About Heather Camlot
A freelance writer, crafts junkie and mom of two, Heather Camlot is constantly on the lookout for that elusive work-life balance she hears so much about. Read about Heather's never ending search for five minutes to herself while trying to meet deadlines, make the school bus and raise two fantastic children.
As soon as my alarm rang on my cellphone last Wednesday morning, so did the text messages.
Last week, a snowstorm was supposed to wallop Toronto. On the Tuesday preceding, we received letters home from school about how to find out if the buses would be running, if the school would be open. We were prepared.
Animal versus the elements
How inconvenient for the storm to hit the same day as the groundhog was supposed to pop up. I swear there were more news briefs about Wiarton Willie than school-closure updates. As my friend and neighbor Julie texted me with what she wasn’t finding online, I was listening to Radio-Canada for my non-updates. It took a good half-hour before we came to the conclusion that the kids were staying home.
And of course, that’s the day Alexandre decided to wake up before the alarm went off. Julie put it into perspective: “It would be more ironic if Juliana was up.” It’s true. That little one loves to sleep in. She gets that from me, I’m proud to say.
Although the kids had to put up with me working for a couple of hours in the morning, they managed to entertain themselves. Alexandre built an out-of-this-world rocket from things he found in the recycling bin and Juliana played with Play-Dough. She even cleaned up after herself. I’m liking this snow day thing!
Kids in the kitchen
When I finally shut down my computer, the kids wanted to bake. Cookies for Alexandre, muffins for Juliana. They each set up their own little stations at the counter and were set.
During the course of the bake-off, Julie’s daughter called to ask if the kids wanted to go over for a playdate. Alexandre replied, “Not now, we’re making cookies. Maybe later.” Five minutes later, our neighbor across the street called asking if Alexandre wanted to come play with him. Same response. Obviously, no one will get in the way of his chocolate-chip cookies.
The great outdoors
After the goodies came out of the oven, and I emailed Marc asking him to pick up butter and margarine on his way home because we were clean out, it was time to venture outside. Um, where was the snow? Sure, there was some white stuff to shovel, but storm? I don’t think so. Regardless, the kids were ready to play. Julie’s kids came over and together with mine grabbed shovels and got busy. The boys dug out an impressive fort and the girls, after playing in the toy house for a bit, started on their own fort.
Two hours later, I was freezing and politely suggesting we go inside. I lured them in with the promise of chocolate-chip cookie and banana muffins. Thank goodness.
Everything must come to an end
The kids watched a movie for the afternoon, after which Alexandre was forced to practice his words for his spelling test the next day (I know, I know, I’m a terrible mom) and then I headed out for my moms dinner with my neighbors.
I can’t remember the last time I had a snow day, as an adult or a child. I have to say it was fun playing hooky and hanging with the kids. But I’m glad they’re back in school. Too many cookies and muffins are a dangerous thing.
