Well, Chuck, the day started with a beautiful white blanket on the ground and the stunning sun in the sky….something I had missed for the past few days.
I knew this day would be great. School or no school. We all got dressed. I put on make-up. Elements my face had not seen the day before. Anna requested I “twist” her hair. I finally figured out she meant braids. She wanted four braids. I talked her into two. The true miracle of the day.
She hates the camera.
We ventured to the mall where I spent my usual dollar on this excuse for a carousel that my children never seem to tire of.
Okay, so far so good.
We ate a late lunch in the mall food court. By late, I mean 2:00 when I realized I had not fed my children. They didn’t seem to hold it against me.
Again, she HATES the camera. Hardly notices it at all.
Hotel For Dogs began at 2:30, so I knew we needed to post haste.
So, we headed to the theater, purchased our tickets and loaded up on our treats, which you practically have to take out a small loan for.
And, then it happened.
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, I have no picture of this next climatic moment, so do your best to imagine the scene.
John Henry has his popcorn and Icee in his capable, growing hands. I have my Junior Mints in my purse and Anna’s popcorn and Icee in my hands.
“Mooommm! I want to carry my OWN popcorn and Icee!” Anna pleaded. Pa-lee-ded.
“Anna, you aren’t old enough to carry your own. You have to six years old,” I explained.
“But MOOOOMMMM!!!!” She let out one final whimper then tugged on my arm and somehow intertwined her leg between both of mine.
KER-PLOP!
Down I went. The least graceful face plant you’ve ever seen. Then, Anna followed suit.
The greatest victims were the popcorn and Icee, of course.
Brilliant.
Let’s just skip past all of the on-lookers who felt sorry for the poor little mother managing her children on a snow day. The kind movie food people (feel free to use that one) replaced my shattered items at no charge.
Of course, there was no replacing my dignity.
At least, the kids continued to enjoy their day at the movies.
As for me, well, I had to keep my left hand wrapped tightly around my cold water bottle to lessen the pain of the carpet burn I acquired in the trauma.
After the movie, we enjoyed what was left of our white blanket.
So did this guy.
Later, I self-medicated with a glass of wine and read this text from my husband:
“Oh no. You know I am falling down laughing right now.”
I had that one coming to me. I assure you.
School is back in session today. While there were a few rough patches in the past 72 hours, there were certainly a plethora of memories of made.
And, those are the things that life is made of.
“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow, what a ride!'” – Unknown
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