Deep breath

The days are beginning to run together. Sickies have taken over the house and if I have to blow my nose one more time (which I will) I will cut it off (which I probably won't). I can’t think straight, and with everybody grumpy, the days loom large. It is on days like this that I wish I could channel my inner animated character. I wish it was something I could call upon whether after a sleepless night, the five o’clock hour before dinner, or the last hour before bed.

Like all good animated characters I would be slightly over-weight (and perfectly fine with how I looked), have a voice that always sounded musical, my lips would be perpetually in a smile, and my creativity, spontaneity, and humor would be limitless. All my ideas would thrill my children, a song would pop into my head at the most appropriate moments, and I would never have to run to the store for last minute craft supplies, ingredients, or batteries.

Of course, if my inner animated character were to emerge, it would by default cause my children’s to emerge as well. They would find all my ideas to be extraordinary, see the goodness in sharing and willingly clean-up after themselves. There would be no crying at bedtime, no whining about going to the potty, and Leah would be joyful as she tried to steer her hand to her mouth (because she would get it every time). When it was time to come inside, change activities or settle down, everyone would be full of smiles and enthusiasm.

Alas, I still sing in severals keys at once, dinner isn't always planned ahead, Leah cries and Eli whines. And that's my life...most days I love it, a few days take a little more convincing.