Merridith, I hear ya. Been there. Good for you, your priorities are in the right place. The kids grow and are on their own so quickly. I'm afraid it dosen't get any easier as we age though. Just when you think it is getting eaiser circumstances change and here...stressed more than ever. As hard as it is for you at times, hang in there, and hold on to your instincs because afterall you are lucky, plus you are what we adspire to be. Thanks Merridith...Enos-Ryan

I think all moms do those kinds of crazy things! I can't count the times I had to show up at Mommy/kid events at school in uniform! Talk about standing out in full-on camouflage and combat boots, looking nothing like the other mommies! But, I got there and that is what counted!

Hi Meredith am laughing crazy while typing.
This is typical Meredith do'nt stop at nothing to do what you want.
The best side of this story is that you show everyone who will read this blog that you have your priority set and you can do it no matter what. It's an example for them.
Richard must have said your nuts but I am sure he loves you more for that and that's why your relationship with is so strong.
As for Ben he may have been riddled a bit from his team mates I can hear is answer that's my mom and she wo'nt stop at nothing to come to my game.

You know something he was very proud of you showing up like this. You showed him that family comes first.

I love this blog and keep us enjoying
your family funny activities.

Your truly JC the french man.

P.S. check your emails I sent you one
about perfection.

Aw, Meredith, you always make me smile! Thank YOU. :o))

I think being a mom is a juggling act for all of us. Working moms juggle work in the mix and stay-at-home moms just find other things to throw into the juggling act. As a work-from-home mom myself I think each title we add in front of "mom" adds a unique set of challenges but most of us wouldn't have it any other way. Congrats to Ben on the soccer victory!

Meredith! Are you superwoman too? That is awesome that you showed some physical fitness to get to your son's game. Your son deserves it. If you got to wake up early to do the Today show and everything else, what more important things is there than your family. Good job. I love soccer too. I grew up in Brazil and speak Portuguese. Que falar portugues?

Oh Meredith! You're just the best mom! Your children are so lucky to have you! I can just picture you leaping over that fence! LOL!!!

Oh! I do have a question! How come you or Matt do not finish out The Today Show? I know Natalie, Al and Ann usually close out the show, which is fine. However, I just find it odd that you and Matt just suddenly disappear. Hahahaha! You don't say "Good-bye!", "See you tomorrow", or "Take a little time to enjoy the view!" (Just kidding on that last one! Hehehe! I think it would be nice to let the viewer know you or Matt will be gone for the rest of the day. :) Just a thought! :)

Keep up the GREAT work!!!

BRAVO! I'd do anything for my boys too!

Sounds like you should have accessorized with a Super-Mom! cape :) and isn't it just like a coach to watch you leap the fence to be at the game and then calmly tell you "you can't stand here with the team"? lol you'd think they'd appreciate such dedication a little bit more!

i love your postings Meridith. I was laughing picturing you doing this. The mental imagine is great!! You are a joy to watch and especially to read your blogs. The entire year will be the last of everything. Enjoy each one. I was there and it goes fast.

Meredith, you're a hoot! LOL!
As they would say in soccer, "great save!"

Joe

Meredith, it doesn't matter what you're wearing on the outside--a suit, stilettos, jeans, pajamas, or a polka dot poodle skirt...it's what you're wearing on the inside that really matters. In that case, your heart must be wearing the comfiest pair of jeans ever and the softest T-shirt on the planet (that's your favorite outfit, right?) All that matters is who you are inside, and you, Meredith, are a wonderful person and an even better mom. We don't care what you look like on the outside...we fell in love with the woman you are on the inside. Just keep being yourself, and don't ever change the clothes on your heart.

i really enjoy reading your blog. your so natural and level headed with the way you put your story. i enjoy your presence in Today and so glad to see you back to where your talent/brain belong.

Great, great blog Meredith! I've done similar things to get to my kids' games, schools, banquets, events - the list goes on! Your "normal" approach to life (and parenting) speaks volumes about the reason you've been so successful communicating with and to the general public -- you ARE the general public :)
Thanks so much for taking time to post your musings. I think you're a riot, and in your next life (or in your spare time - ha!) should write a book!
You're the best!

Did he notice the heels or was it just having his mom there that embarrassed him? Great blog, it is always so nice to have positive working moms that are seeking balance and proving that it can be done!

You're a trooper, Meredith!

Oh, Meredith, I hear you on this! I am a lawyer, and feel like I am always running from the office or court to an activity for my kids in a completely inappropriate outfit, which then gets trashed but which I still have to wear to an evening event!

After wrecking one too many pairs of shoes by trying to walk on the balls of my feet across a soccer field, I decided to leave a pair of slip-on sneaker-type shoes in my trunk. Now, admittedly, this makes me look even worse, as I might have on my outfit from the office or my outfit for a dinner that evening WITH sneakers (which look especially great with black sheer hose), but the great thing about being a mom of our age and juggling all this stuff is you can just say "whatever."

I am sure the leap over the fence was a sight to behold, but "whatever." I am really, truly impressed that you didn't tear your hose. That is a very advanced mom move -- leaping over a fence in heels without tearing hose! The judges say: 10!

My wife is a very busy working mom and there is no fence that is high enough to keep her from our son's football games and our daughter's soccer games. She has told her staff that family comes first. Because of this value, they feel appreciated, which pays off both at home and in the work place.

As they also say in soccer, "great finish!"

so - are those "flashing" shots going to show up on the internet now? ;)

What a great story to share! It's refreshing to know that you are alot like the rest of us out there trying so hard to balance the activities our children are in with our other obligations. Thanks for cheering me up on a day when I am faced with challenging schedules!

Elizabeth Route
Denver, CO

LOL! Boy do I love your blog. What a sight that must have been. No paparazzi yet? Just give it time.....

Boy can I relate-
try being a bartender-have to tap a keg right before it's time to leave to get to your child's game before it is over-keg pressures up , beer spray bath- smells good for every one when you get there.

Meredith, what a sight indeed. I wonder if anyone snapped a picture of that? You are the best and I know that Ben appreciated you making the effort to be there. I think the suggestion of a pair of tennis shoes in the trunk was a good idea. Keep on being a mom first. The years ago ever so quickly! Love you on the Today Show and the Millionaire.

I would like the opportunity to re-live my "mom" years. I never took the opportunity to enjoy my son when he was young because I was too busy trying to please everyone else. Now I live with a lot of regret for things I can't change. I envy the family philosophy that everyone seems to be embracing in the 21st century.

I loved your story about Ben's soccer game. It brought back memories of when my son was inducted into the Honor Society.

I worked as a conference coordinator. This was a demanding job and I loved every aspect of it. However, I was there at the whim of the guests so many times, I ended up working late.

When the date for my son's induction arrived, I was delayed at work but I got to the school just in time. The kids were lined up to go into the auditorium and I squeezed in, found my family who saved a seat for me.

Now I had this key chain that had a little locomotive on it my dad gave me. It had a whistle on it which activated when you pressed the front of the engine.

As I sat down, they dimmed the lights. The speaker approached the podium & asked for quiet. Just then, when everything was totally silent, the train whistle activated. It went on for 2 min as the speaker and everyone waited to start the program. Nothing I could do to silence the thing. Part of a parent's job is to embarass your kids. I did that.

Dear Meredith,
I just wanted to let you know
I think you looked beautiful in your whites pants yesterday. Especially with the coat you were wearing. I definatly think you are fashion forward. If people were more in tune they would know the experts say it all works with todays fashion. You always look great. Keep smiling!

Meredith - I have to say that I love your style. I'm an up-and-coming fashion designer and I look to you often to see styles and trends. You're so classy! and you always look comfortable - which is SO important. I encourage you to look at my site, I design with you in mind! Keep up the great looks!

hi Meredith iam 38 year old single man. and also shy. how can i make new friends where i live but dont talk about myself?

I was your fan on the view. Since you and Star Jones left, the View has not been the same. I'm sure you hve heard about how the ladies seems to be fighting all the time and talking over each other. Anyway, I love your down to earth attitude. You can be playful & at the same time when is time to be serious, you're totally a different person. When I don't have time to watch all of the Today's show in the morning, i tune in for few mins just to see you. I got to say, you hve stepped up in the dressing department since you are on Today's show. I am loving you on that show, keep up the good work.

Meredith - I really enjoy the realness and genuineness that you are. Besides being intelligent, there is a real sense of who you are and you portray yourself as compassionate, knowledgeable and a real hands on person. Your very down to earth and so viewes like me feel they know you and feel your sincerity in every interview you do. I have always been a Today show fan (major fan of Ann Curry's) but now that you have replaced KC, it's a show I can relate to and enjoy all the more.

You have great style, your a great mom and those are qualities that I admire.

I enjoy my mornings with all of you.

Linda

God Bless You Meredith. I guess this story is one of the reasons I became such a fan of yours years ago when you were on The View. You aren't afraid to show your human side and you can laugh at yourself. You aren't ashamed to admit how much you love your kids and husband. I sure wish more celebrities could emulate your example. Thank you for being able to relate to the rest of us working Moms...it makes you that much more dear to us!

That was you?!?!