BEING TWO PARENTS AT ONCE

For the first time, I actually felt like I was finally playing both roles of parent today. It all began with leaving the kids with Nana while I went to see John through a teleconference in St. Paul. It was so great to be able to just see him, make sure he was okay, the things a voice can't tell you but the eyes can see. On my way home, I made a last minute (and boy do I mean last minute) RSVP to a birthday party for Colby.

Once home, Nana went her way and I packed the kids into the car to head to the store to purchase a birthday gift, but as you know, once you are in the store there are so many other things you can purchase and an hour later, we were back in the car on our way home. Did I mention on our way to Shakopee we watched as the cars piled up bumper to bumper going South on 169 due to the Renaissance Festival and the line went about 4 + miles. So of course, we had to avoid that way going home.

On our way, we stopped for lunch, got home, sat for only about 30 minutes, all the while getting ready for the birthday party. Finishing up laundry so Colby had a swimsuit to wear, wrap the gift, write on the card, pack the backpack and we were on our way.

Five minutes later we were back at the house and ready for round three. Max had soccer practice this afternoon, so as he watched the minutes tick by, asking several times when he could get ready, I collected my thoughts. In no time, it was back into the car and heading to the middle school fields for the practice.

An hour later we were back home, I swear at this point my neighbors had to have had their thoughts just flying as they watched me back out of my driveway every hour on the hour! I can only imagine! Now it was dinnertime, raced the clock making dinner so it was done by the time I had to go and get Colby from the birthday party. With 5 minutes to spare, I was, yet again back in the car to head about a mile to get Colby. And, 15 minutes was back at home!

Today would have been a great day to have a clone of myself, our house entrance had turned into a revolving door, I forgot if I had pulled into the garage or kept the car in the driveway, the engine never really cooled down, my neighbors must think I have lost my brain, but at the end of the day - all activities were attended with no hiccups and no tantrums. All is well at the Karline Household.

Being two parents at once is tough, but it is days like this that help you know it is possible and the days ahead will get easier!