Was I the only one surprised by the phone call at 5:18 am telling me that the boys would be home today due to inclement weather? I watched the news last night but neither Anderson nor Greta had the courtesy to fill me in on the bad weather coming our way. My first reaction was disbelief, followed by despair. I wanted to call the local authorities and offer to drive every school bus myself to get them to school. It was quite dramatic.
Look, I am not against having the occasional snow day nor am I averse to surprise changes in my schedule. It is just that snow days and teen-agers are not a good mix. When they are stuck in the house all day with me it is unpleasant for everyone involved.
Gone are the days when a nice mug of hot chocolate made you the best mom in the world. This afternoon I made the boys homemade strawberry sorbet. I was told it was a bit tart. Really? Next time I will be sure to add some kale.
I’m bored! I’m hungry! He hit me! I’m hungry! He is such a baby! I’m hungry! Now he’s crying! I’m hungry! I don’t want to play that game – why can’t we have two Xboxes? When’s dinner? We’re hungry! The boys were so busy complaining that they did not notice me lying on the floor, gasping for breath as they sucked all of the good air out of the room.
Adding to this nonsense was our second daughter’s refusal to go to school late and my husband’s uncanny ability to always be away when there is a snow day. We cleaned off her car and I had her do a test drive to make sure that she could handle the snow covered road. She was fine but I was a mess.
Sigh. Do those of you with big kids remember snow days past when you bundled up the little guys and threw them outside until every single inch of them was frozen? Then they would take a nice hot bath to thaw out and they would look so cute with their ruddy faces? I don’t either, but I know they happened because I have pictures.
There is some light at the end of the snow day tunnel for the parent of teen-agers. Since all activities were cancelled, we were able to enjoy a lovely homemade dinner without rushing, followed by a spirited game of Trivial Pursuit. It was one of those nights where the kids and I laughed until we cried.
It just goes to show that one can enjoy her children at any age if she is willing to meet them where you are.
Here’s hoping your snow day ended on a high note, too.