Family Rules

I love my family; obviously more that I love my sanity.

My 10 year old nephew is visiting for the next couple weeks (sans parents).  I love him; he's a doll, and he's sooo my side of the family! Add him to the three 8 years old I already have and insanity ensues.  You see, my nephew is an only child~

My kids have shared everything since conception. They know the art of sharing. They know to enjoy what they have and what they are doing at any said time. They are not picky eaters.  We have a sign in our house that says, "Family Rules". And number 1 is share. If you're an only child sharing is a learned trait, not innate. And though my nephew is capable of sharing, every so often that only child syndrome comes out and he does not want the others touching his stuff. I respect that to an extent, but it's frustrating as I'm also dealing with a picky eater and a child who wants what he wants when he wants it. I'm not saying my children are perfect. There's always room to grow. But the next couple weeks are going to test my patience for sure; and my nephew is going to test our family rules.

But at the end of the day, I love my family, the insanity and all~

All things thunder related.

It's thundering.  And usually I don't like thunder.  But tonight, I'm in a thundering kind of mood so go ahead God, and bowl away!

I felt like working out tonight. I have a lot of pent up frustration.  But the rec center was closed when I got there at 9:00 so I walked the outside path. Only it wasn't a path just for the rec and I ended up exploring a nice neighborhood that I never knew exsisted.  It was very relaxing. And then the thunder started and I really enjoyed walking in the calm before the storm.

I'm drinking coffee as I write this at 10:18 pm.  I should be getting ready for bed, but instead I'm enjoying a cup o' joe.  The thunderstrom will no doubt keep me up anyways so I'm OK with being awake a while longer.  Plus, the idea of everyone be tucked into bed and me enjoying some alone time on the couch sounds wonderful!! So I'll be glad to be kept awake... by the thunder and the caffeine!

Ahhh... it's summer

It's summer here in NE Ohio, though it feels like the spring we didn't get.  I took my kids to the pool today for what was supposed to be a joyous swimming occasion.  However, after enduring swim lessons and staying for only 2 sessions, we headed back home.  It was chilly!! And cloudy!! And that's no good for my suntan, eh, I mean my kids swimming experience.  ;)

However, the day was not a bust. I ended up with an additional 3 kids in my home for a grand total of 6 children ages 8 and under.  And I don't mind it one bit! I couldn't give them the great summer's day at the pool that we all wanted, but I could allow them to bring their pool friends home so they could still have fun. 

I LOVE summer!! I love the last minute playdates that I'm able to provide since I'm home for these 9 weeks.  I LOVE being here when they wake up and I LOVE our relaxing mornings.  I LOVE making lunch for my kids and as a bonus, eating with them.  I LOVE cooking dinner; not a rushed dinner(see previous post bag o'dinner) or a crock pot meal, but a fresh from the oven/off the grill dinner. I just LOVE summer!

So for today, even though the sun isn't shining and it's not 98 degrees, I will enjoy this beautiful summer day... beautiful b/c I'm home with my family and there's nowhere I'd rather be right now.