One Time Thing

Last weekend I was over at a "regulars" house (I'm there frequently, and LOVE it). Normally Saturday nights are pretty standard:: popsicles outside, movie, and bed routine. I spend the rest of the time turing on some random show for background noise and digging into homework or a book- waiting for the parents to get home. 

This night, however, was different. The oldest was off to a sleepover down the street, and the youngest had a cold and was off to bed at 7pm. That meant the middle child was left out of a sleepover, and sibling-less for the night. What fun is that? Remember I am super sitter, so it was grand fun, ha! 

We scooped a bowl of ice cream and grabbed a bag of pretzels. She gathered up her pillow and blanket from her bedroom and snuggled up on the sofa. I turned on netflix (something I LOVE about babysitting, I really need to subscribe!) We agreed on "Cheetah Girls" (like I had a choice) and it was started, girl's party! 

She stayed up til almost 10 p.m.- way past her regular bed time. It was against every routine and rule she had ever had, I mean ice cream on the sofa, what a dare devil, ha! What made the night so special is she knew that it was a "one time thing". She didn't expect "Cheetah Girls 2" the following night with a handful of candy in her lap. 

I remember special times like that as a child. Whether it was with a babysitter, family member, or my parents, those "one time things" stick with you. One of my fondest memories is when my two aunts took my to Emericson park for the afternoon. Not only did they take me to the park, but they climbed to the top of the tallest, swirly slide I had ever seen. They placed me in the middle of them, and down all three of us went, train style. We did it over and over again for hours. 

It's moments like a "girl's party" or "slide adventure" that makes you smile, even at my age. But my smile grows wider, knowing that I was apart of yet another "one time thing" moment, starting the cycle all over again. 

until next time...