The day started at 12:45 AM with, “I need water!” At 2:37 AM it was an accident that I should have foreseen. After changing the sheets, starting the laundry and getting everyone who thought it was time to get up back into bed I laid awake for far too long. My thoughts were erratic and racing. They started anticipating the day, week, month and then year ahead. I began calculating our bills and spent money we didn’t have yet. I asked myself, “How many things have I over committed myself to and what can I cancel or get out of with minimal retribution? Are my sons challenged enough?  How will they ever be successful if they are not challenged?” I came to a concise conclusion: That’s it! I am way too soft on my boys! Then I realized our family was not eating right or getting enough exercise. I also decided I should certainly NOT have to apologize to her! Then I began to wonder what on earth my husband was thinking when he….I began to drift.

It was 4:13 AM when I felt something pulling at my arm “Mom, MOM! I can’t sleep! There’s a monster under my bed!”  I am certain that I had just fallen to sleep! I scoop my little guy up and carry him back to bed reminding him that monsters hate love and there is far too much love for them to even want to be in our house! Once he is all tucked back into bed I plant a big kiss on his head and make my way back to my own pillow. Even though I was so desperate for some solid R.E.M I began to contemplate what am I really doing with my life? Then everything is so clear, I need a get-away! As I start to plan where I should go and who should join me I realize my youngest is standing next to me…again. He’s asking if he can watch cartoons and will I make him chocolate milk; its 5:50 AM, 45 minutes before the alarm goes off.  I say a quick prayer in my head, “Dear Lord, if you can hear me, find favor on me and grant me patience and strength!”

I throw on what I can manage to find in the dark and make my way to the kitchen. I begin to day dream about white sand as I make sure that the waffle batter is mixed properly. My oldest emerges from a steamy bathroom to let me know he hates his hair and can’t find anything to wear.  As soon as I hear this I start to pack my own suit case. As l reach for the coffee from the cupboard I remind myself not to forget my swim suit and sun glasses.  Although I was up 45 minutes early I managed to get my son to school 5 minutes late. How does this happen?

Soon back at home I lay my head on the couch, as my preschooler begins to protest and complain that he’s bored. I suggest various independent activities; however, he is only interested in me and my time. As I pull my head off the soft chenille fabric and navigate from one challenge to the next I say to myself, “I could really use some sunless tan action before I go.”

Lunch time rolls around and I prepare my own, homemade organic version of Spaghetti O’s…it’s not well received. My mind drifts to Cuban food. Yumm!

I pick my oldest son up and rush him to the orthodontist.  At some time during the day I managed to pack peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips and water bottles; all of which I presented to my sons prior to their sports practices. They were quick to let me know that turkey and cheese would have been so much better… I wondered what the airline would be serving on the dinner flight to Miami.
Once home I realize I didn’t pull anything out for dinner. Time to make a quick decision – we’ll have leftovers. My husband hates leftovers. As I started the microwave I wondered how old my cabana boy would be.

After insisting that both my children need baths before bed and The Sneetches and a chapter of The Hunger Games have been read  I prepare my first glass of wine and wonder what exactly is in a  Key West Lemonade. As I pour my third glass my youngest calls to me, from what seemed very far off. He lets me know his legs hurt, (growing pains). I climbed into bed with him frustrated and annoyed that I had to abandon a great glass of well tempered Riesling. I closed my eyes and began to fantasize about the hot sun, warm sand and cool clear, aquamarine water. My oldest calls down from the top bunk, “Mom, thanks for helping me with my fractions.” My youngest, not to be outdone, quickly follows up with “Are you going to tell a story at my school tomorrow?”

I guess my trip can wait…Happy Mother’s Day for all you hardworking, wonderful, sacrificing Moms!

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