Discover...Sanity

Wow. Today has been long. It is almost 9:30 here in the deep South (that's currently in a deep freeze, just FYI), but it feels like I have been run ragged. To all you full time moms, I again am amazed at you. I need to kiss your mommy godly feet or something. Because today kicked my butt in all kinds of ways.

Again, I am just a part-time, every other weekend step-mom. Yes, I know I have my place in the circle of mommyhood, but it's very small and insignificant, I know. Today, though, I feel as if I've joined the ranks of REAL moms. Today, my friends, we took four children under the age of 10 to Discovery Place in Charlotte, NC. All day.

I had never been to Discovery Place before, but basically it's like a kid's museum. There are a lot of interactive exhibits that teach kids about electromagnetic stuff and science. And then there's the big tank of water with many sea creatures in it that you can pet. There was also a large boa constrictor type snake that the kids could touch (there was a trainer holding it and I still freaked. That whole chimpanzee going berserk thing is still on my mind.). And there was a fun IMAX movie that talked about the Grand Canyon and how it was going dry and we were responsible and we were all going to perish. Or something. I was just trying not to throw up as I was tossed about in a raft on the Colorado River. It's that real, I tell ya. Oh did I mention that we were herding kids under the age of 10 around all day?

There was a Circus exhibit where kids could put on a harness, climb up to about 25 feet and walk a high wire. My step-daughter did that. I was scared to death that the high wire would snap and I would have to explain all of it to her mother. She was fine though. Just cruised right through.

It was on my way home, though, that I had my first mommy panic attack. Chadee was riding with my SIL and future BIL and the rest of the kids in an SUV (oh, did I mention that Chad and I rode separately? Are you feeling less sympathetic towards me now? :) ) and Matt, even though I love him to pieces, is not known for his stupendous driving skills. I watched in horror as we drove down the interstate towards home, my stomach in knots every time Matt changed lanes. At one point, I looked at Chad and asked him "is this what it feels like to be a parent? To worry constantly?" He just looked at me and said simply, "Yes." It was like he knew I was finally getting it. I got it so much that I couldn't take the panic anymore, reclined my seat, and slept the rest of the way home.

My niece's first ever crush joined us on the adventure. Can I just tell you how cute that is? That sweet little boy gave up his whole Saturday doing whatever boyish things there are to do to come and hang out with three little girls. Either he's a future Prince Charming or he's a player in training. My niece was thrilled that he was there AND he brought her a birthday present - some bling jewelry. Yeah, the kid is smart. Oh and he ALSO has a nicer cell phone that me. What is that? Is it wrong to be semi jealous of a 9 year old because his cell phone is cooler?

Well, "Enchanted" is playing in another room. I'm hoping that some of that movie will rub off in my life and I can just call out to my forest friends to come clean my house. Yeah right.