Okay, Lord, just when I was thinking that things couldn’t get too much more frantic what with Linley staying, trouble with Nathan, Caroline up to her eyeballs in disaster not to mention any other number of things, then yesterday afternoon happened. When I turned up at school to find no sign of Madison whatsoever and Emily innocently saying she had no idea where Madison had gone, I immediately assumed the worst – that Tony had turned up and stolen her away. All on account of the fact that I couldn’t get a park within a million miles of the school and had to drag a reluctant, tired, capricious Nathan along so slowly that we were late.
Of course when it turned out that Madison had taken herself off to her mother’s work as she did not want to come to our house again because Emily was mean, I didn’t know whether to be relieved or mortified. I mean it was good that Madison turned up safe and well (with only a score more grey hairs for me) and that Tony was nowhere in sight, but it hardly reflects well on our family – not on me for being late or for not sorting Emily out sooner, nor on Emily for being an uncharitable, spoilt little wretch. Sigh.
Anyway, Emily is officially grounded for the next week – which, for this weekend, means we are all grounded since her having to stay home means so do we. And since grounding is hardly a significant punishment for a seven year old I have also banned television for a week as well. Not only that, she is going to have to withstand several lectures from me – right after I work out what on earth to say to her that is.
It has also raised the question about the appropriateness of Madison coming every day after school – so Jess and I have agreed to take some time to think about this issue and see what is best.
Then I’m having a break. Linley and I have decided to take Caroline out tonight for a catch-up – as long as Logan agrees. This relationship stuff is hard work, Lord, but I pray you would supply all I need in this regard according to your will.
I pray all in the name of Jesus…Amen