it started out just fine

My day that is. Everyone was up and out on time today, I started with 2 cups of coffee (that should have been a hint I guess). Taryn and I took off in the cool morning weather after breakfast for a walk through the neighborhood. We walked around to my mom's house for a little mini photoshoot with Taryn. Our yard is still fairly ugly so occassionally we go over there for really green grass. All went well, Taryn was adorable, I got to play with my new lens, life is good. We returned from our walk to a stranger on our porch, "can I help you?" I ask. "Yes, I'm from Direct TV". Oh crap. I forgot we had a service appointment. So did Jason. He wanted to be home for it. Knowing I don't know everything that needs to happen while the tech is here, I get Jason on the phone, is he coming home, can the guys fix all the problems the preview tech created, which includes big holes drilled into our new $10K siding. Chaos begins, but manageable chaos, normal chaos. I then move on to arguing with my photo lab......again. This is the 4th order they have messed up in a month, it's getting old. I don't want to switch labs, which would force me to raise my prices but come on already. Must make phone calls for Ty's class halloween party, the other room mom is having surgery so I'm on my own with planning until Tuesday. Ty's teacher calls, more issues with him, needs to stay after school to study, note to self, pick up Ty at 4:30, no bus today. Lunch quickly approaches, Taryn eats and it's nap time. I can always depend on her naps, they are clockwork. Not today, she screamed through her nap. Crap, no getting work done during nap time today. Screaming, crying, fussing, she's fine, she.....just....won't....sleep. Ok, so I let her get up, bribe her with cereal and juice and she's happy again. Hmmm, it's 4:10, where is Ty? 4:15, he's still not off the bus, 4:20 OH CRAP. I forgot. The mortal sin of motherhood. You can forget to brush your hair or forget your purse somewhere but you DON'T FORGET YOUR KID! I suck. Thankfully I threw some shoeson, Taryn and I jump into the explorer and are welcomed by an odd smell, in too much of a hurry to figure out what it is, we took off the school. I made it there in enough time that he didn't realize I forgot, thank God. Guilt, massive mother guilt.....even if he doesn't know....I do.

Odd smell in Explorer is a diaper....ewww....it's been there since Saturday.....ewww. I think I've been too busy, this isn't usually the kind of thing that I miss. 5:00 p.m.....what's for dinner. Nothing in the fridge, no plan, no ideas. While I'm rummaging for food in the back of the freezer, helping Ty with homework, balancing telephone calls and emails with clients, Taryn is quiet. Quiet is bad. Oh joy, she discovered my big pack of postit notes. My couch and coffee table are now a nice creamy shade of post it yellow. Time to call in backup, I call Jason, take out tonight is a must. Come home and fast, the natives are getting restless. Blessed sight, my husband with Italian food in hand. "Where is the dog?"....down around the corner....dumb Direct TV guy left our gate open.....AAAAHHHH.....chaos.

And then I opened my email and saw this message:

"...stop and remember how blessed we are to have the things that are overwhelming to us! Just think about your two, beautiful, healthy kids! That’ll make you smile!..."

How true.

I am thankful for the things that overwhelm me, my children, our home, the photography business. Thank you C for telling me exactly what I needed to hear today. It may be chaos, but it's my blessed chaos.