Sunny Puddle Days

On most days I consider myself a reasonably good mother. There is one area that I fall very short of the expected bar, that is when the opportunity arises for my boys to have fun. Yesterday was a typical example. Evening routine was going as usual. Supper happend a little earlier than usual because there are days when boys just can't wait. Cooking spaghetti bolognaise while your 4 year old is playing soccer in the kitchen and your 1 year old has discovered the joy of the microwave, you push a button and light comes on, plate turns and every 10 seconds makes this beeping sound, is something only a mom could cope with. Despite every talk from dietician and books on healthy eating, I turn on the TV to ensure that food goes down before next game pops into their heads. Now my biggest challenge of the day is getting boys to bath. I bribe them with the idea of putting pots and pans and some kitchen utensils in the bath to ensure that bubble bath cappuccinos and soapy soup is properly prepared. Pyjamas on and planning our last game before Dad gets home and we start to quieten down, when we hear a noise that sends excitement into the room. After a hot hot day the Highveld often rewards us with a storm. With an eager look my 4 year old says please can we have an umbrella. We play on patio during the heavy storm and as soon as it lightens up, I just cant resist their pleading faces and the pure joy I will see if I let them go. A real mother would say no, you have bathed and in PJ's and it is hour before bed so NO! Instead I grab their wellinton boots, an umbrella and we head for the garage for other goods that will make this fun. Out we go, 4 year dressed in policeman hat, Spiderman PJs, blue wellinton boots and on his scooter. 1 year old wearing red wellington boots, Winnie the Pooh PJs and a fireman hat. For the next 45 min we splash, stomp, wet each other, skid through large puddles and fall lots. Dad arrives home to the 3 of us looking rather soaked but with red cheeks and smiling faces. The part makes me judge myself is the looks and comments from the people that live in our complex, in their cars rushing to get inside. Most felt that my children would need to be hospitalised soon due to fact that rain contains bacteria and viruses that should be avoided at all costs. Just as I am about to call timeout on the fun and succumb to the pressure, the most beautiful rainbow appears in the sky, it occurs to me that out of all 45 houses, my kids were the only ones that got to experience that today! Towelled off, dry PJs, big smiles we all went to bed happy that night! Reflecting on my decisions of the day, I always think about what I will wish I had done in when my boys are grown and with their wives, and that is when I am sure that I made the best choice.