Where are your Parents?!

Actually, I already know the answer to that question.  They are on their way home from a week of vacationing in the sunshine and on the beach and being waited on hand and foot!  Me, I am here in Ohio in the cold, with their three kids and three dogs.  No one is waiting on me, believe me.  Although, in all honesty the siblings/aunts or uncles have saved me at times by pitching in.

It all sounded like a great idea when I first said yes.  After all, Mini-Me and the Admiral had never had a honeymoon.  Being military, the first time they actually lived together alone, they weren't alone.  Max had already arrived.  I was sure I could do this.  After all, I had been through six pregnancies, seven children, a husband, parents, in-laws, siblings . . .  I am woman - hear me roar?  Turns out I am a little out of practice. 

Day one was a bit of a novelty.  Everything got done, kids were fed and bathed, homework was done and they were in bed by 8:00 pm.  Well, the baby cried a bit, but we survived that.  At 8:15, after a shower, I collapsed on the couch.  Tired, but still smiling.

Days two and three would have tested the patience of Job.  Stitch was on a hunger strike and developing a cold.  The  baby, "Willy" needed at least four clothing changes a day due to diaper incidences.  Max, apparently is the one who is really in charge and she did not hesitate to let me know.  By the morning of day three, I was in tears.  I had forgotten how frustrating the little darlings can be.

By the weekend, things were actually looking up.  Stitch had ended his hunger strike, Max was cooperating and helpful and was really excited about how well she was behaving at school.  There were still some snafus, but nothing that reduced me to a screaming, crying hysterical nutjob.  Oh sure, Willy was still pooping out everything that we put in him multiple times a day, the dogs had stopped declaring my home as theirs.  Feeding time for the animals was actually a controlled zoo feeding.  Six of the seven actually sat and waited for their food bowls!  The big one ate outside!  Rumor has it that he urinates in the food of the smaller dogs.  I decided not to test that rumor.  He ate alone!

By Sunday night, after Mini-Me had been calling EVERY SINGLE NIGHT, I think I finally started sounding rational on the phone.  As I looked back on the week, the messes were all cleaned up, food was eaten, I will get over the shattered antique lamp.  No one was hurt.  No one died. 

The good news --- I still got it!  It took a few days, but I can still handle it!  Thank God for prayers and sleep.  I definitely needed and used both!  I can actually say that today I am smiling and counting the blessings of this whole crazy family, grandchildren and all.  I hope you take the time to thank God this week for all of your blessings.  We can all find them with very little effort.  Think about it - you got up today!  No matter what life brings you, count it as a blessing, even the challenges.  As for me, I think I am going to take a few naps this week in between chores.  Mini-Me and the Admiral are back!  I can pat the kids on the head and send them home.  God bless you this week!