There’s something to be said for being born and raised in a place like Buffalo.  The winters are long and relentless. Or so it seems.  I never realized it before, but I actually kind of like it. 

With kids, though, it can be a lot of work. Years ago, when ‘ze bigs’ were ‘ze littles’, I remember coming to my parents’ house in Orchard Park from our house in Cheektowaga.  I’d pack up all our essentials, get everyone bundled up like Randy from A Christmas Story, and we’d pile into our old, boxy, green minivan.   I never batted an eyelash at the 20 minute drive on I-90, even if it was snowing or if there as a chance of snow or ice.  That’s because as Buffalonians we are prepared from a ripe age.  We know how to drive in inclement weather.  We pull up our boots, pull on our hats and gloves, take up our scrapers, and we always remember to turn into the spin and pump the brakes!

In a span of four days we’ve been caught in the rain twice. To tell you the truth, it was kind of fun!

The first time was when we went grocery shopping. The clouds had told me that a storm was coming, and I even took a picture of them. I hoped it would stay clear until our shopping bags were loaded, but my hopes were dashed when we exitted. People were standing around, waiting out the storm, with worried expressions. They waited as if it were acid coming down. Afraid of it. I had a plan.

“Mama, what are we going to do?” Olivia asked.

“We’re gonna be careful and run to the van. Everyone’ll get in, I’ll buckle Davey in, and then load the groceries. Ok? On your marks. Get set. Go!”

The rain was dense and the drops were large. Davey laughed a nervous laugh and I could hear Benny squealing in delight. Mikey took a short-cut (which I wasn’t exactly thrilled with his decision) and Livey exclaimed that Mikey was gone as we were in transit. You could say that Olivia over-reacts. I don’t know where she gets it? Or maybe I do.

By the time I got to the back of the van, to load the groceries, I was soaked. I took my time as I was already soaking wet; there was no use in rushing to get into the van. Rather, I stood there allowing the rain to fall on my face. I watched the water roll down my arms and I strolled across the parking lot to return the buggy. A man, who had raced to his truck with his son, spotted me and laughed.

“No sense in going fast now, eh?” I noted out loud.

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Yesterday we were in the rain again. After service we went to Target. Target is about 20’some miles from our house, so when I get the chance to go, I do! I finally got some Method products for cleaning. I’d been wanting to use them instead of the Greenworks (by Clorox) for a while. I also hadn’t cleaned my stainless steel appliances in weeks because the last time I did my hands broke out in “the rash”. I firmly believe that going green with the cleaning products and soaps is what has helped my hands heal. Thank God it’s not wheat because I really like whole wheat pizzas and sandwiches!

As I pulled into the parking lot drops started to fall. Trying to beat the rain was futile. Soon thunder boomed and big rain started to fall. We tried to wait it out, but it wasn’t happening. I had Mikey unbuckle Davey and we devised a plan. We weren’t parked far from the doors, but by the time we got to them we were soaked. Soaked in our Sunday Best.

There really is something about being caught in the rain; it’s oddly cleansing, so-to-speak.

I don’t ever want to be afraid of getting caught in the rain. I don’t want my children to, either. I want us to let the rain drops fall down on our faces, washing our souls, and freeing our inhibitions. For after the rain, comes the sun…

The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.
—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Today was just beautiful. The sun was shining, the wind wasn’t whipping all blustery like yesterday, and it was a mild temperature.

Davey had a “well check-up” this morning. He weighs 26.8lbs and is 31.75″ long. That’s the 90th percentile for weight and 80th percentile for height. He’s perfect, but we knew that!

After the appointment, we came home, and the kids and I ate lunch while Davey napped. When he woke up, he ate his lunch and then we set off. I decided to make the best of such wonderful weather, and I took them to our favorite park. They played for well over an hour. Davey got in on the fun, too. He loved swinging, and I let him climb-as much as he could-on the little playground. The other three had a ball running, climbing, swinging, playing, and enjoying the sun. At one point, while they played I walked up and down the sidewalk, to get some extra exercise. It was great. These are the things we’d never get to do in Buffalo, and does it ever make a difference. Usually, at this time of year, a bit of seasonal depression sets in. I’ve completely avoided it, and days like today are the reason why.

After that, we went to Old Navy, where we each got a little somethin’-somethin’. The grand total was $39.75 and I saved $39.04. Crazy, huh!?

Tomorrow’s forecast is nice, but with a chance of rain in the afternoon.