$120

Have you ever have one of those moments when you feel like you’ve got it all together?  Moments when everything seems to fall into place and you take a deep breath and own it. . . I’m a rock star.  Maybe it’s in your job or your hobby or motherhood or simply a feeling of contentment with life that brings with it a sense of pride. 

I had one of those on Tuesday.  Charlie had his final soccer game and I was feeling proud that I had both girls fed, dressed in warm clothes, and loaded in the car early.  As we took off for the 40 minute drive to the game I looked at the clock and calculated that we would arrive nearly 15 minutes before the game would begin.  As we made our way through the hills and valleys of the countryside Chanelle and I were giving each other math problems to solve. 

What’s 1 + 1?
Two, I answered.
What’s 2 + 2?
Four.
What’s 3 + 3?
Six

That was about the time I saw the white car pull out behind me.  At first he just followed me, taunting me.  My eyes shifted from the road ahead of me toward the rear view mirror as my heart rate steadily increased.  I silently cursed myself and prayed at the same time. . . that’s when he turned his lights on.

Busted.  My rock star moment lasted all of 15 minutes.

I pulled over and glanced in the backseat at Chanelle who looked like a deer caught in the headlights.  Play it cool, Summer, I told myself.  This is a teachable moment. 

The officer didn’t buy my it’s in my DNA excuse.  (Sidenote:  my Dad once passed a highway patrol (or was it a Sherriff, Dad?) on a two lane highway.  Of course, he was pulled over and the officer was laughing as he approached my Dad’s window.  He made sure my Dad knew that he was the first who had attempted to pass him on a two lane road.  The officer thought my Dad had guts.  After their encounter my Dad had guts and a ticket.)

Yes.  I was born with a lead foot.  Tuesday, it cost me $120 bucks.

After thanking the officer for my ticket (why did I do that?) we drove off and I was able to explain to Chanelle why it is important that we follow rules.  Now, each time we get in the car she reminds me. . . go the speed limit, Mama.  Oh and every few miles she makes sure I haven’t forgotten. . . are you going the speed limit, Mama?
Oh, that moment of having it all together was so nice.  Unfortunately, we arrived about five minutes late for Charlie’s game.  Mother of the year, no?

This didn’t seem to phase him, however.  Dude was on.  The game was played at the high school under the lights which is pretty exciting when you are in first grade. 

The temperatures were frigid and while Charlie didn’t seem to notice, the rest of us did.

Sweaters, coats, hats and all things warm are becoming more the norm these days.  Meadow is not accustomed to all the layers yet.  She’s not sure what to think about them.

I, however, think tucking my wee one into layers just makes her that much cuter.

Either way, she survived and we bid farewell to Charlie’s second season of soccer.  He went home that night with two goals scored and I went home with a speeding ticket.

Eh well.  Life moves on and we are continuing to fill our days with as much soaking in of the outdoors as we can.  I realize our days of enjoying sidewalk chalk and afternoon walks are numbered.  Soon, the cold temperatures will confine us to the warmth of the indoors so any chance we have, you will find us doing a little bit of this. . .

Some of this. . .

And a bit of this. . .

All in all it’s been a good week and I learned an invaluable a $120 lesson:  Slow down and enjoy the ride. . .

Have a great weekend everyone!