Saturdays are no longer free days where I get to lounge around the house doing nothing. Those days have been long gone. However, with two kids in sports and one tiny wild man, Saturdays are anything but free. However, I make the best out of the situation. 

Today Adelyn had a 3 hour practice. It was amazing. She ran around and worked her butt off. She didn’t get discouraged that she didn’t catch every ball. In fact, she tried harder. Which is all I could ask. When it came to batting, she did really well. But there was a moment where I had to hold my tongue. One little girl on the team that does not like my daughter. Adelyn is 6 playing on an 8U team. That means that most of these girls are about to be 9. While Adelyn was switching her glove and mask for her helmet and bat, the rude child said, “Stop trying to be better than me.” 

The amount of self control it took to not pull that ponytail and say leave my child alone was unfathomable. Adelyn has a very kind heart. She tries to make everyone her friend. This little girl has already told Adelyn that she is the worst player on the team. Which she is not by any means. Before I could say or do anything, Adelyn just looks at the girl and walks right past her and onto the field. Instead of giving the girl any attention, she takes a few practice swings and then procedures to crush all ten balls pitched to her. The mean girl didn’t hit one. I could not be more proud of how Adelyn handled the situation. 

Usually the B and my husband join us for the Saturday practices. But today, Markie had a doubleheader and my husband had things to do before the games. So he took the boys to do the errands. That meant I had three hours to myself. Not going to lie, it was a bit strange. I didn’t have social media to doom scroll with. I talked to another mom for a little while and finally I just read my book. It was a blessing to be outside. The day was gorgeous. Sunny blue skies with a light breeze. These were days I prayed for, but when I am teaching, it’s pouring rain on the weekend. 

It was nice to just be. To not have to worry about where to go next. Or if something needed folded or picked up. I can’t remember the last time I just relaxed like that. It made me realize I need to take some time for myself. However, I instantly felt guilty. I need to change this way of thinking. I need to put more value into myself. I tell my friends this all the time, to take a moment for themselves, but I never put my words into practice. I guess I will have to figure out how to do this parent, teacher, wife thing all while still taking care of myself. Because if I am exhausted and burnt out, who is going to be there when I fall apart?