The frenzy

I can’t remember what life was like before kids.

With our two boys in three simultaneous activities each, and our daughter begging us to sign her up for something active too, I literally see my husband for about 45 minutes most weeknights. These encounters are as fleeting as the dollars in our bank account.

Then there are those special nights when we can stare into each other’s eyes across a restaurant table that is 60 percent wiped down, while surrounded by other parents and a collective mob of chatty children.

I made him promise me that we’d start planning a return trip back to Jamaica. We’ve only gone there once in our 14-year marriage. A place unlike any other…where everything is included except chatty children.

I don’t think either of us realized when we married each other that we’d be uncompensated taxi drivers. Me in my rockin silvery-blue minivan equipped with the stereotypical youth team sports sticker on the back window. Him in his 200,000+ mile Nissan Exterra…the same one he teases our 11-year old son into believing he will one day be “lucky” enough to inherit.

We are in the heart of fundraising season, which puts us both on edge. And apparently, based on the comments fellow parents submitted on this particular topic (follow link to view them), we’re not alone with our feelings of frustration.

In summary, this is my life.

Did I see you catch that pass you ask? Sssuurrre I did.

I’d be lying if I said I don’t love my reality…even the craziest parts of it. I am blessed beyond words.

The boys are meeting friends and learning life skills along with proper playing techniques. Their sister has racked up more miles than the Exterra, frequenting every ball field and basketball court around town.

I’ve come to realize that naps and perspective are the best medicine.

One day, I’ll look back on it all and wonder how we survived. And I’ll miss this chapter.

Blessed is the person who is too busy to worry in the daytime and too sleepy to worry at night. – Unknown

Written by Heidi Woodard