3 Weeks: Really?

This morning was not how I would have chosen to start it out.  The scaled jumped all over the place before it finally settled on a weight above what I thought it should be. There was no hot water for the shower (only 2 kids got their showers in last night).  Kids were squirmy at church, but that's nothing unusual. I decided to jump in the car after church and meet up with Jon so I could take his afternoon walk with him, vented a bit, and then had to hurry back for my missionary meeting.  I'm now home, in better spirits, and ready to face the rest of the day. And, I stepped on the scale and I was down from this morning's last weight, more consistent with yesterday's and the first weigh in of the morning, so I'm a little happier about that.

Tonight the mutual age kids have a meeting with the bishop.   He does this several times a year.  The youth get together and just ask the bishop anything they might have questions on. So, one more chase, and then we can look forward to a quiet evening.....

Jillian just came in with her toe bleeding. She said the floor smashed it and told me I could go get a Bandaid without her. Guess she was too distraught even to got upstairs and find a Bandaid.

2 Weeks and 6 Days: It all comes down to math

I hardly got any sleep last night. Every time I'd start dozing off I'd hear the kids or the cats or something would happen to get me back up again.  I finally got out of bed around 12:30 to get after Jillian for the last time and sent her to sleep in my room (like that was going to get me a good night's sleep). After chasing after her I was wide awake again and finally started reading, hoping it would put me to sleep. I think it was around 2:00 before I started dozing. Turned off the light, rolled over, and laid there wide awake for another 1/2 hour.  Finally started reading again, dozing, turned out the light and Jillian started crying and kicking me.  All said and done, I think it was 4:30 before I finally turned off the light for the last time.  I don't understand how one can be SO tired, and yet not be able to sleep.

Got up early to take Dani to her "MathMatters" competition. Had to drop her off between 9:15 and 9:45.  We barely made it there and then I had to run over to Jon's mom's to get the kid's piano books they left.  Stopped at Costco to get some noodles, then rushed back to pick up Dani at 10:35.  From there we went across the valley to an awards ceremony at the Salt Lake Community College campus.  We had a really fun visit.  She didn't make the top 10, but she said now she is more ready for next year.  During the ceremony, they had the dean of the Math department give a speech.  He went on for 15 minutes about how math is part of pretty much everything, and continued to give examples: it's in buildings, science, space, technology, statistics, medicine, etc, for 15 minutes.  Everyone was quite patient but at about the 15 minute mark people were starting to squirm and get noisy.  Fortunately he picked up on the clue and quickly ended by saying, "In conclusion, math is in everything we do and see....." yadda yadda.

So now I know, if I can just figure out the mathmatical problem, maybe I'll be able to figure out how to get better sleep, stop chasing everywhere, and maybe keep a clean house.

We got home in time to get lunch fixed before Shawn and Nichole showed up for piano lessons.  I had the kids washing cupboards but somewhere in the mix the kids disappeared and Nichole and I were left washing cupboards.  We actually had a nice visit.  So maybe I've figured out that math problem about getting things clean, invite company over and give them a washrag, kids are not part of the formula.

After piano lessons Nichole and Shawn stayed for a late lunch/early supper of chicken noodle soup and had a nice visit and laughed a bunch watching Julia Childs and Carol Burnett clips on the internet.

It's now late and my house is still a mess, kids need to be bathed, and I haven't figured out what math formula will motive my kids in that direction. Let me know if you can solve that problem.

2 Weeks and 5 Days?: All quiet on the western front

It's almost too quiet here.  The 2 oldest at school, the 4 younger at grandma's, and not a sound from the shoe elves indicating that they're cleaning up in the kitchen or doing laundry.  Sheesh.

Wish I could get more done at work, but I'm still having issues getting things up and running from my computer exchange recently.  But it's nice not to have more distractions than I already have.

So, it's Friday and I'm not sure what's happening.  I'll be picking up the younger ones soon and maybe we'll have a family night: watch a movie, play some games...  Guess I'll see what they want to do. 

It would be nice to have something else to report.  I could start listing all the things I need to get done over the next few weeks, but I'm sure that would be far from exciting.

For now, guess I'll be looking forward to a nice loud evening at home, once I get the kids.

2 Weeks and 3 and 4 Days: I don't think I'm in Kansas anymore

I think I'm finally getting over this cold.  Still not 100%, but getting better.

Yesterday was SLOW. I spent the day working and it felt more like 12 hours than 8. Actually, I felt that way at about 5 or 6 hours. I called the younger kids to see how they were doing and the girls said they've been watching lots of movies and Jacob said he was "being good". It wasn't a long conversation, but it was nice to chat.   I was granted another reprieve at 4:30 to go visiting teaching and spend the following 2 hours delivering birthday cards from the bishop to people in the ward (just in case you didn't know, I'm a ward missionary now and that's one of our jobs). Got home in time to run Ben and Sam to mutual and still not feeling wonderful, I decided to hit the sack early, where I laid in bed for hours before I finally fell asleep.  I should have been cleaning, but I was afraid I might pass out if I had to move too fast.

So, here I am, day 4 after the cold set in, and I'm doing okay.  I've hardly used a tissue today, although I am conjested.  However, even without the younger one's here my house looks like something after a tornado.  I haven't been able to do anything here since the kids left and it looks like it.  I'm so swamped with work I can't focus on much else, but perhaps tonight I'll convince the 2 older ones that "it's time". Maybe I'll even see if "it's time" to start exercising again too. I haven't done anything while I"ve been sick, but maybe a short walk will tell me how I'm really fairing. Of course, that's after I run Sammy to the orthodontist and run who knows what other errands.

2 Weeks and 2 Days: Another day down

Still under the weather. Not much to report. It's very quiet around here without the younger four.  I'm trying to get some rest and hopefully I'll get over this cold soon.  I feel guilty not exercising or anything but they way I'm feeling it would probably just make me worse.  I've almost forgotten what it feels like to feel good. Can't wait until I'm over this.

2 Weeks and 1 Day: Baby It's Cold Inside

Woke up today with a cold. Guess it finally caught up to me. I'm still able to get around, just don't feel good doing it.

The 2 oldest still have school so got up and got them out the door by 7:30 (The others are off track for the next 3 weeks). I took Jacob for testing with the speech therapist at the school at 9:00 then came back to work. Jon's sister JaNae called and chatted for a while to see how things were going and then Jon's mom came by about 2:00 to get the kids. She only took Jacob and Jillian because Dani and Deanna had play practice from 3:30 until 5:00. After their practice I ran them over to her house. So, it's just me and the two oldest for a few days.

I think I will hit the sack early tonight. Hopefully I can sleep much of this cold off. I can't wait to feel better. Seems I've just been feeling off for over a week now.

2 weeks: I might be seeing a light in that there tunnel

I didn't get to post yesterday, but for some reason it wasn't as quiet as I expected. I woke up around 7:15 but went back to bed around 8:00, really feeling like I needed rest. Next thing I knew it was 11:00, and I was STILL tired. But I had to get going and start getting things cleaned before Shawn came over for piano lessons. We spent the next hour or so straightening up the house, and the rest is sort of a ,,,blurr until after lessons. Kristin and I decided to catch a movie (Sherlock Holmes) and stopped at the store after to shop for Jacob's birthday and get a few groceries. Next thing I knew it was 9:30.

So that was my exciting day Saturday.

Sunday I was up by 7:00 to take Ben to the church. Then it was the morning chaos of getting out the door. Jon called before we left and said they had personal time most all the day and that he was suppose to take a walk for 1 1/2 hours after lunch and invited us out to join him (and for Jacob's Birthday). So, we spent the afternoon going for a walk then went and sat in the pool and hot tub (both nice an warm or hot) and just enjoyed each other's company.

Grandma B's coming over this evening for cake and ice cream and the kids are screaming hunger, so time to go.

Gaye and the gang

1 Week and 5 Days: Rush Hour Homework 2

Can a person drown from too much homework?

We were up by 5:30 to get the science fair posters put together but amazingly we got them done, just. Cut it a little too close. This morning was a bit crazy. Jacob had to get his birthday treats ready (he got himself ready today pretty much all by himself because I was busy with the girls). Deanna, Dani, and Sam had their science fair projects they needed to have done before school. Dani had her math tutoring class at 7:30 too. Ben was packing for his campout this weekend. So, the house was in a hustle and bustle state this morning.

I ended up spending the afternoon chasing errands, returning library books, picking up camping supplies, getting kids, shopping, and the list goes on. I think I was in the car for 5 hours today. Now Ben is off camping, Sam is at a birthday slumber party, and it's just the 4 youngers at home. I think I will try an early night tonight, since I don't think the 3 or 4 hours of sleep I got last night were enough.

1 Week and 4 Days (Jan 21-Thur): Rush Hour Homework

I obviously didn't get to post on the day because I was still up after the day way over. Today (meaning Thursday) was rush rush from the moment I got up. Now it's almost a blur and it's no wonder I'm trying to block it out.

We started out exercising around 6:15. Not much of a workout but I was in a good mood but we were all tired. When we got done Samantha said she had math she didn't get done (she wasn't around much Wed because of school, science projects, and mutual) so I said to grab it and I'd help her. I got in about 1/2 mile on the treadmill by the time she came down. It wasn't that hard, but she wasn't happy and I think it was stressing her out that we were rushing through it when she didin't always understand what was going on. She was in tears by the time the carpool arrived and I'd asked Ben to make her a lunch (which he claims he didn't hear me ask) and asked Deanna to make her a bagel for breakfast (but she couldn't find stuff to put on it). So I threw together a sandwich, ended up yelling at the kids because of all the arguing and justification etc. going on, leaving me feeling pretty bad that the kids went off to school that way.

My day for the younger kid carpool so before I knew it we were out the door for that. Rushed home to get my own homework done (work) until Jillian woke up. Jon's mom showed up around 9:30 or so to take Jillian for the day. That helped, but I'm now behind enough at work, and stressed that I couldn't get the printer installed (need it for these science projects).

Back to pick up Jacob and Deanna at 3:30 and Deanna informed me that they were having a surprise baby shower for her teacher the next day. Lots of warning there. Plus, Jacob's teacher had called earlier to say she was doing a little party for Jacob in class Friday for his birthday. Wanted to know if I was brining treats or if she should bring something. I thought, "no problem, that gives me 2 days"....HA. I lost a day somewhere because it was already Thursday..how did that happen? So, I took the kids straight to the store to get their treats and gifts and rushed back to get Dani from band practice. Dani forgot her science pack at school so I took her back to the school, then we ran over to grandma B's to get Jillian.

Once home, it was science fair project time. Sat down with Dani and later Sammy to work on their project. Once you reach the point of putting things on paper it's much easier, but still a lot of stress. Fortunately Kristin took over dinner prep and Dani and I were off by 7:15 to her Maturation class at the school.

I was stressing all through the Maturation class thinking that we needed to get home and finish homework. Kristin and I helped Deanna finish her experiment testing then Kristin got on the other computer and entered the study results from Sam and Dani's project while I worked with Deanna to finish writing her report. Dani was working on another essay assignment between writing her report and I think I sent the girls to bed before 11:00. I was up until 1:00 proofreading their reports and getting their graphics, pictures, and text ready to print and paste on their poster boards the next morning. When I headed to bed I noticed Ben's light on. Yes, he was still up reading.

If I couldn't only rush to bed

.....To be continued........

1 Week and 3 Days: Where does the time fly? Cause it aint to me.

Today seemed to sail by before I had a chance to do anything about it. Got the kids off to "Dads and Donuts" this morning by 8:00 (had to step in and be the dad there...it's interesting to be there with your kids and realized the room if full of only male parents). I then ran to the store to pick up a brace for Jon and drop it off real quick (apparently it didn't work out). Then ran over to the store to pick up stuff for the kid's science fair projects. Next thing I knew it was pushing 11:00. Where does the day go. Grandma B had called the day before to say she'd take Jillian so I swung by there to drop Jillian off. Jillian said she didn't want to go to Grandma Bs because she, "never gets to spend enough time with mom and dad."

Got home, worked for a while, while trying to fight off the heavy eyelid syndrome. It was horrible. I'm so tired these days. Ran to the school to get Jacob (he had a bloody nose and it took a while to get out of there). Came home to start prep work on the science experiments, picked up the girls from play practice and ran them straight to Activity Days. Took Samantha over to the church where we had the cub scouts participate in a taste test for the science fair, then ran over to the Activity Day girls and did the same there. Straight from there we ran over to get Jillian, got home in time to take Ben and Sam to mutual. Ate dinner, tried to ride the bike, and now it's time for bed. Already.

If it weren't for the fact that I had SO much to do, having the time fly probably wouldn't be so bad. Oh well.

1 week and 2 days: It's been a hard day's night

Dead tired. Got up at 4:00 to make sure Ben was up for his temple run, then up again at 6:30 to get kids off to school. I tried to get to work but just felt so run down that I thought I was on the fence of getting sick. So I decided maybe I ought to go back to bed and seeing if that would help. I slept for like 4 hours. Felt better but I think I could still use more.

Had a slight meltdown after school trying to get science projects going. So, I decided it was best to just put it aside for now. Tomorrow's another day.

No exercise today. I think I need to give myself a rest.

1 week and a day: The thrill of victory and the agony of exhaustion

This morning Ben had to be to the church by 6:00 a.m. to put out flags for the holiday. I decided to make good use of the time and headed over to the gym to get in my last 79 laps at the pool. Amazingly I not only completed the 79 laps, but threw in like 3 more for good measure. Pretty exciting. Although there were 2 guys there swimming with me that do that same workout every day. Someday maybe. It take a long time.

I came home, and as expected, most everyone was still asleep. I got in my last 2 miles on the treadmill then started on the bike when Jon called to give me his good new that he was down this week. Between several interruptions, I finished up my 7 miles on the bike, and decided to go an extra mile and a half, just because.

My hair was still wet from swimming but I tried to do some things around the house and bedroom. I finally gave in and climbed under the covers to warm up with my electric blanket and finished a book I'd started a while back. It was so lovely.

I was too tired today to push the kids to get done what they were suppose to. I got after them several times to finish their chores, but I'm done convince they understand what "finishing" means.

Oh, well. I'm glad it was a holiday. I can use some time off. I just finished the 15 day triathlon and I was suppose to start my 14 day triathlon tomorrow, but I may delay it by one day and give myself a chance to rest. I'm feeling a bit run down right now.

Day 7: Sunday, a day or rest

I can't say exactly way, but today I'm just beat. From the moment I got up this morning I have been tired. Half the time at church all I could think of was going home and taking a nap. When I got home and finally was able to lay down, I got a call that I had a missionary meeting at 2:30. That only gave me about 45 minutes. Could I sneak a nap in there? I read for a while, and started to doze, but I didn't get much more than a cap nap, if that before I was up and off again.

Today I am just physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. My hope is to get to bed early tonight. In fact, I think I'm going to sign off now so I can start moving in that direction.

Day 6: I think, just maybe, that I am dead

Ben had a presidency breakfast meeting at 8:00 this morning, and the pool didn't open until 8:00 so I decided to set my alarm for 7:30, just in case I slept too long. I really thought I'd be up before then, but you never know. So, I woke up this morning and noticed it was starting to get light out. As I figured, I did wake up before the alarm, by about 20 seconds. Had to chuckle at that one. Guess I must have been dead tired (p.s.-Jillian climbed in bed with me last night so it's not like I slept through the night. Had to keep shoving her over so she wasn't under/over me.)

Took Ben over to the church and headed to the pool. When I got there they told me there was a swim meet at 9:30 but they would leave one lane open for guests. I thought maybe I'd just get in as many laps as possible until the meet started, but after my first lap the place started filling up with kids practicing for the meet. I figured I was not going to get out of the pool after one lap so kept going. Unfortunately, I haven't done any of the swimming I need to complete my triathlon by Monday, so I had 80 laps I needed to complete. By the time the meet started, I figured I'd already made a fool of myself swimming with all these well trained swimmers and figured the odds of me coming back were going to be harder than making myself continue to swim during the meet in front of all those people. It wasn't until I was almost done that other swimmers got in the lane with me, and not until the last 2 laps that one guy behind me caught up to me, tagging my feet. I decided it best to let him pass and did what I could to finish my lap before someone else was on my toes, literally.

Ran to the store to exchange something, but was quickly overwhelmed with the thought of having to look for a replacement, so I got store credit and headed home.

Upon arriving home I gathered the kids and we did our family exercise (Ben and Samantha are working on for Scouts and Young Women's goals). Then I put in another 7.5 miles on the bike, and 2 miles on the treadmill.

Shawn just showed up to give the kids piano lessons and Melissa should be here in an hour or so to give me a massage....I think I deserve it. I just hope she doesn't mind working on a corpse (and that she doesn't kill me more). I'm so tired and sore from the long work week and exercise. But other than cleaning the house, the rest of the day is mine. Mine, mine, mine, mine, mine.....

Okay, I have 6 kids, so nothing is ever mine. But it's nice to relish in the thought for a few moments now and again.

I'm now going to stumble off to do my house chore and try to wipe the fog from my eyes.

Day 5: A bit of a lazy day...sort of

First, I decided that I didn't need to get up at 4:30 today, so not only did I sleep in, but I decided to let the kids sleep in a little too. Maybe that wasn't the best idea, but we did okay. We were up by 7:00 and running a little slow. Ben and Sam had late day today, so I just needed to get the younger one's out the door by 8:15. Of course Jacob had his spelling test today so we tried to run through his words real quick. Realized a bit late that these words were more challenging than usual and he probably could have used a little more study time. I also forgotten Dani had to be to school by 7:30 because she's going to be in a math competition in a few weeks and they had a study group this morning, so I ran her over there right after family scripture and prayer (maybe only 5 minutes late).

After I got the young ones off, I started on the treadmill for 1.25 miles, then moved to the bike for I think 7.5 miles. Why is it I only "think" 7.5 miles? Because about half way through Ben came downstairs to have me sign a paper before he ran out for his carpool and he managed to reset all my buttons on the bike. So, I'm not positive how far I'd really gotten at that point, but I'm pretty sure it was about half way. I went another 4 miles for good measure, then finished up the last 3 laps (.75 miles) on the treadmill. Yeah, I got all my exercise in today and all before 10:30 in the morning. Amazing.

Jon called during my exercising and we chatted while I was on the bike. I hope he didn't get the wrong idea with all my heavy breathing. He said he was back in action and was quite pleased to be out exercising again. That's good to hear. He said he was headed out snowshoeing today.

I was really lazy about work today. Didn't start until about 10:30 and finished up by 3:00. I figured I'd already put in 47 hours this week before Friday hit, so the company probably didn't really want to pay overtime just for me to read all the emails I've been ignoring this week while I was trying to meet my deadline.

Got several calls today. Someone in the ward called to ask for something and to see how I was doing, Janette called to chat, and Jon called again to tell me how the snowshoeing went. It was quite nice. It's really nice to see the support we're getting for this. The younger kids are off track soon and I've had offers this week from grandma B and the Jeffrey family to take the kids for a while during that time. Wow, what will I do with all the quiet?

Shawn (Nichole's new hubby) called to confirm piano lessons for the 4 older kids. We had talked about this with him a few months ago and when he called I was surprised the time was already here. He'll come out here on Saturdays, which saves me time and travel.

Drove Dani over to her friend's house to stay for the night, and Sammy's at the neighbors for the night. The evening's not over yet, and I've got 4 kids left at home still....any takers????

Well, time to start thinking about heading to bed. Love to all, and enjoy the long weekend!
Gaye

Day 4: Someone told me it's all happening at the zoo

I do believe it, I do believe it's true... if my house counts as the zoo.

Well, I made it. I managed to complete the first of my work deadlines. Not that I'm done. Oh no. But this was a BIG deadline worth lots of money, and at least I have about 3 more weeks before just the draft of another project is due. For now, I can handle that.

Last I checked, the kids were still alive. I think. Actually, I don't know where the three oldest are right now. I know Samantha had an Arts Night at the school, but I don't remember if she said she was staying after, and she didn't tell me the time, so I don't know when to go. Ben usually stays with her, so I can only imagine that's where they are. I think Dani went to a friend's. Seems to me I recall being asked and I said only if chores and homework were done. Hmmm. Maybe it's time to put on my detective hat and search down some kids.

However, Kristin did pick up Jillian from grandma B's, so at least that child is in place. Apparently she was a bit homesick while she was there. I tried to call last night to say hi but she'd fallen asleep before dinner. I talked to her on the phone today and she was doing one of those cry/laugh things, which told me she wasn't happy but trying to be. It's nice to have her home.

Still haven't gotten exercise in today, but I have hours more than yesterday....(that's what she thinks).

One thing off the plate (work), 2 science projects delayed, and a long weekend to finish them.

I'm feeling pretty good, all things considered. I am woman, hear me roar.

Good night sweetheart, well it's time to go!

Day 3: Is there life out there?

Today wasn't too bad, I suppose. But then again, I wouldn't know because I've been stuck behind this computer since 4:30 this morning and didn't quit until 8:30 this evening. I've sort of let everything go today. Jacob made dinner tonight, chili, and I think Kristin stepped in to make sure he didn't burn the house down or anything. Heaven knows I wouldn't have time for that. Plus, it just might make me cry.

Still haven't gotten my exercise in yet (now that it's nearing 9:00) so I think I'll walk on the tredmill for a little while before I hit the sack. I actually read today that taking a leasure walk before bed might help you sleep better, so here's to wishful thinking. With my luck it will just wake me up and I'll never get to sleep.

Jillian is still at Grandma B's, and I can't get over how quiet it is without her. It's just weird.

Well, I'm signing off. I still got some walking to do.

Day 2: I'm still here, I can feel it in my sore neck muscles

Another day and we're all still alive...

Got up very early this morning to get working (about 4:30). I'm so far behind schedule because my computer crashed last week that as long as I don't think of everything I need to have done by this Friday, the anxiety attacks aren't so bad.

Believe it or not, the FHE from last night did some good. We discussed a plan on how we could make our days go smoother around here and created a schedule. The morning went great. The kids were up and pretty much completely ready by 7:00. At 7:00 we were suppose to start "family time" (this involves scriptures, prayers, and of course eating). By the time we got everyone in the same room at the same time, it was pushing closer to 7:10, but we had breakfast together, family prayer, finished a chapter in the Book of Mormon, and did some socializing ALL before 7:30 when Ben and Sam had to leave. (Plus, the animals were taken care of without me saying anything AND most the beds were made...Jilly was still in bed so I'm not sure how to count that one) It was quite nice. No yelling, no hair pulling, no whinning...and the kids were just as good. This gave the middle kids plenty of time to do whatever until it was time to leave for school at 8:15.

I continued to work like a made woman, choosing not to exercise until later. After a 14.5 hour work day, I called it quits because my shoulders and neck were killling me. Earlier in the day Jon called to say he was sick. He stopped by the house for a few minutes in the afternoon after his doctor appointment (strep) to pick up his boots. His mom took him to the doctor and she picked up Jillian and is planning on keeping her for the night. It was nice and quiet here, but I kept finding myself wondering what Jillian was up to.

The afternoon didn't go as well at the morning because I was too busy staring at a computer screen, so my house is no cleaner, but I didn't hear fighting, and at least some of the kids claimed they got their homework done. This will get better. I'm still praying that the teachers will allow an extension on the science fair projects because they're just not happening. Oh, and I just learned that my Friday deadline was basically moved up to Thursday evening. Nice.

I finally stopped work at 7:00 to watch Biggest Loser. I'm behind 2 days on the bike, so I rode for 22.5 miles on the bike watching the show. By about mile 17 I think my feet and butt went numb, so it wasn't so bad after that. Ben challenge me to double that. I told him if he got all his homework done I would....I'm safe for now.

It's late. I'm tired. And there's a new day just hours away. I'm actually doing okay today. If the kids are as good tomorrow as they were today I might serious consider pulling the "Kids for Sale" ad...Okay, I didn't really do it,..but if it paid well....

Thanks to all for the love and support.
Gaye and the gang

New Year, New Adventure: Day 1

It's the beginning of 2010 and I figure it's a good time to start posting again.

The main reason? Well, I figured that since Jon will be blogging regularly to journal his experience at the fitness ranch, I ought to do the same, only I will journal about my experiences here at home without him.

Day 1
I sent Jon off early this morning after a late night. He (we) was up until after 11:00 or 11:30 packing (and I'm surprized there's anything left in our room with all he took). So after getting to bed WAY too late, we were up WAY too early (somewhere around the 5:00 AM hour). He got all the kids up, said his goodbyes, Jillian sleepily shuffled herself back to bed, and we sent the rest down to exercise while I dropped him off.

We met two trainers, Austin and his wife Eve, when we got there and they were quite pleasant to talk with. I left knowing Jon was in good hands.

As for me, I got home shortly after 7:00 to make sure the kids were ready for school. I ended up helping with a few lunches to move things along, lectured some kids on getting their late work turned in, we had another family prayer, and slowly children started disappearing. Now if this all happened quietly, it could have been nice, but nothing happens quietly around this house, so I was entertained with the sound of children and the hustle and bustle of getting out the door for the next hour. (Why is it that no matter how early you get the kids up or how prepared you think you are to start the day, there is ALWAYS drama getting kids out the door? Today Jacob lost track of his backpack and we finally found it in the bathroom....go figure.)

Once they were gone I walked/jogged 3 miles on the treadmill and planned to do 10 miles on the bike, but work called to say my computer arrived. Yes, my other computer died on me last week and instead of sending the replacement to my home, they accidentally sent it to the Sandy office. Fun for me. So, sweaty and all, I jumped in the car to go retrieve my computer. Kristin is still here so she stayed with Jillian. Grandma Brady said she'd take Jillian today but after waking Jillian up to ask if she wanted to go to Grandma B's, without opening her eyes she lazily replied, "No, thanks," and drifted right back off to sleep.

What I thought would be a quick 1 hour trip into the office turned into about 4 or 5. I decided loading all my necessary applications while in the office would be faster, but I didn't realize how long that would still take. But I'm not up and running, which makes me happy, but I'm a bit overwhelmed because I have some major deadlines this week that I MUST get done.

On the way home I stopped at WalMart to get Science Fair poster boards (for the three that are due this week.....which haven't been started...can I cry now). Had some trouble juggling the boards at the checkout so the cash moved them to the side while I purchased the rest of my stuff. It wasn't until I was 5 miles up the road that I realized I'd left the poster boards with the cashier and had to go back and get them. Of course, the kids had called on my way home and I said I'd pick them up on the way home, so I had to go get them first, turn back and go to the store, the head home again. Jacob fell asleep on the way home, and I think Deanna was close. I then tried to encourage the kids to do homework. Not sure how that went. I think I had to remind Jacob about 5 times before he finally finished his spelling page but at least he got it done. I'm not even sure if the other kids had even started homework. I ended up spending another 15 minutes with the older two explaining that a ZERO on an assignment means that are NOT done with their homework. Then Jacob wanted to read but I had to get Dani from play practice, so Kristin took over with the reading.

I'd promised Dani some time out together, so we ran over to the shoe store to buy some moccasins for her play (she's going to be Sacajawea). Then we ran over to the library to get some books for her science fair project. While I was there I decided to check the shelves for a book Deanna has checked out. I've looked EVERYWHERE for it and it's over a month overdue. I figured it was worth a try to see if it got returned but never checked in. I found the book (or should I say books) on the shelf. There were 6 copies: 1 hard and 5 soft covers. I thought it was a soft cover she'd checked out so I left the one copy and took the rest up to the front desk to see if any of them could have been the book she had checked out. No luck. I was about ready to just walk away when I decided to go ahead and grab the hard cover, just in case. Guess what. That was it. She checked the book in and removed all the fines. So now I'm square with the library and I can rest easier at night. (May sound funny, buy Jon knows how I stress about those things).

We picked up pizza on the way home (easy dinner). It was pretty much chaos when I got home. Ben was doing listening logs for his orchestra class so we had to listen to 2 hours of Christmas and orchestra music he found interesting. There was a mess on the table and homework scattered about, so dinner ended up being all of us standing or sitting around the one clear end of the table and eating.

After that we had Family Home Evening (FHE). Perhaps I should rephrase that. I attempted Family Home Evening, but I think what I managed to get out of it was Family Stress and Chaos Evening. The older kids were okay, but the younger ones would not sit still. They laughed and played and wrestled and fought and toss things around to the point that I was about to go crazy. I must confess. At one point I'd lost it when Jacob and Jillian were on to their third fight over something she'd taken from him. Jacob was very emotional tonight and he said, "Mom, I'm having a bad day." I told him I was too but let just be glad it's almost over and hope the rest of it is good.

At this point I decided ending FHE was probably ranking #1 on my list of "good things to do". I then sent kids to brush teeth, say prayers, then spent the next 45 minutes playing kid hockey, shuffling them back to their beds after clever escapes. Of course, when you get a kid from each room sneaking out while you're shoving another back in, it's pretty easy and fun on their part. Had to make the girl's bed again and thought I'd be brilliant and wash my sheets. Now here I sit at 10:00 at night with no sheets yet. What was I thinking?

Well, I'm still alive. My kids are still alive. And my house is still standing (although I think that one might be pretty easy to do since all the junk laying around the house is probably what's keeping it up).

I'm not sure if I'll ever be hip on the one parenting thing. I can definitely see the wisdom of partner and tag team parenting. But we're all excited to see 'Dad' start his new life. I had visions today of a fit and trim man walking back into our home in a few weeks. It should be exciting.

Good luck Jon/Dad!!!