The Kids Are Fine

While Chad and I were in San Diego enjoying bay views, Thai food and ferry rides, Joseph and Elizabeth were hanging out with my mom and her friend Carol.

All of the initial plans for beach days and visiting the Barn were cancelled due to rain. Which meant these two ladies were trapped in a house, in the rain, for three days, with two children.

It sounds like the pitch for some sort of new reality show.

Mom being Mom, shrugged it all off.

"It's fine. Don't worry. It's not like I haven't done it before."

And Carol, a grin playing across her mouth, settled back against the chair.

"You just need to remember, Mom, that Elizabeth has a hard time going to sleep."

"It'll be fine."

"Yes, I know, but I want you to be aware that she can be difficult."

"Honey, I've raised children since I was thirteen years old, I'll be fine."

"I'm not questioning your skills, I'm trying to explain my daughter."

"She and I will be fine." Mom leaned towards Elizabeth to tickle her chin. Elizabeth reared back, clinging to me and burying her face in my neck.

"Maybe we should try a trial run."

"She'll be fine."

In my head, I thought if I had a nickel for every time I heard the word "fine", I'd be rich. Of course, knowing Mom as I do, I kept the thought to myself. She might ground me for sassin'.

I left the kids with Mom and Carol while I ran a few errands. When I returned, the kids were, of course, fine. That night, I tried to explain their routines, their favorite foods, suggestions for fun things to do. And, after every sentence, Mom assured me they'd all be fine.

I couldn't quite explain to her that I knew they'd be fine, but for me to be comfortable leaving them for three days, I had to get it all out. So I buried my desire to ask for a dime - inflation had set in at this point - after every "fine" and continued with my list.

The kids sent us away with hugs and kisses and distractions from Nana. I called from the road a few times and again when we checked in. We skyped each day, waving and blowing kisses while they tried to kiss the computer screen.

And, of course, they were fine.

But somewhere along the way, my mom became Nana.

I certainly don't remember being allowed to eat peanut butter cookies for breakfast.

And I don't recall her making fish sticks and tater tots for dinner.

And I would certainly remember getting toys during a Target run.

And pizza for dinner more than one time in three days? Not something my mom would do.

Let's not even talk about the gummy bears and chocolate cake and ice cream.

We came home to happy, excited children and exhausted ladies. Carol, her nose tucked into a book, said that everything had been fine.

Mom, a smile on her face, said everything had been fine.

And the kids? They were fine too.

So maybe I'll have the two of them come over again some time. I'm thinking Chad and I would love a trip to the Bay Area.

It sounds like a fine idea.

If you want to hear more about the resort Chad and I stayed at, go check out my review at Makes Fun.