"You Look Like a Mom"

Most people hate Mondays. But for me, Mondays are one of my favorite times. Not getting up or going to school--I dislike those as much as anyone. My favorite part happens after the school day has ended. Now that speech has ended, I get 2 hours to be child-less. I head off to the Y for a great work-out (2 miles this Monday!) and off to Fareway for some groceries. Now, to some people, grocery shopping is just another mindless chore that must be done to keep a household running. But for me, it is a way for my need to plan to be fulfilled. I love to decide what we are having for a week and go to the store on a mission: knowing exactly what I'm there to buy. I get satisfaction from crossing off a menu item from my list, knowing that my plan worked.

But to back up in the story a little, I distinctly remember the feeling I had while running at the Y. I felt free without the kids and the thought crossed my mind that I might even look like a young, single woman. Now Chris, don't worry, I wasn't trying to pick up guys at the Y. But I think every married mom wonders if people can tell that they are married or that they are a mom. Well, at least, I do. I don't ever get sick of the look of surprise people give me when they hear that I have not only two kids, but a six year old. So as I was leaving the Y in my workout clothes and black Nike headband, I felt that I definitely didn't fit the "mom" look at that moment.

I guess I was wrong. I was somewhere between the pasta aisle and the detergent aisle when a man approached me. He seemed troubled and very out of place. He looks at me for a second before saying, "You look like a mom to me. Tell me, what band-aid sticks the best?"

Before I answered his question, I took a minute to think about this. What made me look like a mom at that moment? I've already describe to you what I was wearing, so I quickly ruled out my wardrobe. I checked my cart for pull-ups or fruit snacks that would have been dead giveaways for my mom status. The only thing that was out of place with the health foods and Chris's pop was Captain Crunch Crunch Berries, but let's face it, Chris and I eat those more than the girls do.

So, what gave away my "Momness"? What told that guy that "hey, that 24 year old looks motherly"? I'm still debating this question. I feel that I've struggled for the last six years with being the youngest mom at all the school meetings, being called Lexi's 'sister' while trick-or-treating, and always getting the "she's too young for those to be her kids" looks. But this experience definitely made up for some of those. Today, I was called mom by a total stranger...and it was strangely pleasant. I handed him a box of band-aids (Mom approved) and continued on my way.

All-State Speech!

I do plan on making this blog mostly about my family and our experiences. But, just this once, I want to 'brag' about my students and their accomplishments. As most of you know, I am the competitive speech coach at ADM. Over the last few months, we been attending competitions landing us at all-state last Saturday.

For those non-speech people, all-state is like going to state in any sport--but it's suppose to be a festival, not a competition. But, of course, they offer a critic's choice award for the 1 group in each category that catches the judge's eye. That, in itself, turns the festival into a competition. ADM was competing against schools like WDM Valley and Spencer, who practically have teams larger than our school. The odds were not in our favor.





But, on Saturday, David overtook Goliath. Our small 8 person team took home the critic's choice award. Our script about school bullying moved not only myself, but the judge to tears. It was the strongest performance I have every seen from them and I'm still not quite sure what provoked the change. Was it the all-state atmosphere? Was it the article about gay teen suicide I had them read before performing? Was it enticing them with Hickory Park? Who knows. What I do know is that my students put their hearts into that piece and helped bring home the award.

As I'm still coming down off of cloud 9, I find myself replaying the moment they said "ADM-Adel" in Stephens Auditorium and running past heart-broken teams to claim my award. But right after being handed the award, it dawns on me: Can I ever top this moment? Will I be able to get my group here next year?

In the end, I've realized that it was great experience for my students and myself. I am a proud coach of these kids and the season we had.

After we won the award, one of my students approached me with this question: "Mrs. Seidl, compared to the birth of your children, where does this rank?"

Pretty damn close.

Brenna enters the Terrible 3s (early)!

This week, we have seen a huge transformation in 21/2 year old Brenna. Everyone who knows Brenna would say that she is the most easy going child. NOT ANYMORE! We were spoiled with a child that slept in her own bed every night and laughed instead of throwing tantrums. Now, as she struggles with her independence, it is safe to say that the rest of the family is struggling to deal with it. Chris especially-- he told me that he doesn't remember Lexi going through this stage and he's glad he doesn't.
"Too much Drama!" Chris exclaims this at least once a night. Please let this phase pass before golf season arrives or I may lose my husband for the summer.
If Bren gets told no, she cries and throws herself on the ground. If Bren gets told later, she cries until later arrives. If Bren gets told yes, she cries because she now wants something else. Bren, if you happen to read this someday, know that we are patiently (as patient as we can be) counting down the days until this phase passes!