Rain and Shine

Last Friday's after school pick-up coincided with a sudden down pour (turns out we get a lot of sudden weather 'round these parts).  My umbrella proved a pitiful shield to the water and by the time we got inside, my pants were soaked and my little buddy (barely roused from a nap) was sobered.  We located Lucy and geared up for another onslaught, but by then, the rain was just a pleasant pitter-patter.

We watched for rainbows from the car and had hot chocolate at home.

     

  

I was going to drive a couple of hours to see some dearest of dear friends that night.  I'd been looking forward to the occasion all week.  But after the rain and the chocolate, it felt right to cozy up with my little people and stay home.  I seem to choose "stay home" much of the time lately.  (Do you forgive me, friends?  Can we do it again sometime?).  

Our spontaneous "stay home" plan involved several large boxes I had stashed away for just such a rainy day,

boxes that evoked smiles and tears and memories a plenty.  The unpacking took all of Friday night and there was still a box for Saturday morning.

Saturday was also grocery shopping day.  We didn't make it to Walmart until the evening.  I generally know better than Saturday night shopping, but we had to go.  My wonderful neighbor was kind enough to play with Spencer while Lucy and I hurried (as much as I hurry these days). 

We came home.  We made a real dinner (rare).  We were ready to call it a day when I realized Spencer was out of diapers.  I couldn't swallow another trip to the store.  Maybe swimming diapers would work?   They didn't work well, but they lasted us Sunday and much of Monday - until we made it to the store for a box of real diapers. 

Before bed Monday night, I looked for that box of real diapers. 
???????
Really?
Did I really leave it in the cart at Walmart?????
Slowly, the memory crystallized:  I had parked the cart,  buckled up my babes, driven away.
No diapers.

Guess what we started today?

He's only been ready for a good year or so.  We threw on his undies as we ran out the door to get Lucy to school two minutes late instead of ten.

Except the car battery was dead.

Follows: a quality conversation (lecture) in the garage that sounded something like this:

"Remember when you were playing with the lights the other day and I said, 'Do not play with the lights.  If we leave the car lights on, our car will not work."  Can you see that because the car lights were left on, our car does not work?"

I was surprisingly calm (though emphatic). 
It was a beautiful morning. 
We were already late.
I settled Spencer in the stroller, crossed my fingers that he'd keep himself dry during the half hour walk, and we set off for school.

It was a great walk.  And on our way home, we ran into a super kind couple from our ward who offered to  charge my car battery right after they returned from an appointment.

Spencer and I thanked them profusely and went home for several rounds of musical pants.  Brother L came at about 12:30 and finished up with the car battery (bless him forever!) around 1:00pm.

Just in time for me to dash back to school.  The secretary called about the exact moment I started the car up successfully:  an innocent (but painful!) collision with a classmate made Lucy's shortened school day even shorter.

   

She was a brave little lass (it gets bluer by the minute).

And Spencer has been doing admirably in his underwear!

Life is a good time, isn't it?

Our little series of unfortunate events wrapped up with a long afternoon of togetherness and a batch of homemade cookies.  (The togetherness took place in front of the TV and the cookies were burnt.  Just for the record). 

Anyone who'd like to join the party is welcome!  Just keep in mind that for the next few days we may not be fully clothed. =)

(When my bare-legged boy took off down the street tonight, my friend reminded me of that song "The Streak" by Ray Stevens. Ha!  Anyone else's parents used to listen to those kooky songs?!)