What would I do?

Yesterday I saw my neighbors two girls jumping around in a rain puddle after the storm. They were in their bathing suits and rain boots. They were having a ball. Their mother was right there supervising the whole time just sitting there and watching them have fun.

My first thought was, "I can't believe she is letting them jump around in that muddy rain puddle". My second thought was, "Would I let Francesco do such a thing? No way!" My third thought was, "Why not?"

I could not answer the "why not" right that second. I then realized I probably said no because I wasn't in the mood. I had a million things to do and I didn't have the time to watch him (I couldn't believe I didn't have the time to watch him have fun, how pathetic is that?)

That bring me to today. We went to visit my parents that live an hour away, so we left early this morning. That meant that no laundry got done, dishes were not cleaned or put away, toys were strewed all over the house and the carpet hadn't seen a vacuum in 3 days.

We were getting closed to home when I said to my husband that there were a million things that need to get done and we needed a game plan. Who was going to do what and with who (one kid per parent!). I thought if we had a game plan all of the above would get done and the kids would get feed, bathed and put to bed in a reasonable amount of time.

Well my game plan went right out the window as we got out of the car. The neighbors were practically waiting in the driveway as we pulled up. The oldest announced that they were having a little pool party and that Francesco was invited.

My first thought was I don't have time for this, but my response was "lets get you in you swim trunks". So as we are standing in the yard the little girls from next store tells me they just decided to have a party today. They even strung up streamers and decorations, made signs for the door and blew up the kiddie pool. All of this for no reason what so ever, just to have a party.

When I asked who was coming to this party she tells me just them and Francesco. Then their Dad comes out and hands me and my husband Mango Mojitos (now I am really liking this party). So we sit outside sipping Mojitos, watching the kid splash around in the kiddie pool full of freezing water from the hose for the next two hours.

Now, not one stitch of laundry got done, the dishes never saw water and the toys are still everywhere. I did however get the time to watch my 22 month old have the time of his life.

When I go bed tonight all that stuff still awaits me tomorrow but my mood has definitely been lifted, I like the Mommy that I was tonight (I am not so pathetic). I hope that I can continue to realize it is OK to leave the mess and let the kids be kids. They only get to do it once!