The mole hill I climb

SO the children who reside/spend their weekdays at my house are many (7) and messy souls. Yes, I am aware this is the life of kids but usually the mess stays concentrated in a few predictable places. Today however the mess was in every space, stuff spilled (toys) down the stairs, a clubhouse of basically every pillow or couch cushion across my bedroom floor because I told them to find somewhere else for it today after decorations were repeatedly being knocked off the wall, though not my location of choice. I did not have the energy to argue about them stealing my reprieve. Laundry spread about I HAD folded on my bed. The bathrooms, note plural, had clothes strewn about from changing to go swimming, sunscreen spilled on the floor in anticipation for swimming. Papers, toys, cars, blocks and more on every table, coffee table, computer desk and counter. This by far was a minefield of the walking. Chairs were not pushed in causing a obstacle course through out at least 2 rooms. Jackets had fallen off the coat rack, cereal spilled onto the hallway floor, pantry door still open. I see no need to keep going, pretty sure you get the very obvious picture!
Anyone who knows me at all knows I am a bit of a neat freak but I withhold the temptation because there are parameters the messy time is allowed. It would not be fair to harrass these kids for constant order. Creativity requires disordely actions from time to time. Watch me scrapbook. I typically only request picking up of games with pieces that might be lost, or electronic items such as remotes and game systems be replaced correctly. Naptime is my moment of piece, everyone transitions allowing for organization to take place. Babies sleep better and I can focus on not babysitting, or activities but household duties such as dinner, or even take what may be my first shower of the day if I did not run that am.
Swimming/outside for 2 hours helped me to breath a bit easier but then attempting to make lunch was making me tense. Instead of the typically child chosen lunch options I made chicken nuggets for them all except Eva and called it done. They haven't eaten them in forever so it was a worthy cause. I worked longer than they ate and got the kitchen in order, whew. Though thank you AA for walking through my neat pile swept off the floor so I had to repeat.
I sit down here for 5 or so minutes to gather myself in order to prepare for naptime/cleanup ahead at 2. This can be a trying time because the babies typically are pursuing nap avoidance attempts, big kids oblivious to giant boulders distributed throughout the room. I monitor who does what, #3 is really good at appearing busy but doing nothing. Today though I am doing non of that. I am sitting on my tush mustering the energy to motivate them and determine what next.
Suddenly, the big children check the daily schedule (cause ummm it hasn't changed for the entire month of summer). They announce center read time, but today I have no interest in creating a teachable moment. They make no requests of me but simply get out the center bucket of predesigned items and begin to dole out items to each other. They collectively played a educational bingo game, worked on tanagram shapes and more. I listened in amazement that this is really happening. These same people who have bantered and bickered all along the way, the same people who were teary eyed one moment and best friends the next, these same people who make my life and cause me to pull my hair out at the very same time are capable of this. I do believe I hear the angels chorusing Hallelujiah in heaven. I hear ya God, I know your voice. I am so glad I took a moment to pray while sitting outside contemplating my escape. I'm so very glad to know you care about the teeniest of my mental struggles this day and the next.
Now, on to making dinner and getting ready for working at Dispatch tonight. Catch ya'll next time....