I made my kids cry – bad mummy

Friday morning was a bit crazy in the Household. We were frantically packing for an exciting trip – heading straight from the school gates to the Newcastle Show to spend the night twirling on unlimited rides, eating fairy floss and buying showbags with their cousins.

And then the rain came pelting down and the outing was cancelled. Unfortunately, I’d already told the kids to meet me in the school office at lunchtime so we could get a headstart …

My heart sank at the thought of their little, disappointed faces.

When I trudged into the office, I felt even worse when their little faces lit up with delight to see me.

And then I broke the news. The eldest went all quiet and glassy eyed. The youngest looked like she was going to cry.

They held it together until they got home, then burst into sobbing tears on their beds.

Wow did I feel like a heel. I thought it was no-showbag misery, but Husband was right – it was missing a night with their cousins.

I briefly considered battling through the rain and wind to mend their broken hearts, but I didn’t fancy being on the road in such slippery conditions. Besides, I could feel a cold coming on.

So the youngest – when her tears finally dried – suggested an alternative: “Let’s go to that place with the furniture and the plants!”

Huh?

“You know, the place where we got my broom.”

You mean Bunnings?

“Yes, Bunnings! I love Bunnings!”

The youngest is a strange little creature sometimes.

I suggested we curled up on the couch and watch Frankenweenie instead. Very weird movie.

And then we got pizza delivered.

And then I promised to consider going to Newcastle yesterday, depending on the weather conditions and my illness progression.

They looked a little cheerier after that.

But the bad weather – and my cold – gathered steam yesterday, so I was forced to let them down again.

Oh the guilt!

But they’re getting a whole 11 days with their cousins next month … so I’m trying to put that bloody motherguilt back in its box where it belongs.

Wish I could do the same with my cold – geez I feel like crap this morning. And we’re entertaining this afternoon. Fortunately Husband is on pizza-dough-making duty. All I have to rally for is a batch of peach bellini granita. I might just pop back to bed for a few hours to gather strength …