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.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, January 15, 2010
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
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
Thursday, January 14, 2010
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!
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!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
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
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
Monday, January 11, 2010
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!!!
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!!!
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