Two weeks ago, we were the temporary parents/guardians to two additional children, and one dog. It was a fun, crazy, busy week that our children thoroughly enjoyed. Imagine going to bed (on a week night, no less) with a good buddy in the bed next to you. Our kids were in heaven!
Ben and Olivia got to come spend three days with us while their mom had a baby. Cute baby Will needed the love and attention of both parents in the hospital, so we happily invited the big brother and big sis to bunk with us for a few days. It was so fun having built in playmates, 24/7 for my kids...I actually think I got more done with them here. I did learn you have to be more organized when you are a mother of 5, than a mother of 3.
Case in point - their mom went into labor on Tuesday, so they arrived that morning. The day was gorgeous, and the kids were having so much fun playing outside, into the evening, and who was I to spoil that fun? So, I let them stay out until dark, which was about 7:45. At this point, they were stinky, dirty, and worn out, so I figured I'd get them all in bed and bathe them all in the morning. I got the backpacks all ready the night before, with lunches and snacks packed.
I woke up early Wednesday, around 6, to make sure I would be ready for the day before any little ones came calling. As each arose, around 7, I made breakfast and started pointing each toward a shower. Now, everyone had to be out the door at 8:45 because Jackson and Ben had school at 9, Delaney had piano and 9:15 and Olivia had preschool at 9:30. Addie had to get in the shower because that girl cannot hear water running in this house without having to get involved. In fact, my guess is she took 3 separate showers that morning, with 3 separate people.
Right about 8:15 was when the panic started setting in. Showers were over, but then I have 5 heads of hair to do, 5 sets of clothes to locate, 4 children to assist in getting dressed, 5 mouths to make sure were brushed, 5 pairs of shoes and socks to locate. At one point, I was literally running around the house from child to child. We had 3 backpacks and 4 piano books to remember. We're racing, racing, and Jackson is helping as best he can. We're almost out the door, and then I remember...WE HAVE A DOG THIS WEEK! I'm begging Jackson to walk Penny (the dog) while I'm changing water and food for her.
We made it to school on time, piano on time, and preschool on time. I was patting myself on the back, while making the mental note to never again bathe 5 children before school. I know if I had 5 kids, they'd come one at a time, and I'd naturally become more organized, but it was a lesson learned!
With 4 playmates in the house, you can imagine how quiet it was for Addie when everyone was gone to school. This is where Penny comes in. Addie LOVED Penny! Addie has always been stingy with kisses, but not where Penny's concerned! She'd make kissy noises and Penny would always oblige.
What a fun experience it was to have extra friends in the house. We would gladly take Penny, Ben, and Olivia back any time (hint, hint...I know you both read my blog:)). In fact, just last week my kids were deciding the Browns need to go out of town next time for longer, so we get to love on Penny for more time.
