested my patience.  Starting with a flat tire on the way to a soccer game and ending with a visit to the orthopedist, the in-between included a large tax bill, thousands of dollars in dental care, and generally feeling yucky.  The life of a mother is not filled with glamour.  I typically run our dishwasher three times daily, do laundry every other day, and maintain our house.  Little things like a malfunctioning garage-door opener and leaking garbage disposal only add to the mix. 

I hope you don't think I'm complaining (keep reading and I promise this will make sense!).  I am fully aware of my blessings.  I have a husband who works hard and allows me to stay home full-time.  I am able to exercise every day, and generally do what I'd like to with my time. 

Fast forward to this morning - it was a hectic one.  We were literally racing around the house (the girls and I) getting them ready for school.  Kate was in a tizzy.  She tried on at least five different outfits before deciding on one that "made her look like a clown".  She was literally picking a wedgie (forgive me!) on the way to the bus stop complaining that everyone was going to see her grabbing at her rear end all day (and crying!).  Halfway to the bus stop I realized that she'd forgotten her lunch.  So, I raced back to the house (literally running, I'm so glad no one was watching - it wasn't pretty) and made it back in time with her lunch. 

Once I arrived back home, I discovered that she'd forgotten her saxophone.  No problem.  If nothing else, being a mother equips a person to adapt, to think quickly, and then to act.  I packed her saxophone, book, and a pair of jeans in case she wanted to change.  I also grabbed some breakfast and a water bottle, our dry-cleaning, and I was out the door. 

After I arrived to the elementary school, I had an epiphany.  The school secretary was on the phone with a student and this is what I heard, "Betsy" (name changed to protect the innocent), your mom called and was wondering where you've hidden the mouse and keyboard from your brother.  She can't find it and she needs it.  Then the secretary had to call the mother back and reveal the hiding place of said mouse and keyboard.  In the meantime, another student wandered in, needing to call her mom because she'd forgotten her flute.  It was in the midst of all of this that I realized - I'm totally normal.  Everyone lives these mundane lives, and it's okay. 

The best part - you should have seen the look on Kate's face when she came to the office and realized I'd brought her saxophone and a change of clothes.  Pure relief, thankfulness, and love. 

So, I guess my point is - even though your life seems mundane, rest assured, everyone else is living the same life.  But, keep your eyes open and you will realize that what you do makes a difference to someone else.  What may seem mundane is what allows your household, your family, and your loved ones to flourish.