Controlled Chaos

Four summers ago, we made a little leap and purchased our first family boat.  She was not anything fancy.  She certainly was not shiny new.  However, our little Viking ran good and allowed us the opportunity to give it a go boating with four little dudes.  True, we get our fair share of stares as we head out with our crew; however, our kids are at their finest out upon our little vessel. 

Our Viking made the trip up to Silver Lake with us the past two summers.  She proved to be of great value shuttling family members across the lake to the dunes.  She was a good 'ole boat, indeed!  Alas, during our recent trip we found ourselves needing something a little bigger and newer.  We began thinking open bow and dare I say faster?  With that, Eric's search began...

Last Sunday, as a family of six, we made a (wildly loud) eight hour round trip to pick up our new Yamaha Exciter.  We have lovingly named her Controlled Chaos.  Fitting, yes?  Sure enough, we headed out in her the same day! 

Backing her up to head out for the first time...

It did not take long for all of us to quickly fall in love...comfy seats, great storage, easy access in and out, and dare I mention again the speed?!

 

 

The boys have always enjoyed the opportunity to drop anchor and do a little swimming, toss around a ball, and now the ability to JUMP from the platform. 

 

Welcome to the family, Controlled Chaos!  We anticipate an overwhelming amount of family fun with you guiding the way!

Today {7.26.12}

Outside my window... it is cloudy and we are anticipating some storms later today.  We (like so many others) need the rain!  

I am thinking...and remembering a dear friend today on her 32nd birthday.  It feels surreal that this is her 2nd birthday in Heaven.  For the last few days I have been replaying the celebration of her 30th birthday shared between her and I in my head.  I would love the opportunity to sit down this evening with her, a couple of steaks, and a few margaritas.  I miss you and love you, sweet friend!

I am thankful...  for our week long camping trip last week.  I am equally thankful the boys and I survived three nights without Eric.     

In the kitchen... the scent of "Pixie" is filling the air thanks to my Scentsy warmer.   

I am wearing... black fleece capris and a tank top.

I am creating...  a list of "back to school" items still needed.  It will be here before we know it!

I am going... to do some of the "back to school" shopping mentioned above tomorrow night with my Mom.  We are both looking forward to it.

I am reading... Jennifer Weiner's Little Earthquakes.  I am addicted to her books lately. 

I am hoping... to take a nap this afternoon.   

I am looking forward to... Eric's two weeks off beginning tomorrow.  We have some day trips planned and a few house projects to tackle.  Here is to crossing things off our list!

I am learning... that sometimes I just need to say no. 

Around the house... is very clear that four little boys live here.  Enough said. 

I am pondering... where I want to put the two stools I carried out of Papa's upholstery shop yesterday.  He sat upon those stools for endless hours executing (perfect) custom work for his customers.  A little over five months ago he told me I could have them, but bringing them into my own home has been bittersweet.   

A favorite quote for today... "What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us." ~Helen Keller

One of my favorite things... is laying on the couch with Eric while we give "dual" foot rubs. 

A few plans for the rest of the week... grocery shopping, a birthday party for Garrett to attend, a trip to Lowe's, and getting started on our home projects. 

A peek into my day...

 

My dear friend's Mom has a gift for checking in with me just when I need her to.  The other day she shared this with me and it seems very fitting for today. 

Today

Outside my window... the sun is shining and our backyard is freshly mowed.  It is going to be a HOT one today!   

I am thinking...  this summer is going by lightening fast.

I am thankful...  for our two weeks together as a family and that we survived our vacation.  Truthfully, Eric and I could use a vacation from our vacation. 

In the kitchen... I have a clean floor thanks to yesterday's sweeping and mopping. 

I am wearing... black fleece capris and a long sleeved tee.

I am creating... mental notes of things I want to do around the house.  Soon!  Consider yourself warned, Eric!

I am going... to continue my research on pools today.  I think it is time. 

I am reading... Jennifer Weiner's Best Friends Forever and Ellen's Seriously...I'm Kidding.

I am hoping... our upcoming camping trip (minus a few nights with Eric) goes smoothly. 

I am looking forward to... the arrival of my Canon 60d (I hit "Place Order" two days ago...insert squeal).

I am learning... that sometimes it is to be selfish.

Around the house... it is quiet.  Eric is off at work and the little dudes remain sleep.

I am pondering... what Papa is up to in Heaven.  It is a thought that goes through my head often.  Ryder often asks if we can go check on him and I would be lying if I did not admit that I would love the opportunity. 

A favorite quote for today... "If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever."  Winne the Pooh

One of my favorite things... is watching how my boys respond when Eric comes home from work. 

A few plans for the rest of the week... today our mission is to stay cool and get some cleaning done around the house.  We have a great need to get to the grocery store as well.  Tomorrow night is GNO...hello Magic Mike!

A peek into my day...

Pretty certain we will be turning the hose on...

Today 6/22/12

Outside my window... the sun is shining and it is considerably cooler than it has been the past couple of days. 

I am thinking...  about various DIY projects.

I am thankful...  that both Eric and I (along with my parents) witnessed Parker's great hit during last night's baseball game. 

In the kitchen... the dishwasher is running and Mama is making hard boiled eggs. 

I am wearing... fleece pants and one of Eric's t-shirts.

I am creating... nada.

I am going... to need strength for our upcoming car ride to our vaca destination.  It is going to be a doozey.   

I am reading... Jennifer Weiner's Then Came You and Ellen's Seriously...I'm Kidding. 

I am hoping... my flowers survive my absence.  Do me proud, Mom!

I am looking forward to... family time in the coming days.

I am learning... that I have a better green thumb than I originally thought (see above). 

Around the house... everyone is sleeping with the exception of Ryder and I. 

I am pondering... if Ryder will ever sleep in.   

A favorite quote for today... "If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart"

One of my favorite things... is watching Hudson run.  His zest for life is unmatchable. 

A few plans for the rest of the week... our last T-ball game is tomorrow morning.  I am proud of how far my team has come (especially one of my own 'Lil Sluggers, Ryder...he ROCKED first base earlier this week and had NO fits).  Garrett is more than ready to move on to Coach Pitch next season.  Beyond that it is packing and preparing for our trip. 

A peek into my day...

Trying to not nibble this little one's face off.  Seriously, some days it is really hard!

Tuesday Talk

• Last Thursday Garrett and his U6 Purple Soccer Team finished up their fall season.  It was a great season full of enthusiastic players, supportive parents, and an awesome head coach (ahem, and a not too shabby assistant coach via yours truly).  I love watching Garrett run up and down the field!  He is an absolute joy to watch and a player who has come into his own over the last two seasons.     

• It is safe to say everyone in the house misses Daddy (or Addy as Hudson calls him).  The nuclear power plant he works at is shut down for scheduled maintenance.  This translates into many hours spent at work for Daddy.  As an adult I can admit his schedule could be worse (as it has been in past outages); however, the boys are not able to see it that way. 
• This past weekend marked six months since the death of my dear friend and her children.  There is not a day that passes that I do not think of them and feel an overwhelming range of emotions.  As we head into the holidays, I ask that you please pray for the families and friends of these lost loved ones.  This Thursday evening myself and others will be attending a local Take Back the Night Rally and March to call for an end to domestic violence.  Take Back The Night (TBTN) events are held in communities around the world. This year’s event will focus on educating our youth and their families on the affects that domestic violence has on our community and to let them know that help is available. According to TBTN committee chair Corrine Creeden, “The goal of TBTN is to not only raise awareness about violence against women and domestic violence but to empower women and give voice to their collective experience and help them to reclaim their right to be safe and free from violence. This event is about supporting survivors, remembering victims, and emphasizing that domestic violence has no place in our community.”   Information taken from here. 
• The end of Parker's flag football season will be coming to an end this Saturday as all teams play in a single elimination playoff that leads to the Superbowl game.  He, too, has had a great season showing more confidence and knowledge of the game.  I have learned he is one I cannot encourage, yell, or shout at from the sidelines.  I must admit that is hard for me as a former cheerleader, but my words lead to his eyes wandering to the views of the sideline more often than not.  He has a coach and it's not his mama;)  On a side note, I had to laugh when I uploaded the photo below.  Check out his fingers...  
     

• Many days I wonder what we did BH (before Hudson).  His personality is really developing as he nears closer and closer to age 2 (gasp!!!).  He amazes me with his vocabulary and chatters non-stop.  Recently, he has taken to seeking attention from his oldest brother and loves to make everyone laugh.  He is in great need of a haircut, but I cringe at the thought of cutting his blond curls that reach almost mid-back.  I pulled out two hand me down costumes from the basement for him to sport this Halloween.  He pulled off the frog costume exceptionally well at a Halloween party over the weekend...

• It may take you a moment to recognize the little dude below.  Last week the time (finally) came for Ryder to get an honest to goodness little boy's haircut.  His school photos were quickly approaching and frankly it was time to see his big, brown eyes again.  I had the stylist do a similar cut to that of Parker's and the end result was him looking a lot like Parker at age 3.  Ryder, upon looking in the mirror, following said haircut and styling started to cry.  Wail.  Scream.  His new style is quite the change.  Take a look for yourself....
   

Thursday Talk....

Tomorrow night Eric and I are headed to Cedar Point sans kiddos.  It is our first date night since our anniversary in early May.  Sad, I know...

As if on cue, with said plans in place, Garrett began puking last night at 3am.  I cannot help but wonder who will be the next victim of this "back to school" bug; therefore, putting a damper on our plans.

Three weeks into school and Garrett is upset that teachers accidentally refer to him
as Parker from time to time.  I see this being a trend over the years. 

Labor Day weekend brought us our last camping trip of the 2011 season.  I will go on
record as saying that the purchase of a camper has been one of our best purchases.  Hands down.

This weekend brings us Parker's first football game and Garrett's first soccer game
of the fall season.  Go Bears!  Go Purple U6!

Hudson is currently sporting an upper busted lip.  And a lower busted lip.
Two separate incidents.  The youngest of four, he is fearless!

We have less than a month before an outage begins at the power plant.
  So long Daddy as you take on 72 hour work weeks.  We will miss you!

We need to build upon Ryder's mad love with swimming.
Dude has some skills in the water!

I played with some of my new scrappy supplies today.
It felt great to create!

This and That

• Earlier this week marked two months since the death of my dearest friend and her three young children.  In many ways the last 2 months have appeared never ending...an boundless stream of painful and heart wrenching days.  I find myself keeping our calendar full in an attempt to ensure each day passes quickly. In doing so I pray that a strenuous schedule will leave little time for my mind to wander; therefore, a complete break down will not overcome me.  Some days are better than others; however, each day I find myself stricken with grief and most days anger as well.  The tragedy that took place is unbelievable.  Unthinkable.  I keep expecting to one day wake up and realize that the last two months have been nothing more than a nightmare.  As I continue to mourn, I also give thanks for a sincere friendship that now leaves me with beautiful memories.   
• We are busily (see above) marking items off our Summer To-Do list with trips to both Cedar Point and Kalahari last weekend.  My mom gifted our three older boys with Season Passes to Cedar Point for their birthdays; therefore, leaving Eric and I responsible for only our own passes.  The boys had a wonderful time last Saturday evening and we are looking forward to additional trips this season.  Our overnight stay at Kalahari went much better than last years.  Honestly, that says quite a bit considering Ryder began puking three hours into our stay this year.  

• Our T-Ball season is well under way with only two remaining games.  Coaching has been entertaining to say the least (and has tested my patience at times), but I could not be prouder of my team.  Garrett has a mighty fine swing on him and Parker does an excellent job fielding the ball.  Together, they would make one heck of a player! 

• I rarely post photos of myself, but I am sporting a new (5 inches) shorter haircut in the above photos.  Since these photos I have also colored said haircut black.  Oddly enough, in doing so I have a strong desire to start sporting red lipstick!
• After 5+ years of having two (various) kids in diapers at any given time we are down to one little dude in diapers.  To say potty training Ryder has been a breeze is an understatement.  There were no bribes.  No prodding.  No accidents.  No potty seat and/or chair.  As with most things with Ryder PT'ing was on his own terms.  His own way.  Approximately 4 weeks ago he woke up, put on undies himself, and literally that was it.  He has no fears of public restrooms (still debating as to whether that is a good thing) compared to his older brothers at his age.  I am hoping he will train Hudson when the time is right!
• Speaking of Hudson, he is a running, teething, chatty, curly haired bundle of energy.  With all of the boys I have always enjoyed the first summer after they have learned to walk.  An amazing world is at their feet waiting to be explored and I love watching Hudson take it all in.

Summer...Here We Come!

We are oh so close to having all four kiddos home 24/7 for the summer months!  As of last week, Garrett is a proud graduate of preschool.  After a wonderful three day weekend, Parker has four remaining days of first grade this week.  Our summer promises to be filled with T-ball Games, outside home improvement projects, and endless OT for Eric; however, we are more than ready for some FUN as well!

I saw a simple and colorful summer to-do list over on Pinterest and knew the Lindsay family had to make one of their own!  A few weeks ago, as a family, we sat down and shared ideas for our own list.  Together, we are looking forward to checking activites off our list throughout the summer! 

Breaking It Down...Mother's Day

12:15am  I am wrapping up my fifth phone conversation with my own Mom of the day.

3:00am  Middle of the night feeding with Hudson.

4:00am  Early morning wake up with both Ryder and Hudson (clearly they missed the memo that Mommy should get to sleep in on Mother's Day)! 

6:30am  I began to clean up a broken light bulb compliments of Garrett (thankful for no injuries).

6:50am  Eric is home from work and tells me to go lay down till 8am.

8:12am  Before Eric heads to bed himself, 4 of my "boys" (Hudson is back asleep) present me with doughnuts, handmade treasures from school, a HYSTERICAL card that produced a hearty laugh from me, red roses, and a super cute tumbler adorned with colorful pictures and words from the special little dudes in my life.

9:25am  The older three boys and myself make our way into the front yard while sporting our jammies...they ride bikes & scooters while I sip my coffee.

9:50am I hear Hudson on the monitor and drag another little boy outside as well...I am pretty certain an entire bag of Goldfish crackers is consumed during a game of Orange Light/Wheelie (don't ask).

10:25am  I bribe my kiddos with doughnuts to come inside so that I may make Spaghetti for lunch.  As I cook, Parker and I work on Reading activities that will earn him an entrance into the Right to Read Week Carnival the following day.  I draw no less than 12 faces on brown paper bag puppets for Ryder.  Crayons and bits of brown paper find their way into Hudson's mouth.  I continually remind Garrett to lower his voice as Daddy is sleeping. 

11:30am  Via text messages my Sister-in-Law and I arrange for an impromptu Mother's Day BBQ that evening.

11:35am Lunch is served...Ryder EATS!!!  I declare it an awesome day!

11:45am  While we continue to eat, Garrett reminds me that Aunt Dawn and her babies are celebrating Mother's Day in heaven.  Parker comments he wishes he could hug Aunt Dawn's mommy today as he is sure it is a sad for her.  I agree and find myself thinking how BIG their hearts are.  Whew...I am doing something right!

12:15pm  Naps for Ryder and Hudson.  I break my own rule of no laundry on Mother's Day and throw in a load of towels.  The older two boys are now properly clothed and back outside riding bikes.  Their laughter brings a smile to my face.

12:50pm  Time to clean up the disaster from lunch, make a few phone calls, shower, and put together a few dishes for tonight's gathering.  I kick myself for not getting to the greenhouse yesterday (as planned) for Mother's Day gifts.  The afternoon rain got the best of me and my spirits.  I am certain the special Moms in our lives will understand and gladly accept their gifts later this week.

2:15pm  I apply another coat of spray paint to a project I am working on for Ryder's birthday party next week.  Three years ago we hosted a Mother's Day BBQ the day before we welcomed Ryder into the world.  I am reminded of our spread that day and my mouth begins to water for grilled cabbage.  Hmmmmm....


2:30pm  I break my laundry rule (again) and put another load of laundry into the washer upon putting the towels in the dryer.  I spot Hudson hiding in the corner, pooping in his diaper, and laugh.

2:50pm  I glance out my front window and spot a neighboring mom.  While sitting in a lawn chair she reads a book.  Her husband is mowing the lawn and her two daughters work busily in the yard as well.  She looks relaxed.  I briefly wonder if a future Mother's Day will provide a similar scenario for myself (sans daughters and insert four boys).  I catch a glimpse of Hudson as he flies by me.  Crusty nose.  Drool covered shirt.  Minus one sock.  Mess of blond curls atop his head.  Relaxation?  No thanks.  I will take two more of him please!

3:00pm  Confession time...that shower I talked of earlier?  Didn't happen.  I quickly hop in...with my two bitties in tow (at times a necessity in this house for safety purposes).  I lather and rinse.  Hudson splashes.  Ryder pretends to put out a fire with the shower hose.  I am questioned by my almost three year old where my pee pee is.  Three sons down to ask that question at age 2'ish...one more to go!

3:17pm  Snack time for all!  The older three boys nosh on string cheese.  Hudson and I share a Fiber One yogurt while sitting on the crumb filled kitchen floor.

****Insert mad dash to get myself and four kids ready, diaper bag packed, and stroller loaded...it is not pretty, folks!****

4:02pm  My four boys and I make our way to my brother's house via foot, bikes, and an overflowing double stroller.  One of us is sporting flip flops that are closer in appearance to slippers (ahem, mama needs flip flops...mental note).  I notice Ryder's shoes are on the wrong feet.  As we make our way down the street we are a cross between a small parade and traveling circus.  Regardless, the sun is shining, we are healthy, and off to see loved ones.  For that I am forever thankful.  We literally stop traffic (twice) with a new, independent, determined, and on the slower side bike rider.

4:19pm  We (safely) arrive at my brother and sister-in-laws.  We, the adults, talk, laugh, and BBQ.  The kiddos ride their bikes 'round and 'round. 

6:10pm  Following dinner, my mom, her husband, Ryder, and I head to the cemetery.  The rest of my clan stays behind with my family.  I place a purple metal flower at my friend's grave site to honor her this Mother's Day.  With Ryder's help, I place one blue and one green pinwheel at the site for each of her sons.  After a small debate, Ryder (reluctantly) agrees to place a pink pinwheel into the ground on her daughter's behalf.  As I stand up, tears flowing down my cheeks, I am reminded that our friendship has changed.  Our dinners out are a thing of the past.  There are no more shopping trips.  Our phone calls and texts back and forth have abruptly ended.  Our friendship has taken on a new meaning.  There are trips to the cemetery, fundraisers to take part in, endless tears, and the fondest of memories.  I know she and her children are in a glorious place, but selfishly I want them back here on earth.

6:45pm  We make our way back to our family gathering.  Hudson is in my sister-in-law's arms, tears streaming down his face.  He was not happy mama left.  After a quick feeding, snuggle, and dessert he appears happy again.

7:13pm  My crew and I make our way home.  My mom offers to help me out by taking Ryder with her on her visit to Grandma Mary's.  It's a no go...he wants to ride his bike home like his older brothers.

7:24 pm  We are less than a block from home and Ryder declares he wants Mimi.  He refuses to budge and kicks his legs wildly as I pick him up.  I am spent; therefore, I cave.  I place a quick call to Mimi who promises to be there shortly.  We stand on the street corner waiting for back up.  Within minutes, Mimi arrives and Ryder's world has been righted.

7:38pm  The older two boys, Hudson, and myself arrive at home.  I decide to forgo baths for the night and let the older boys know they can shower in the morning prior to school.  I wrestle with my overly tired 14 month old to get cleaned up, diaper changed, and PJ's on.  Soon thereafter, he is fast asleep in his crib.

7:51pm  Mimi drops off Ryder (after he cried for Mommy at Grandma Mary's...noticing a pattern).  While we stand in the kitchen, a chaotic fight amongst my older three boys erupts over a new set of plastic golf clubs. 

8:22pm  After our bedtime routine of stories, songs, kisses, and hugs; I tuck the last of my three boys into bed for the night.

8:27pm  I attempt to regain control of my house...dishes are done, towels are folded, my second load of laundry is switched over to the dryer, the bathroom, kitchen, dining room, and living room floors are swept.  I carry the trash out and hang a new hand towel in the bathroom.  Book bags and school clothes are at the ready for the following morning.

9:12pm  I make my way to my room to change into my pj's.  As I remove my bra, two Sweetheart candies fall from it.  At first, I am baffled; however, I quickly remember the exploding bag of candy I had opened earlier in the evening for the boys.  I have to laugh...

9:25pm  With my bootie planted on the couch, feet up, and laptop nestled atop my lap I hear nothing.  Silence.  I am beyond blessed for the four beautiful, sleeping boys that are snuggled in their beds.  While I welcome the calm the late night hours bring and I am reminded how I LIVE for the chaos that is sure to follow in the morning.   

Thursday Thoughts...

• I am 100% over this cold, wet, nasty weather that seems to keep finding it's way back to us.  Next week is Spring Break and this weather is not very Springy!
• After Eric's shift today, he is on his scheduled 7 days off.  We are planning on painting the kitchen this weekend.  I can hardly wait for the change, but the thought of actually painting...ugh!

Here is a peek at what will be going on in our kitchen.  When we moved into our house (almost 8 years ago), the kitchen was the first room we painted.  Ruby Red Lipstick.  The color, along with my Home & Garden Party Apple Pottery pieces made me smile for a number of years.  Now, it is time for a change!  I picked up some fun pieces for my new kitchen during my recent trip to Ikea.  Eeeekk!  I cannot wait for the end result!

• I scheduled Hudson's surgery this week.  April 18th is the big day and (as I already knew going in) he cannot have anything to eat or drink after midnight.  In the upcoming weeks, we have to push ourselves to break him of his nighttime feedings.  I am dreading this...
• Let the chaos of having two children in two different sports begin (again)!  Parker began Spring Flag Football this week and likewise Garrett started Spring Soccer.  In addition, Mommy is now helping out as Assistant Soccer Coach.  With two bitties and Eric's rotating 12hr shifts, I am uncertain how we will make this all work.  However, we WILL make it work.  I keep telling myself one week at a time and remain thankful for our parents living close by.  The next few months are going to be C-R-A-Z-Y busy!
• I (finally) found a photographer whose work I like to take our family photos.  The big day is in June and I am already obsessing over what we should all wear and our outdoor location.  The last time we had professional family photos taken Parker was 4 months old (no joke!!!!).  We have very few family photos.  Period.  Mama is always behind the camera.  I am giddy just thinking about our session in June!
• Ryder's 3rd Birthday will be here before I know it.  I LOVE his Spring birthday (outside party...woohoo!).  Together, Ryder and I have went back and forth...around in circles...here, there, and everywhere in between deciding on a theme.  Choo-Choo trains is the winner and there is NO turning back (ahem, Ryder!).  I have started making decorations (which I swore I was not going to do considering our current schedule) and Ryder is excited about his upcoming party.  Wasn't it just yesterday we were throwing his Melmo Monet?!!! 

Happy Thursday!  Stay warm, readers!!!

'Lil Buddy

This is why I scrapbook...so stories do not go untold. 

I will freely admit that when I first began scrapbooking there was NO journaling on my layouts.  My earlier pages consisted of nothing more than photos and a massive amount of stickers.  Now, when I look at those layouts I sigh.  Not because of my earlier technique (or lack thereof), but because there is no meaning behind my layouts.  My earlier layouts did not tell a story.  My story.  My thoughts.  The story of my kiddos.  Our family.  I began journaling on my layouts about four years ago...perhaps only a few words or at other times an important story that NEEDS to be told.  I have a new appreciation for my layouts now that they include words and I pray that one day my children will thank me for that.

I completed the above layout last week.  I needed to do this layout last week.  For me.  For the young boy in the photo.  For the handsome gentleman standing next to him.  Garrett is standing next to my Papa (my maternal grandfather) in the photo above.  From the day I was born, he has been a strong influence in my life.  Our relationship has always consisted of love, support, and mutual respect.  He and my grandmother are truly one in a million.  I am beyond blessed that they have played a huge role in my childhood and now in my adult life.  My boys have an amazing relationship with them as well.  A relationship that many children do not have with their great-grandparents.  Indeed, we are all blessed!

Currently, my Papa is struggling with his health.  He has for years; however, he is strong.  Both in body and mind.  We have reached the point where surgery or treatment will no longer fix him.  I knew this day was inevitable; however, it saddens me nonetheless.  Thankfully, after a recent hospitalization Papa is now home.  He is doing well and looks wonderful.  Who knows what the coming days and months will bring.  In the meantime, our family will continue to cherish each and every moment spent with Papa.             

(Not So Wordless) Wednesday

This photo CLEARLY shows the true Ryder...off in his own little world doing his own thing.

God love him!

Survival

Today the boys and I are in survival mode.  Pure and simple.

Eric is working 12 hour nights.

Two of the kiddos are sick.  

Hudson is downright miserable.  It pains me to see him so unhappy.

Mommy is running on two hours of sleep.  Can I get coffee via an IV drip, please?!!!

Today, the laundry will wait.

Today, the house will remain in it's current cluttered state.

We may bathe.  We may not.  It depends how much snot is spread on small bodies.

As of now, Hudson is FINALLY resting.  I want to join him.  Badly.  

Alas, the older dudes need lunch.  

*Sigh*