We had a playdate with a friend this morning.  We had no plan–we hopped in our cars and drove until we ended up at the beach.  We had nothing prepared for the beach, but we still had a great time.  And after we played, our kids all layed down on our blankets and took naps, like they always do, while we are out galavanting . . . no bed needed.  While our kids napped, my friend Carrie and I sipped our coffee and talked about whatever sprang to mind.  We read magazines, polished our nails and ate little hors d’oeuvres while the waves lapped at our feet.  Then we strung some paper lanterns from tiki poles and stayed until the sun set.  Our kids were happily entertained for the eight hours that we stayed.  No one was cranky.  No one asked for a snack or had to pee.  

That might have been what happened.  Or we might have just gone to the library, tried to have a conversation while our five kids romped around all over–crying, asking to go to the bathroom, asking for snacks, crying for the swings outside of the library.  We may have sacrificed the comfort of sipping on coffee and sitting on a bench while having a meaningful conversation about some of importance.  We then may have tried to eat at Subway for lunch which just may have involved a lot of drama, overstimulation, messes, loud music and both of us trying to talk amidst the chaos.  

One of the two things may have happened.  But I won’t tell you which one.  

Life may not be as easy as some portray their own to be.  But at least I have surrounded myself with people who are in the same place in life–and who I can trust, who I can get along with and who can roll with punches in the craziness of each day.