Mommy of Many Takes a Break

I know it’s been pretty quiet over here for a little while. Let me catch you up!

Last Friday (Halloween) we had company come into town. My brother caught a ride, from Northern California, with 2 of Clay’s long-time friends who were each bringing one of their children down to spend the weekend and to trick-or-treat with our kids. We also had one of the girls’ friends come to stay for a few days. As you can imagine, it was a very full house! On Halloween we decided to check out a carnival that was being put on at USD and then to attend the women’s basketball game. We had a couple of extra friends join us for that. I think that by the time we left our house on Halloween night, that we were a group of 18! We had to take 2 vehicles, even with the 15-passenger van. Everyone had a good time and we ALWAYS enjoy a Lady Toreros game. It could have something to do with the fact that we’ve known one of the players, Amber Sprague, since she was in 8th grade. It’s fun to watch her do something she’s so good at! We stayed for half the game and then gave into the kids’ yearning to go trick-or-treating. Living in military housing means A GAZILLION kiddos at each door on Halloween! It’s looked at as a safe place to bring your kids and the people pour in.

an array of kiddos before the festivities

Max-A Knight in Shining Armour

Gabi-A Cat

Clay and the guys, just before taking the kids to the carnival

After the kids were thoroughly worn-out, we called it a night.

The following morning, I got on a plane and headed out of the mayhem. Now that Clay’s home, we decided it was my turn for a little break. I spent 4 days visiting family and friends in Northern California. I don’t make it up there very often, so it was nice to get a chance to catch up. 5 of my siblings live in that area, as well as my parents. Being away made me realize that a laptop just might be in order!

While I was visiting with family and friends, Clay and the guys had the house in “project” mode. This means that the things I haven’t even thought to think are going to be changed. It also means that “regular house keeping” is a term spoken in a foreign language that no one could possible decipher. When I left, I told the kids to pretend they were camping in their own home. Loosely put, that means, bathing and clothing are optional and to expect top ramen or pizza as the daily menu. I wasn’t far off the mark!

My plane returned me to San Diego at 10:30 pm and I was greeted by a well-groomed husband, carrying roses. Aw! He drove me home to proudly show off all that had been accomplished in my absence. When we arrived he grabbed my bag from the car and we headed to the front door. It was opened to reveal a wealth of clean laundry spilling off of the couch and onto the living room floor. Hey, it was CLEAN laundry and that’s all that should matter! I was led through the kitchen to see the new door on the playroom, as well as the new lighting. I had a hard time focusing on all the newness because there was a crunching sound under my feet as I walked. Cereal, chips, sugar? Yeah, all of the above. Then through the dining room (is that squished avocado on the floor?! What’s all over the table?) and down the hall (why are there so many towels scattered in the hall?) to show off the handy work done on the boys’ door. Then onto our room where a brand-new and secure door had been installed. This means no more shoving the laundry basket in front of the door to guard against uninvited kiddos who ignore closed doors and even locks. I’m pretty sure we have, at least, 2 budding locksmiths!

So, I spent yesterday trying to decide where to start. The avocado on the floor was a pretty good sign that they dining room floor wanted attention. I have 2 weeks until my older kids come home for Thanksgiving and I’m thinking that might, just be enough time!

Back to Doing the Dance!

Have a great day~

This entry was posted on November 6, 2008 at 10:43 am and is filed under children, family life, funny, kids, miltary spouse, mom, sharing, travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.