Life is grand isn't it?!

At the Zoo before school began

In my house tonight there was blissful chaos. The sounds of individuals who have spent more time away from home than in it filled the air. You know when there is just too much to say to wait for your turn. AFTER carrying in the groceries, starting and finishing a load of wash, loading and turning on dishwasher, #1 taking his shower, preparing the marinade and cutting the chicken for tomorrow's dinner and more I sat on the couch with my crew. I really collapsed on the couch as taking 4 kids to 3 schools, teaching, copying and assisting children,  picking up one of mine, stopping to meet 2 at the bus stop too and waking up the 4th to attend activities I was D O N E done. The great thing about how I have really grown is that there are times I see no humor in the children's antics, BUT there are more times (tonight being one of the later) that I can smile and make a mental note. I attempt to capture for just a millisecond long enough to chronicle this journey here. Let me see if I can rewind for you a sliver.

1- If you sit here and move this pillow (he is surrounded by all the couch pillows) Mommy I will rub your back since I promised you for not making me vacuum. (see how smooth his negotiations are already. I of course move. His massages while short are far better than his dad (shshshsh don't tell him I said that though :) He also adds that when he has a girlfriend he is going to give her one and she will be his for sure. Love it!

I'll Be Back!

2-Chanting several cheers which I cannot begin to remember also explaining that Emily her BFF from school taught them to her for Emily's cheerleading.
3- rearranging his lion pillow pet adding loudly he had to get it from his room because his older brother did TAKE all of the pillows. I try to put my arm around him but he moves up, sideways and all over so I in fact cannot do so. Sensing that I gave up he quickly takes my hand and proceeds to rub it. He simply cannot be upstaged by #1.
4-Tries her best to mimic big sis whom she adores with the vigor of any littlest sibling ever born. Her cheers are part Jesus songs from Joy FM and part Taylor Swift's mean song. It makes me laugh.
2- still cheering unconcerned about her brother trying to tell me the longest story ever
1-annoyed and deep sighing while EVERYONE else in the room keeps doing their thing, knowing he will be accountable to wait his turn regardless of them. (me super proud he is not screaming at them to stop)
3-Now that he has my attention is telling me a story about falling off his bunk bed which I never could clarify if it was the old bed or new bed. He hurt his back and couldn't sit up (jumping up to reenact the injury repeatedly). I am certain the very same idea was said and demonstrated for about 10 min straight.

#1 with his all time fav animal
more than obsession

1- pleads a little more aggressively to others to be quiet
4- Gets louder smiling because ain't nobody gonna tell her what to do
1-goes back to rubbing my neck now an expert on knots explaining where I have them and requesting me to return the favor but moving my hand and "teaching" me about how to find the spot he eventually puts my hand directly on.
Me- questioning in my head who taught him this stuff.... answering myself in sarcasm uh yep I taught you kid so I must know more!
Me-Wondering if in fact I should be concerned because I just had a conversation with myself from both sides
2- makes her finale when I insist she sits down for prayer, no surprise it is by doing the splits

4-shadow style makes a dramatic ending to her dancing by doing the LONGEST cheer/song rambling on and on about nothing then flopping to the ground with a forward roll and her version of the splits
3-never missing a beat completes his stories about his friend Joe at school and how they promised to always be friends (he made that sneaky smile which typically says he is embellishing the details. I choose to let this one go)
1-Enunciates Thank you including his famous hands in the air gesture when a hush does make its way across the room. His story is much like the others about what we shall do when we win the lottery. (see there you confess what you possess has hit home on this dude)

My sidekick, my shadow
my confidant!

We commence praying together and group hug before dispersing to individual rooms.I make my way one by one as I always have and highly recommend this individual conversation time with kids. I lay with the middle two who need the physical touch and affirmation of my words. I make eye contact with #1 as he insists on expanding his lottery plans. Tonight included a master suit which I realized meant suite. Oh and a electronic paradise with all things electronic all the time, plus a play room that never has to be cleaned up, a butler, chef, maid and yard manager were his presents to Daddy and I. Smart son I sure do have! I hug him because he needs to still know he is loved no matter how old. #4 well she negotiated, requested water and potty breaks, sings and does everything short of allow me to leave. I love that little fireball, swift and stealth like as she sneaked back down to her sister when I forgot to lock her door. Her arms tightly wrapped around my neck and her entire body relaxed against my body on our trek to bed. She will always come back home to me, always.
I feel oh so blessed and can't stop laughing at how most of you would go crazy with the extent of such clatter. How we all have a unique calling to fulfill and raise our children if we choose and are given that chance. I hear the words of others in regards to how do I  do it. I know from the tip of my toes to the top of my head that I am walking in God's mercy day by day and more than deserving I am blessed. The dirty glass door, the water drops stained on my mirror and the floor which needs to be mopped can stay today. I took some time to be with my kids, later than normal bedtime and life couldn't be much more perfect.

Well, minus a few friends...that maid, chef and lawn boy LOL hubby at home and being in Heaven with the Father above but whose counting.