Planning for the Unexpected

The unexpected happens to all of us, and as the saying goes, “When it rains, it pours.” Wow, we have been feeling that this week!

So far, we’ve experienced these unplanned things this week:

• I’ve been experiencing extreme Pelvic Girdle Pain and have been wheelchair bound since Sunday
• Hubby planning to work one hour late yesterday turned into a 15 hour day, and there was still work left for the morning
• Water heater was leaking, and we find out it needs to be replaced
• Homeschooling co-op plans possibly have a wrench thrown in it for next year

Of course, this is all on top of physically getting our home ready for a baby who can come any day, and the busiest time of year at the homeschooling co-op with planning for next year’s classes and getting everything ready for the Open House next month.

Right now I am so thankful for the work we put in when life was easy so in some aspects, the kids take care of themselves. Homeschooling has not stopped because mom is laid up and dad is working late, alhamdulilah! Care Bear has really stepped up her game this last week, and she already knew what to do for 90% of things. Here’s what she learned ahead of time that has made this bump in the road a bit easier:

• How to make a good cup of coffee. You know, an awake mom is a happy mom.
• Wash the dishes and put them all away
• Follow a recipe (great way to learn the importance of following fine details!)
• Wash, dry, and fold clothes
• Make her own lesson plan and stick to it
• Manage priorities and time (is it more important to start dinner, or do school work right now?)
• Put her sister down for a nap
• How to make a room look 100% cleaner in 5 minutes or less
• When to take a nap and not feel guilty about it

I’m so proud of my family and how everyone has pulled together while a find a new normal in my limited mobility, but Care Bear has really shined as a blossoming adult, mashaAllah. She has not complained, but rather shown more appreciation for my role in our home as she tries to pick up the pieces. Hubby even suggested getting her flowers because, “She’s probably never received flowers before.” I can only imagine how special that will be for her.

So, while not everyone agrees about the work load that should be given to children, I am extremely happy that Care Bear has had some responsibilities. I can tell she is proud to be such an enormous help through all of this.