Did you think to pray?

For the past two years, my son has had a writing assignment for school titled, "Fortunately, Unfortunately". Today's post is going to be my version of that assignment :-).

Just in case my children, in thirty-five years ever wonder if there was a bad day of their childhood, they can have this post as a reminder.

First, a good day from this fabulous summer :-)

Clifton Park

And now dear reader, my story.

Fortunately, my youngest has been potty trained for about 3 years.
Unfortunately, she had an accident last night around 1 AM.

Fortunately, we have friends with access to a pool and had scheduled a swimplaydate first thing this morning.
Unfortunately, this morning was pretty chilly.

Fortunately, I was able to jog this morning.
Unfortunately, I arrived home late to take them swimming for the (above-mentioned) swimplaydate resulting in disappointed kids (friend's daughter was throwing a fit - not because she wanted to swim, but because she didn't want to swim, this type of comment fits in right here).

Fortunately, Darren made our bed this morning.
Unfortunately, making the bed is my automatic reminder to say my morning prayers - uh oh. (play foreboding music here)

Fortunately, Darren gets to fly to California.
Unfortunately, he changed his mind about riding the bus and "could you be ready at noon to take me to the airport?"

Fortunately, Mother isn't afraid to call for aid in transporting our only son to junior high orientation, beginning at 1:00.
Unfortunately, (after airport run), I arrive at junior high orientation only a few minutes late, only to run over a very large bolt near the entrance to junior high. (cue the air-leaking-from-tire-sound)

Fortunately, Costco is nearby.
Unfortunately, I will miss orientation.

Fortunately, I made it to Costco (hazard lights on) to find no waiting for other cars so mine was taken right in.
Unfortunately, I still missed the orientation and we were 20 minutes late for our 30-minute violin lesson (pre-paid lessons).

Fortunately, I have two daughters in violin so second lesson can be more of a "combined sister" lesson.
Unfortunately, we left violin books at the studio after second daughter's lesson, to be retrieved by Mother tomorrow.

Fortunately, I didn't have to drive daughter to soccer practice today -- (cue the heavenly angels singing) CARPOOL!
Unfortunately, daughter numero uno won't wear dirty soccer socks and how in the world could mother ever think they would be clean by now . . .

Fortunately, my son offers to share his clean socks.
Unfortunately, she refused and was still yelling when the carpool arrived.

Fortunately, carpool waited for my daughter to both grab a snack and wear long socks that had previously been deemed "unfit" for soccer.
Unfortunately, soccer practice was canceled and neither of us in carpool were on the coach's email list (yet).

Fortunately, I have five sisters. Two of which in the past few days, have had their own series of fortunate and unfortunate events (key words: fire, rain, quitter, sugar). Misery loves company. Now, if I can just remember to pray tomorrow. . .

do NOT contact me

Chariot Double Jogger - $150 (Redmond)

 

 

       

My babies have grown out of this stroller :-(

If you are a jogger and have small children, look no further. This stroller was purchased new in 2006, and used by a nonsmoking, nonpet-owning family. This stroller is in excellent condition, clean and ready to go. Features include: rain cover, large back storage, net-mesh storage in back, plus a small zipper-ed enclosure near handlebars.

Sale includes safety flag and bicycle attachment. (one flaw can be seen in picture - right handlebar grip is worn)

• do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers

Well, the deal is done. in fact, I received three potential buyers the first day I posted this sad news. A man named Twon bought the stroller, even after I vetted him, making sure he actually is a jogger (he is mostly going to use this stroller for biking - I just know it).

I am sad to bid farewell to this part of my life. I used this stroller SO much. This stroller was my sanity. Maybe with this grand exit, I will focus on the joy. So, here we go:

My beautiful daughter in the beautiful stroller

Sappy? I know, I am milking this for all its worth. Even as I go through files of pictures from the past 8 (!!) years of stroller ownership, I see so many places where I can say, "Oh, I took the stroller there." Few possessions in my life have held such a grip . . .

See, other kids love the stroller too

Despite the melancholy tone of this post, there is joy. Joy in a medium which allowed me to get fresh air every day.

Miracle -isn't it?

These pictures speak a thousand parenting words.

My third caller of the day listened to my sob story after I told her the jogger was already sold. She thanked me for giving such a good review of the Chariot (she had asked about the Burley).

Phew - with all of this emotion off my chest I can look confidently at these sweet pictures and just think, "I am a survivor." I made it through challenging days of little-child-dom. I wonder what my next tangible, vain, get-me-through-adolescence, love will be; my Toyota Highlander perhaps?