The Best Kids in the World

Feb 1,2016
Aurora, MO
Babes' ages- 11,9,8,7,2

I have the best kids in the world. I have always had the best  kids in the world.
Looking at old pictures, blog posts and unsent letters reminds me of my earlier mommy moments and brings back laughter and nostalgic tears...
This morning my babes woke themselves up with their own alarm clocks and were busy combing their own hair, putting on their outfits unassisted, and brushing their teeth in preparation of another school day. I prepared my overnight bag for work and sloshed my coffee in my favorite mug while they made their own individual breakfasts. I yelled out, "I love you guys! Have an awesome day!" and laughed as I was bombarded with four sleepy bodies with arms outstretched for goodbye hugs.
I paused at the door after grabbing my name badge and looked behind me- the livingroom was still tidied and vacuumed. The dog had been fed. The laundry had been washed and folded with no monstrous piles gracing my living room. And I hadn't done any of it.
 There was no chocolate syrup smeared into the white carpet of the UPSTAIRS apartment we were renting with two non-walking babies.
There were no pee soaked blankets to wash because the 1 year old removed his diaper in the middle of the night.
There was no Thomas the Train playing on the TV so I could sit still long enough to nurse the baby.
There were no bubbies to find from under the couch.
...
 My babes are growing up. I trudged out to the car as the wind took away what little breath was left in my emotional lungs.

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July 24, 2008
Las Vegas, NV
Babes' ages-3,2,1, 2 months
"For everything there is a season, a time and place..."
 I keep reminding myself of that...especially when everything needs to be done at one and there is yet ANOTHER catastrophe on the verge.  Like Carolanne (2) helping Thaddaeus (1) to dress up in yogurt, or baby powder...or Isaiah (2 months) about to be on doctor Thaddaeus' examination table...you know, fun toddler stuff!!.

You know, the other day I was trying to figure how much time I actually spend nursing Isaiah and Idecided it is exactly the amount of time required to clean the house. So, I informed Abe that on most days, it is a question of importance- Isaiah's well being OR the house's. He didn't really believe me and still sticks to the "but you are wonder-woman!" glasses he loves to wear. Who am I to dissuade him? Wonder-woman it shall have to be :P
(I do have a really great schedule written up. I just need to actually get on it.)

We have misplaced our mail keyes. Well, actually, the concensus is that Carolanne was on her bandit rampage and threw them away. That is all we can come up with after tearing the house apart for the last week. We are trying to get a new one. That reminds me, I need to call the post office back again today. Aauugghh. I can't imagine how all that mail is fitting in our tiny little box.
Thaddaeus, my short, sweet, happy camper, STILL refuses to walk and makes sure that when we are in public mommy holds HIM instead of Isaiah so everyone knows who had Mommy first.
...
Well, I guess I will end this now and get on with my busy schedule. There are about 10 loads of laundry waiting on me to wash them and all three older babes are cutting various teeth with a whiney vengeance.
 I am going to try half clean house half fed baby today and see how it turns out. ;-)

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Feb 1,2016
Aurora, MO
Babes' ages- 11,9,8,7,2

-My seven year old's tooth was ruthlessly, though accidentally, knocked from his face during a battle to end all battles with his older brother consisting of pillows. And dolls.
-My 8 year old has decided that in order to stand out in this household of mundane brainiacs, he will simply refuse to participate in an activity we all enjoy thoroughly - Reading. Magic tricks are far, far more interesting.
-My nine year old tore her dress completely off at church while swinging outside with friends. Completely off.
-My 11 year old remembered to wear underwear to the Dr's appointment all by himself yesterday. For the first time ever.
-No one has yet mastered the art of unburned microwave popcorn
-My two year old has sooooo many much older example figures, she hasn't even perfected the art of true fit throwing. The lack of visual example has been a plus...

It may seem like a far cry from lining the four little bottoms up for diaper changes before going ANYWHERE, but I guess it really isn't. Its still a crazy circus. I am still a much needed Mommy. And my babes are still the best kids in the world.