Bingo!

  I have to be brutally honest and say that the time when the kids come home from school can be an absolute joy or the absolute bane of my parenting life.  I wouldn't say that more times it is the latter, but at least once per week it is really bad.  Typically, 3 hangry, tired kids converge on the kitchen and the moment they see their rescuer (me) it is like a release valve that lets every single bit of tension and all of the feelings out in the same breath that they demand food.  In a perfect world, I would have a whole spread of their healthiest favorites already laid on the table awaiting their return.  But I am so far from that, I only laugh at the thought.  Maybe some day.  Or maybe not.  Regardless, this makes them coming home one heck of a time.  Our kids have always played very well together, all 4 or every combination you can make of the 4, so I know that is possible.  The question is if they are capable right after school.  On some days, the answer is yes.

   Last week, they all came in to play animal bingo.  We had no where to rush off to and no extra children around.  This day was particularly special because Hannah let them not only come into her room, but sit on her bed!  This is a big deal, people!  We have turned a corner with her in the past couple of weeks.  Figured some things out that have been helping things go smoothly.  I don't know what can grow a person more than having children.  As hard as it is, I am thankful for the growth.

  This sweet girl is going to be 9 in one week.  NINE!  It is impossible and wonderful and so many other things.  I am so proud of her and amazed by her.  In her teacher's words, "she is good at everything, I just want to clone her."  And she wasn't just talking about academics.  Such great social skills.  I am so proud.  She continues to be the persistent and independent girl that we love (and that drives us crazy!).  She is a maker, get-it-done, what's next?, activity-driven girl.  She would have every square inch of her room covered if I let her and still tell me it is too plain.  She asks me what is for dinner before we've eaten breakfast.  But she also will start breakfast for all of the kids, fill up all of their water bottles, get Ava changed for me, and more because she's already finished her chores and gotten ready for the day.  Watch out, world!

  These moments, rare as they seem, are what I imagined parenting to be like.  Not the rushing off to the next thing leaving everything behind a disaster zone, not the demands, and certainly not the bickering (God, help me!!).  I am so thankful for getting to bare witness to this.   You bet I relish every bit of the peaceful play, kind chatter, and endless giggles.  I think they do too.

Happy friday!