Gone Fishin'

The beginning of a new month, a new week, new hope on the horizon... ?

Last week S. found out he did not get the job with an investment company he interviewed 3 times with. We were at peace with letting it go and hopeful that something else might be around the corner. ("The corner" being this week.)

He was prepared for a meeting today that could mean big things for some dreams. How fitting to have a significant meeting on the first day of June as we kick off our fifth month of "what the heck are we doing with our lives". We woke up and had coffee & our own quiet time before the kids were up. Over breakfast I tried not to over talk about the building hope in what this month might bring.

As I started on my big to-do list and S. got ready for his meeting, he got a call saying the meeting was cancelled until tomorrow. Normally not a big deal but when you spend five months feeling constantly let down... there comes a point when even 24 hours feels completely overwhelming.

"I'm going fishing. Hudson, want to come fishing?"

The big birthday present for S. this year was a pole & license because he has wanted to take up fishing with Hudson. As Hudson excitedly jumped to...so did everyone else. Everett threw his blanket on the ground, grabbed his "fire boots" and said, "Bye Mommy. Bye Mommy."

What was intended for S. to have a couple hours to clear his head turned into a full on family event. I ditched my list (& the guilt that accompanies throwing a day out the window... I am getting used to this!) We packed a lunch and headed out.
The van wouldn't start.
After a quick prayer & a few tries we got it going and called the mechanic to get it in tomorrow. Determined, we ventured on.
We got to the lake and for whatever reason, the new fishing pole wasn't working properly.

After too much time and frustration, S. put his own pole down and we all fished using Hudson's Toy Story themed fishing pole.

While waiting for her turn, Darla fished with her hands.

(Yes, I can have coffee time anywhere.)

At the end of our morning all 3 kids had removed their pants and were splashing in the cold lake water. It was sprinkling off and on, windy, and not quiet or peaceful. S. and I sat watching without words. I noticed he had a funny smile/smirk/I-could-laugh-cry-or-punch-a-wall look on his face.
"Are you thinking about what a screwed up and yet slightly charming life you have?"
Now he did laugh. "That sums it up perfectly."

*No, we didn't catch anything. But we decided on the drive home that catching a fish would have been in direct contradiction with the rest of our lives. It was fitting and appropriate to come home with three wet children & no fish.