Monday mornings are hard. Suddenly your bed is more comfortable than ever, making it even more difficult to get up and get going. You lay there wishing the weekend could last longer as you sink a little deeper under the sheets. And so, you find yourself having a classic case of the Mondays {what movie line did I steal that from? It’s one of my favorites}.
This happens to everyone. I’m certain of it. Mondays I literally have to drag my kids out of their beds. And we usually get to school right as the last bell is ringing. Katie is my sleeper. She could sleep, and sleep…..and sleep.
However, I know the way to my little girl’s heart. It’s through animals and going to the pet store.
In an effort to wake Katie cheerfully and start the day and week off right, I told her that I’d gladly take her to Petco right after I picked her up from school. However, first, she had to wake-up with a pretty smile on her face…
and head to school with a positive attitude. There was no shadow of a doubt in my mind this was the perfect way to get my girl up and going to school without a problem. Plus, I knew it would give her something to look forward to during the day.
Mondays are my errands day. While I was out running around from place to place, somehow my tired Monday mommy brain forgot what I’d told Katie just a few hours earlier. I absent-mindedly forgot my promise! How could I? Here I was just doing my Monday routine and not thinking a thing about it as I buzzed into the dry cleaners, the craft store for Halloween supplies, and then the grocery store. Before heading home, I slipped into Petco to pick-up the cat food and fish supplies on my to-do list. I walked into the store with my cart and started pushing it down the isles. As soon as I saw all the pet Halloween costumes, it hit me like a bolt of lightening and this dialog flooded my mind: “LISA! You told Katie that she could come to the pet store after school. Look at all the animals. Pick something special out for Spooky and Buddy. Maybe a little Halloween treat.” I immediately turned around. Parked my cart and left the store. Buying nothing. I had to keep my promise! And that I did!
As soon as Katie got out of school, I picked her up in our usual spot. She hopped in the car with a smile on her face. She had a great day! With such a cheerful attitude and demeanor, I told her that we needed to go to Petco to grab those things we’d talked about earlier this morning. She looked at me beaming and said, “You are the best mom ever!”
On our way to the pet store we chit-chatted about her day. I love our conversations. She always has so much to say. I adore hearing what runs through a nine year old’s head. Once we arrived, we headed into Petco hand-in-hand and peeked at all the cute creatures. Creatures that are awaiting their moment of promise. That moment when they will be adopted into loving homes. Most of them, however, were taking an afternoon siesta.
Sidenote, I was so beat Monday morning that when my alarm clock went off, I was like….”What day is it? Tuesday. Ya,Tuesday”. Then I laid my head back on my fluffy pillow, after snoozing my clock, and the fog cleared. That’s when I realized….”WAIT!…..It’s not Tuesday. It’s Monday! Yesterday was Sunday! There was no school yesterday. Yep. Monday it is!” You know when you do this you are exhausted as all get out! And you know, you’ve slept mighty hard.
Anyhow….sorry for the detour….back to the pet shop. We grabbed what we needed and Katie carefully and thoughtfully picked out a new toy for our cat, Spooky, whom she absolutely adores.
Katie has a future with animals. I just know it. I have never known any child or person who loves animals as much as my girl.
She’s young, yet she takes such tender-loving care of them. It’s unreal. Nothing phases her. She cleans out the cat’s stinky litter box. Scrubs her fish, King’s, tank until it’s shiny and sparkly again. She loves giving Buddy treats. I tell you I have a little cat, dog, fish whisperer on my hands.
On our way home from the pet store, we reviewed all the animals and pets we’ve had through the years. Frogs and fish. Snakes and lizards. Bunnies and hamsters. Cats and dogs. And even a hermit crab who lived inside a fancy shell. Growing up I had two pets. A darling bunny, Lucky, who lived an astonishing 18 years and bird named, Cesar, who said, “Pretty bird”, non-stop. That’s it. As a result, it’s heartwarming as a parent to watch the joy and satisfaction which comes with having family pets. Pets who ultimately become your children’s best friends. My children love cuddling with our feline and playing all sorts of games with her.
And they absolutely adore heading outside to play ball with Buddy.
It’s his favorite game. Pets provide hours of endless entertainment and companionship. Yes, pets can be a lot of work, but in the end the rewards make it more than worth it!
I love sitting on the sidelines of our family room and watching both Eric and Katie playing spiritedly with Spooky. They love teasing her with her new feather toy which resembles a bird. As they watched her pounce and jump at the feathered toy, my home was filled with laughter and excitement. Exclamations of, “See how high she can jump!” Watching Spooky play this game is like watching a well-choreographed wild cat show you’d see at a zoo. During that fun moment, Katie sat behind me on the couch and said, “My cheeks hurt from smiling!” Music to my mommy ears. My children are happy. And sometimes extreme happiness can make your face ache. I like that. A lot.
I’m thankful that a day which initially started out a little bumpy….me thinking it was Tuesday and one where no one felt like getting up and heading to school after a weekend of family fun, we were able to turn it around and find joy in the littlest of things.
And all the while, smiling so hard our faces hurt!
Last, I want to sincerely Thank each and every one of you for putting a huge smile on my face. For reading The Wheels on the Bus and sharing with me your deepest love and support. I appreciate all the thoughtful, sweet comments. They lift me up and give me strength. I look forward to going back and reading through them again and again!
Finally, one of my most favorite shows growing up was “Smile, You’re on Candid Camera”. I loved the pranks. And seeing people’s cheerful reactions. So smile, everyone. It’ll make you feel good. And more importantly, you never know who’s day you’ll brighten. A smile is a powerful gift. Share the love.
As a way of thanking each of you for your readership, love, support and kindness and a fun way to kick off my most favorite time of year, I am going to have a GIVEAWAY! Please stay tuned for that! It will be good. I promise. And it will make you smile.
Happy Tuesday y’all.
Happy y’all.
Happy.
Smile.
Smile.
Smile.
