My most recent adventure was traveling to Alexandria, VA to watch TA & Neil’s little people (ages 7,6 and 3) while they got to spend time in the beautiful California wine country. When I say this to people I always get the response of, “you are such a good friend” or “you’re crazy”. I don’t look at it in either of those ways. I take it as an adventure. First off, it’s TA, I’d do anything for her without question and the fact that she and Neil are trusting me with her children is an honor. As for the nuts part . . . how hard can it be? I did this before, I can do it again. But see that is the beauty of the mind . . . like childbirth, your mind conveniently forgets the toll little ones put on your psyche.
First stumbling block: Abbra’s pizza party is canceled. This was my plan for Friday’s dinner so this was disappointing, but still doable. I’d cook sausage pasta – an easy dish . . . or so I thought (more to come)
Second stumbling block: My flight was delayed. This was not good. I had to pick all 3 kids up by 6 and they were in different locations. My flight was to arrive in time for me to get to TA’s, get her car and do this very function – a delay is not in the cards. While anxious the whole time, luckily I got all 3 kids with 5 minutes to spare, but I digress . . . .I had these visions of the kids seeing me and there are yells of excitement and hugs and thrills to see Auntie dawn. (One likes to think they are they great in the minds of children to welcome such a greeting or maybe since I don’t get pomp and circumstance from my own offspring I am craving it from another – who knows. ) Instead I get, “whats for dinner”? Really? That’s it – that’s what I get at home. Is that what one is diminished to when they become a parent – no matter whose child you are parenting for the time being, “what’s for dinner”?
Third stumbling block: The can opener . . . . . . I am making a most fabulous, but simple dish of pasta mixed with a sauce made of onion, ground sausage milk and tomato paste. Everything is going smoothly until it’s time to open the can of tomato paste. I can’t figure out the freakin’ can opener. No matter how I try to set this can opener on the can it will not work. Can’t be a simple hand crank can opener – no, it’s a pampered chef can opener. Now what am I going to do – my dinner is done, I just have to mix in the paste!!! I have kids for god’s sake who didn’t care a thing about me but wanted their dinner!! I asked Ava, I called Tracey during her conference no less as I was this panicked!!!! Open the freakin can!!! Of course I told Tracey I figured it out – NOT! What did I do, I did what any panicked mother would do I jabbed holes in the things and pulled the lid back myself. I would not be beaten – I would conquer the opener!!
Three ½ stumbling block: Wine and the can opener. After I put the kids to bed and downing a half bottle of wine because I got so stressed out over the can opener I sat with the can opener, a can and the bottle of wine to figure out this damn thing. I tried – I really tried and I think I got it to attach but would wait until I was completely ready before opening the can . . . . .
Fourth stumbling block: Jackson is 6. I don’t know what it is with boys (although regardless of age they just tend to be in lala land) and turning six but a power struggle starts. Jackson is one of the sweetest boys you will ever come in contact with but he’s now six and six seems to be the age where listening turns off, plius there is that boy thing. “Jackson, Jackson, Jackson, J-A-C-K-S-O-N!” “huh?” “Bedtime.” “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.” Oh dear lord help me now.
Fifth stumbling block: I left my liquids back in Charleston. Go.Figure.
Sixth stumbling block: Ballet class. Saturday morning went stunningly well. I knew there was ballet class and I had everyone ready and the kitchen cleaned with time to spare. That’s the problem with spare time . . . leaves time for something to go wrong. In a karma like occurrence, Rubes runs into the cul-de-sac (which she is not allowed to do as I had stated driveway only) and down she went. Right on her knees in her tights no less. While I took off running toward her to scoop her up hoping to make a joke, the crocodile tears start and sure enough, there are little holes in her tights. I set her on the chair, kiss and rub her knees and try my best to comfort her. I also grab another pair of tights and once I get her calm rush everyone in the car. We’re still good – leaving basically when I wanted but not with the cushion I had planned since I had no clue where I was headed.
Sixth ½ stumbling block: Traffic and ballet class. So I am on my way and Ava asks me where I am going. And I do, in general just not specifically. “Yes!” I say this with enough confidence to convince us both, hopefully, I am good. It’s just there seems to be an awful lot of traffic on King Street. And it’s Saturday but early Saturday and it is Alexandria, but it’s Saturday . . . . . did I miss my turn?? Don’t look at the clock, you’ll panic – you know where you’re going. And I did, I had this, but the traffic. Don’t look at the clock. Phew – my turn, I see it. But why isn’t anyone turning . . . . TURN PEOPLE!!! Oh, a street festival – not good. Wait, can I make it, yes . . I made it! More traffic – don’t look at the clock. I go, I go and bam, pink doors here we are. I look at the clock. Fifteen minutes late. It took me nearly 40 minutes to get all of 10 miles. Shoot me know, the doors are locked and we missed the first ballet class!!!!
Seventh stumbling block: internet access. I brought my laptop, guess who couldn’t remember the password to the modem? Did I mention there is no cable? UGH
Eighth stumbling block: Sunday. Once again, got a little too comfortable with how smooth my morning was going and then there was a knock at the door. The babysitter!!! She wasn’t suppose to come until noon – what time was it? OMG noon . . . I had to fix lunch and get the kids to ice skating. But see I didn’t want ice skating to get the best of me like ballet did. Not to mention, ice skating is Ava’s thing and Jackson’s first time. It was easy for Ruby to miss class but these guys cannot miss class. I got this. Picnic lunch in the car so there is plenty of time to find the ice skating rink and deal with traffic. So sandwiches, car lets go.
Ninth stumbling block: When Ava’s mind is set – it’s set. Off we go. “Auntie Dawn do you know where you are going?” “Yes Ava, I know”. Again, have been to the rink but getting there is a different story so I’m afraid my confidence level was not very high. It wasn’t long before I heard “This is not the way mommy goes!” “Trust me Ava, I will get you there.” Oh dear lord, please let me get her there. Panic sets in, “AUNTIE DAWN, YOU DON”T TURN HERE!” Oh lord, the directions say I do but she’s panicked – does she know something I don’t? JMJ, I am screwed if I miss this. In my most confident voice I explain I have the directions and I know what I am doing. I feel badly as I know that feeling she is feeling as truthfully I am feeling the same thing!! But what happens – BAM. We make it and make it in time and even are able to go through 3 skate changes and get inside the rink with 5 minutes to spare!!!!
Tenth stumbling block: Teenagers. So after ice skating my brother and family drive up to Tracey’s for a visit a swim and dinner. I was excited for them to come. I wanted to show them TA & Neil’s beautiful home and have a relaxing day by the pool. See, that was the problem, I kept thinking I would eventually relax. My 16 year old nephew also joined the group. Evidently he didn’t realize where he was going and he was none too thrilled about the trip . Once I picked up on this I got stressed about making sure dinner got ready and they got out of there. But when you are responsible for 3 little ones, there is a pool and you are trying to fix food, it becomes extremely difficult.
Eleventh stumbling block: Freaking can opener, AGAIN: I was making honey lime enchilada’s. Holy crap the green sauce. I had to use the freakin’ can opener again. This time I wanted to see if my ever handy brother could accommodate the contraption. I showed him how it was suppose to go and he turned it and we got nothing. I made my point – is this not the most difficult can opener known to man? And then we applied some sort of pressure and a little of the sauce came out. Wait a minute – did I actually figure this thing out after all – YES! Turns out it removes the lid from the outside of the can and not the inside so you have to finagle it differently to get the lid off! I DID IT!! Or WE DID IT!! And then dinner was prepared. Although I overdid the rice in the microwave so it turned out to be a little crunchy but still edible nonetheless.
Twelfth stumbling block: Phone service. See there’s this guy . . . . . . I have emailed and texted him but hadn’t yet spoke to him on the phone. I received a text on Monday (day to myself while kids are in school) if it was a good time for a phone call. Well, I am about as nervous as one can get but I text back sure. I am on the 3rd floor and he hears me fine but our call gets dropped – twice. I explain I don’t have great service in the house and was going outside to talk on the phone so I wouldn’t have that problem. Now anytime you are first talking to someone it is a tad awkward . . . try having your calls be dropped 13 times – that was a difficult conversation. All worked out ok though – we have a date tonight! J
Thirteenth stumbling block: Too little. It was Tuesday morning and I got to see TA & Neil for all of maybe 30 minutes. Made me sad – would have liked to had time with them. Love my babies, love them too.
Fourteenth stumbling block: Plane delayed in DC. Go.figure.
Fifteenth stumbling block: I love my adult children. I missed my kids and couldn’t wait to see them once I returned home. Nothing like a visit away to make you appreciate what you have. First thing I get is from Xan – I’m staying at dad’s tonight. Second thing I am hit with from Audrey – can I have some money I need to go buy some things. So there I am standing at the house, alone, with the dog – who actually stayed on the sofa looking out the front window waiting for my return. Ah unconditional love . . . .
Sixteenth stumbling block: I’m old. Three flights of stairs (I live in a ranch) a 3 year old on your hip and constant commotion, Auntie dawn is whipped!!
On an ending note, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Last time I watched the kids I couldn’t find the coffee. Found the coffee this time and learned to work the can opener. Can’t wait for what is in store next time.
And for those of you who already made the comment . . .yes there is a you tube video to show you how to use the freaking pampered chef can opener:
No comments:
Post a Comment