That’s Life
“That’s life. That’s what people say.” Old Frankie’s song has really been resonating with me lately. I decided to use his lyrics (minus the last couple of lines) to express what’s been going on in our little corner of the world. We’ve had lots of downs, but some pretty small but still fantastic ups, too.
“You’re riding high in April
Shot down in May“
As much as I’d like to say that I just like to clean very, very thoroughly and THAT’S why my oven is sitting outside of its home… that ain’t the truth. Poor little Oven Annie was kicked out of her home because the shelf above her was broken. You see, I tried to do a good deed by using the self-cleaning setting on the old girl. Welp, that melted the pieces that held up the shelf above her, causing alllllll of my cookbooks (there’s just a couple) to fall smack down on top of poor Oven Annie. One cabinet guy, three electricians, and a new oven panel later, we’re getting close to being back to normal now. It’s just one of those things that make ya shake yer head.
“But I know I’m gonna change that tune
When I’m back on top, back on top in June“
The upside to that little time was that we got some family pictures taken just by luck! We snagged the last mini session of the season, and we love how they turned out!
I do love that this little fella wanted nothing to do with any of the props until AFTER we were done shooting. Our amazing photographers (Happy Camper Photography) were sweet enough to give us a little extra time to capture this chummy little guy.
“Some people get their kicks
Stompin’ on a dream“
And then there was this: Homeless Gangster Child Meets Broken Down Mama-Mobile. Little Eminem here went through an outfit at school after he spit water alllll down his clothes (he’s already the class clown). His spare outfit was most definitely shorts and a t-shirt because Mama wasn’t prepared for the rare bout of cold weather in Houston. So, we headed out to the car quickly after school that day only to find that Mama’s car wouldn’t start. Nada. Nothing. Not turning over at all. So, while we waited for rescue + the tow truck, Homie G spilled MORE water down his SECOND outfit that day. We were left with what you see here: shorts, Mickey Mouse socks that are most likely too small, and a leather jacket.
We are at the forefront of fashion here, people.
“I’ve been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing
Each time I find myself flat on my face
I pick myself up and get back in the race“
But! That day, once we were safely delivered home and the old Suburban (her name is Juanita, by the way) was safely at her repair shop, I opened the mail to find this letter. The mailman could not have picked a more perfect day to be a little behind in his delivery route. Coming home to this after a day of that up there was nothing short of a miracle.
“I thought of quitting, baby
But my heart just ain’t gonna buy it“
Later that week, we all ventured up to Dallas for my husband’s holiday work party. We arrived in plenty of time, I showered, prettied-up, we started driving to the party, then we had to turn around halfway because I felt like Death was at my doorstep and using my head as the knocker. I was slightly convinced I had the flu, so, Jon Boy drove me back home and went without me. I was SO bummed to not only miss his party (I had a totally cute outfit, too), but also to miss getting to hang out with some great friends. I spent the next few days resting, medicating, and snuggling my little man.
As soon as we got back after the looooong drive home, my little janitor busted out his broom and got to work. The joy that brought me overshadowed all the gunk and fogginess of my cold. Finding joy in the little things is sometimes the only thing you can do to keep from losing your sanity. That fuzzy-headed, elf-pajama-wearing baby is a major source of my joy amidst chaos.
And how did he get so big, I ask you? Who allowed this. I want to see them in my office.
So, if you’re having one of those times like Old Frankie sings about, I hope that you’ll look for the little joys and hopes that are poking around here and there. I promise they’re there. They’re probably small, easy-to-miss things, but they’re there. And I’m sure they’ll help you get “back in the race” again. After all, That’s Life!
That’s Life is a funny post about those tough times in young parenting life when you just have to shrug your shoulders and move on.