Snow + Traffic, Snow + Dog = Depression!

I was woken early this morning by the sounds of little pitter patters on our window. I thought, "Oh it's raining. This is going to be a bad day. I can just feel it." And it wasn't just because I had aches and pains from the weather change,- gees I'm old- I wasn't looking forward to another day with the kids indoors.

I fell back asleep and woke up again because of the same noise. I was hoping that it would only last the early morning hours and move on, but it hadn't. Since I was awake, I decided to getup. I looked out the window and guess what I saw? SNOW!Yucky, blucky, mucky snow! I was instantly depressed.

"You better wake the kids early," I thought. I was going to be one of those prepared mothers.

This was my first time having the privilege of driving my kids to their far, far away school. I thought I should probably leave about 10 minutes early to allow time for the weather. The school was a normal 10-15 minute drive so that should be plenty of time.

The kids got up and ready without a hitch. They ate breakfast politely, brushed teeth quickly, and did everything they should have. We had prayer, gave hugs and kisses to Dustin, and were out the door by 7:40. Right on schedule! School starts at 8:20. We're going to make it.

Our neighborhood roads were a bit scary, but we made it to 6200 South, that's when my whole plan went out the window. "What!" That's all I could say without loosing my temper. The whole street was backed up. People were driving like they had never driven in the snow before. Did I mention this was my first snowy commute taking my children to their far, far away school?

We waited and waited in the horrible traffic. People were getting impatient. I was getting anxious. It was now 8:30 and we had quite a ways to go still. This stupid weather was ruining my good plan!

We finally made it to the school at 8:45. I had been on the road for over an hour! 1 hour to go about 7 miles!

I thought," Well at least I can't go anywhere, so my house will get cleaned."

I started in on the cleaning the moment we got home. The kids were playing nicely, everything was going smoothly. All I needed do was mop the floors. What a good plan. Then came those annoying, dreadful words you hate to hear, "Mom, can we play in the snow?" I sank further into my depression.

You always want to be the good mom, not the evil one,so you say,"Of course you can." I helped get the kids all ready, thinking it won't be too bad. I can still get the floors done. They will only make a little snowy mess. Did I mention this was my first experience having a dog go out in the snow? No, well, let's just say they make more of a mess than the kids.

Ace came running through the house covered in snow. It was all matted in his fur, so there was a lot more than there seemed. He was running like crazy to get it off. My floors were covered in little tiny, dog-sized snowballs. "There goes the floors, " I said.

I have given up today. It is only noon. I have 12 more hours to go. Can this day get any longer? I better watch what I say because apparently it can.

I need some chocolate! Why'd I throw out the Halloween candy to be good? What a day.