Antidote for contention, and a little too much optimism

Thank heavens for game time during family home evening. Yesterday from the opening song on, family members took turns being contentious--criticizing, annoying, making snide comments. As soon as we got into a good game of Apples to Apples, however, laughter and silliness smoothed over all the former irritation. It makes a case for skipping the lesson and songs. Speaking of songs, I'd like to register a complaint wherever such things are registered that my children are so averse to singing. In my family of origin, that was one of the funnest parts of FHE--my kids seem to think that I invented singing just to torture them.

Matt and I are running to keep up with the six kids we already have out in the world, as well as the jobs we do to keep them fed and sheltered. Every now and again, I get a feeling of panic. "How are we going to do this?" I asked Matt the other day. "How will it be possible to juggle another ball with all these other balls in the air?" He didn't seem worried. "We'll just teach the balls correct principles, and they'll juggle themselves." Eh . . .

Confession

I slept until 11 this morning. Technically, I first woke up at five and got a couple of kids off to seminary, then returned and got a few more off to elementary school. Eli is the only kid who doesn't require my help at all--he gets himself up, makes breakfast, packs up, and says, "Bye," on his way out. I'm considering him leaving him everything, at my demise.

After all was peaceful in the house, I crashed. Matt had been out of town, and the strain of being Dad and Mom to everyone while simultaneously growing a baby did me in. I slept like the dead until 11:17. I find that after a three hour nap, I have all the energy necessary to whirlwind clean my house, take care of my mini-day care, and also manage my own children efficidently. I think I shall adopt it as a regular part of my day.

Where exactly does a baby fit into this lifestyle?

Yesterday was a blur; today will be more of the same. After grabbing the small people from elementary school, I rushed home to make an early dinner (not to be eaten just yet, keep your hands out of it!) Then I threw everyone in the van to watch Seth's football game. He played! He tackled, he long-snapped, the family was happy. We left in time to go home and eat the waiting dinner, then back in the van again for Noah's pack meeting. A rollicking good time, complete with bucket pyramid relays and elaborate web-making, and an Arrow of Light.

Then home to clean up that dinner (partially done), read to the two smallest people (done), and fall asleep long before Matt got home from a church visit (some people need their beauty rest).

Today we drive fourteen varsity water polo boys to a tournament, pick up Seth from football while simultaneously dropping of Eli for a Scout campout, catch one or two polo games, and attend the temple in between since we'll be so close.

And baby? I guess this time next year, baby will spend much of his life in the car. Poor fellow.