A Boy Scout

A Boy Scout is supposed to always be prepared. I wasn't ever a Boy Scout, but I am always prepared. I of course blame my mom for over-preparedness because one time we went to a family reunion and all the kids had a water fight soaking ourselves down to the underwear and socks. My mom had remembered to bring us a change of clothes for the day, but forgot the underwear. I had to ride home 2 hours in the car with wet underwear. I could never understand how she could forget something as important as underwear (until I became a mom). Ever since, I have not wanted to be caught without everything I might need so, I over pack for everything!

People actually make fun of me for this trait. But, I am that mom who always has a band aid (actually an entire first aid kit) in my purse. I usually have wipes, chairs, bug spray, sunscreen, blankets, umbrellas and towels in my car for those just-in-case moments. When I go on vacation, I always carry a backpack with supplies for us to take around with us. It makes me feel comfortable to have stuff with me at all times…always expect the unexpected!

Being a over-planner doesn’t stop me even when it comes to getting my kids places. Yesterday, I decided to volunteer for Colin’s field day at school which meant I needed help getting everyone to school in the morning. I planned ahead and arranged to get everyone to where they needed to be so I could volunteer. I had lunches packed, water bottles filled, year-end preschool teacher gifts in backpack, snacks, and coats all ready to go on time. We left the house and began our stops with all the necessary supplies in place…first school, next carpooler’s house, finally preschool driver…oh wait, I forgot her address. I didn’t have her phone number in my phone either! I knew where I was going…we would be fine. Until after 15 minutes of driving up and down the same street, we weren’t fine! Molly kept crying…how could you forget her address Mommy?

Turns out I had to drive Molly to preschool myself and ended up late at field day. I was feeling pretty sorry for myself. How could I have forgotten such an important detail? The over-planner, the perfectionist failed in getting all details in line (it does happen more often than I would like)! As I stood there, getting caught up on my duties for the day, the kids started arriving. Colin’s class was first and he was carrying his backpack. He was the only kid with a backpack. I knew immediately that he brought his backpack so he could be prepared…sure enough, that is exactly what he said to me! Now, even though he isn’t a boy scout, he is starting to act like me! Is that a good thing?

As I thought about this throughout the day, I began to think that maybe it isn’t such a good trait to pass on to my kids. What about just making it work? Isn’t there something to be said for just going with the flow? Then in the afternoon as Molly and I sat in the bleachers watching the afternoon races, she announced she had to go potty NOW! This was the “number 2” look on her face…and not only that but the ”I waited too long to tell you I have to go number 2” face! Biffy was our only option. (Biffy at the junior high athletic field ranks up there with Biffy at baseball tournament on a hot day in July, in case you are wondering). As I got her on the potty, I realized there was NO toilet paper in the Biffy…NONE! Well, never fear…this overly prepared Mom had stuffed tissues in her pocket. Just because one of them had been slightly used…I still saved the day! We took care of business and got out of the Biffy in a jiffy!

So, lesson learned…as I Mom, I forget a lot of details but my Boy Scout side gets us out of some pretty crappy moments and that is NEVER a bad thing!