Today is Day 4 of Preseason practice & Day 5 of being a single parent.
Parenting ‘Cakes on my own isn’t the hard part about football season — it’s sacking the trash & lawncare that’s got me down. I was taught by my father that taking out the trash & mowing the lawn are jobs for men. Some may call that sexist — I call it genius! Five seasons ago, I pulled out the lawn mower for the first time. Coach would be so proud! I was going to mow the lawn — hooray! After 40 minutes of priming the pump and pulling that string-thing (I’m certain it’s called that), my neighbor from two doors down came to my rescue. “Can I please start your mower?” He couldn’t stand the sound of it *not* starting. He gave me instructions to hold onto the little bar thingy and I did until I couldn’t feel my hands. Not knowing how to really push a mower, I made cool designs & worked it back and forth like a vacuum cleaner. Then it ran out of gas. Boo. Party over.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
With Coach working 16 hour days, the only way we can spend time together as a family is to make a gigantic effort. Yesterday, he encouraged us to come play at practice. Y’all it was so hot — it was like breathing glue! We stayed for 7 minutes and 42 seconds. We did return, however, to have a picnic lunch with Coach in his air-conditioned office. Once late September rolls around, we’ll be much more regular at the field. For now, we’re steering clear of sun poisoning & heat stroke.
I had lunch today with a great girl who asked me how I find balance as a coach’s wife. I’ll be the first to say, the hours aren’t great, but like she said, it’s a great thing when people can have a job that they feel passionate about. And luckily, we’re in a position where I can worry less about making money and continue to pursue my passion, which is raising this beautiful child that God has given us. To find balance, prioritize well. My family comes first. This blog comes last (though the dog seems to think he’s fallen into that position!). Cakes and I have been enjoying these last lazy summer days together — reading books in bed in the middle of the afternoon, snuggling on the couch to watch baby animals get saved by celery-eating caped crusaders, and having sing alongs at the piano.
My two-year-old’s priority in life is having fun with the ones she loves.
What did your kids teach you today?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Aww, reading books in bed is my favorite! (That’s exactly why I don’t make the bed!)
‘Cakes has her priorities straight…maybe she can help me with mine. Today, I learned from Molly that peas for four days straight is kind of gross. And that a hug really does make everything better.
And – I’ll wrap this up soon – part of our pre-marital counseling was that I won’t mow the grass. Ever. You’re a better wife than I. I’m impressed with your mowing skills.
Well, I made the mistake of taking out the trash, too. If I leave it on the deck (in a passive-aggressive fashion), the raccoons get it before HE does.
{ 1 trackback }