Monday, June 30, 2008

Inches From Lunacy

Today was a rough day. A. Rough. Day.

Remember that easy-going laid back mom that I was "so good" at portraying lately? Yeah, well, she left today. She packed up her things and hit the road. She was all, "I'm outta here! You're on your own!" And I was all, "Oh come on! Just give them a chance. They are just little kids!" And she was all, "Nope. They are hellions. Destructors. Loonies. I'm outtie!"

The little monsters pushed me over the edge all day. Pretty much nonstop. So much so that I actually started thinking that drinking in the middle of the day might be a good idea. It was either that or me running out of the house waving my hands madly in the air screaming all kinds of obscenities. Neither seemed like a very good idea. Luckily, I was able to maintain some sort of semi-clear head until their nap time.

That's when I started drinking. No. Just kidding. That is when I finished up the rest of my 18 loads of laundry, put the rest of the groceries away, and cleaned up the dishes from lunch. Miraculously the hubby came home early and was smart enough to notice the pursed lips and wide-eyed evil stare. After a few pretty snippy comments from me he said, "Why don't you just go for your run now and get some of that sass out of ya?" So I did. And luckily for my family, it worked.

Of course coming home and seeing Joey and Tommy picking all my flowers and leaves off of my plants didn't really keep me in the greatest mood, but I was certainly able to maintain calm. And I wasn't exactly thrilled that they didn't listen the first 10 times I told them to stop throwing each other off the couch while I was making dinner, but at least I didn't go red-faced loony of them.

But they did eat dinner fairly calmly. The hubby had promised them that if they behaved and ate nicely we would take them to fly their new Spiderman kites down at the lake. So, they managed to eat well, and behave well.

After dinner it was a mad dash to clean up the dishes, change a diaper, get shoes on, and get faces and hands washed while the hubby put the kites together. We only had about an hour before we had to get them back home and ready for bed so we wanted to get moving. The boys were in the car, the kites were assembled, and we were on our way for our first kite flying adventure.

We got to the lake and ran over to the open field. No breeze. Hmm. That makes kite flying a bit more challenging. Still, can't disappoint the little fellas seeing as how they were being so good for the first time that day. Todd and I ran our butts off getting those kites in the air. When we finally did Todd's kite fell apart and my string broke. I guess that is what happens when you buy a $2.00 kite. We worked as quickly and diligently as possible to put them back together. After finally getting them fixed and back up in the air we handed the strings over to the boys.

Tommy held onto his for about a minute and then said, "Can we go to the park instead, 'cause this is boring."
Indeed.

So we hauled in the kites, packed them back into the car, and went to the park to finish up our perfectly loony day.

Yes, it was a crazy day and a crazy month. I'll be glad to start a new day and a new month tomorrow.

50 comments:

Tracy said...

Too funny about him being over the kite flying so quickly. So many times I have a perfect image of how something new will go and then my daughter does something just like that. I guess it goes with the territory of a raising a child. I hope tomorrow goes much better for you.

Oh, I found your blog through Elaine @ The Miss Elaine-ous Life. It is very nice to meet you and your family.

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

Good luck with next month!
I need to take up running, it sounds great for the nerves.

Tiffany said...

This is why I love that I have my escape to work several days a week - But even at that there are definitely days that an adult beverage sounds awful good around lunch time or sometimes around 10:00!

Scrappy said...

"boring"... haha! Kids are so funny. You try so hard to do something new and fun, and what do you get?..."boring"
Happy July to you!

4funboys said...

The great thing about life for moms and little boys alike... is the chance at starting over each and every day.

Especially in the summer, when I get to be with all 4 of them all day long... and I'm not so patient all the time.

I like knowing that I'll have another chance to try again tomorrow... to see if I can possibly communicate the concept of NOT BEING SO LOUD, keep your hands off your brother, shut the back door... and a few other little lessons like that I seem to be repeating.

Yes... starting over is good for the soul.

Anonymous said...

I'm pretty sure that recommending alcohol all around would get me kicked out of some group (and arrested), but it's one idea that sprung to mind. :)

Some days go that way no matter how much you try to keep your cool, and at least it sounds like the end of the day didn't turn out all that bad, even with the abbreviated kite flying.

painted maypole said...

i love todd's suggestion for running your sass out. ;)

some days are just like that, unfortunately. new beginnings are good, though. ;)

RiverPoet said...

I strongly feel that duct tape should be allowed in parenting ;-)

Peace - D

Brittany said...

There have been days I have thought about drinking in the middle of the day, too! I think your day was one of those days where it would have been deemed ok! haha. At least the park worked a little. Thank the LORD for the park!!! haha.

Anonymous said...

Happens to the best of us, but running does help!

dawn klinge said...

I've had some of those crazy days with my kiddos this month as well. I hope today goes much better for you...it can be so tough sometimes.

Laura said...

Mamma said there would be days like that...so glad you could make it through...I hate the days that a cold beer at 930 AM seems like a possible solution to the kiddie-madness!!!

Happy Weekend!

imbeingheldhostage said...

So, after my rant yesterday, I came around to your blog. I wanted to warn you -- I didn't want to slime my bitter diatribe all over your sweet spirit. I read your post (hard to be the heavy) and went away.
This post-- I giggled. (laughing with you, not at you) because I soooo could relate. However, never at anytime did you mention sliding down the kitchen cupboards sobbing "Why? Why?" and we all do that, right? (you don't?)
I loved the voice you chose to do this in to, I'm all "this is great!" and the other me goes, "this lady rocks, she should come to England sometime!"

Kristen said...

Those days are hard. REALLY hard.

Like you said, thank goodness for a new day. I always feel thankful to be able to "check" their day at the door when we lay them down to sleep. Something about knowing that a good 10 hours of sleep is going to make the next day at least a little better! :)

Hope today is full to children who are saying "yes, mommy" all day and watering instead of picking your flowers! :)

Kellan said...

Sorry you had that crappy day- I hope today is lots better.

See you - Kellan

lime said...

i'm glad it ended on a positive note and that your husband was sensitive to the stress you were under. here's to a better july!

Wendy said...

At least the day ended on a good note. Hope today goes better! I have been having those "I've had it up to HERE days" lately, too.

Unknown said...

I really, really want to come over and have coffee or martinis with you.....we are sooooooo much alike! Our posts are sounding more and more the same every day aren't they? :)

Cara said...

I am amazed that your husband notices you need a break and lets you get the "sass" out of you. My husband doesn't seem to notice that the baby is crying and the toddler is attached to my leg while the dinner is buring on the stove. When I get short with him he just say "why are you being so salty"...I may have to take up some running myself.

Melissa said...

I would love to say something that would show I could relate and all that... but I shouldn't complain... I have 1 kid....not 3 and she really isn't that bad. I see moms with 3-4 or 5 kids and I don't know how they do it. I have a hard time with won. But it is nice to have a hubby that can tell what you need. I just talked to mine that I need a break... a nice good break. It has been 9 months since having Lucy and before that 9 months of being pregnant... SO.. 18 months of being tired, uncormotable or busy, morning sickness or dealing with teething and such. So I am getting my break next week! Yeaaaaa!

Anonymous said...

We had a day like that yesterday, too. Must be something in the air... :-) Nice that your husband noticed, and sent you out. That rarely happens around these parts. Love the pics!

Anonymous said...

Nice post.

"One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade."

Kat said...

Yes. THIS time he noticed. It doesn't often happen that way. ;)

Molly's Mom said...

The park is definitely the place for running off all the extra energy! Here's hoping July is the first month you can get your calm on, every day...

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

Deep breaths! And good job daddy for picking up on the "lips"!

Momisodes said...

Why do they always choose Mondays? I hope July unfolds better days.

Looks like they really enjoyed the park and kites :)

Anonymous said...

I'm the bad mom who says, "Oh, we can't fly the kite there's no wind." And, also, "Oh, we can't fly the kite there's TOO MUCH wind." :) Bad me. I hope you said your Rabbit Rabbit this morning and all is chipper today.

the dragonfly said...

Just breathe...

Very cute pictures!

:)

Stephanie said...

I love how after that post, you have the cutest "angel" pictures posted :) Kids are so crazy aren't they?

You are lucky to have such a perceptive hubby who suggests getting out of the house for a bit to clear your head :)

Kelley said...

I know I shouldn't laugh, but I have SO been there myself that I can totally commiserate with you. I'm so sorry you had such a rough day. My dad used to say: "Insanity is hereditary. You get it from your kids." At the time, I thought he was crazy. Now I know he had it right.

María said...

You are so right. Tomorrow is a new day. I'm trying to keep that in mind. :)

Tonya said...

Oy I have had some days like this. Too bad I don't run though...

CissaLynn said...

Hi there! I found your blog thru
"4 Little Men" and this post was hilarious!!! :) I think it was so funny to me b/c I can soooooo relate! I have two boys age ten and five! I really like how you ended it, tho, w/starting over - a new month, a new day! That is good advice and I needed it! :))

Cute pics, too!!! :)

Kat said...

Hey everyone! Don't feel bad about laughing at me. Laugh away. I was trying to be somewhat humorous while writing it (instead of violent and crazy like I felt). Laughter is the best medicine, right?
Today has been better, although still crazy.
Holly (AFF) informed me that I need to say "Rabbit, rabbit, white rabbit" in the morning on the first day of every month for good luck. No wonder last month was poo! ;)
So everyone, quick say it! It's not too late!

Hilary said...

I have to agree with the kidlets.. hanging from monkey bars has to be more fun than holding a limp string. ;)

Glad today is better. :)

Unknown said...

Well, you know how I've been feelin' lately, so I can totally relate. Sounds like your day had some fun though.

Oh and did someone say there was something wrong with hiding in the laundry room with a beer? 'Cause I have SO ALMOST done that! ; )

Just read you last comment and glad today is better. That's funny what AFF said, guess I have to do that right now!

ewe are here said...

May July be a better month.

:-)

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

Again I say, I totally feel ya. Some days you're the bug, some days you're the windshield!

Anonymous said...

My "good mom" has a way of coming and going exactly like this. Sounds like you have one good hubby though.

Chaotic Joy said...

Today was this kind of day for me. A day where I found myself in tears in a department store trying to keep the toddlers from destroying the place while my preteen rejected her 523rd swimsuit. It's over though. They've all been in bed for a couple hours and I have happily finished a large glass of wine. Tomorrow will be better. I hope for you as well.

Kelly said...

I sympathize. I have PMS from hell right now. I just might pinch someones head off. I just pray my boys don't act up today! LOL

Lisa said...

Those faces look way to sweet to cause you any stress. Are you sure you're not making this all up??? (JUST KIDDING!) Hope you had a better day yesterday!

Bren said...

Gah, I can totally relate. My hellions misbehaved terribly in Applebees yesterday. I wanted to walk out to the car and just let them have at it. I even tried to blog about it and couldn't because I was still so mad.

Cute pics, btw. And I love Todd's comment about getting the sass out of ya.

Tam said...

This has been a weird week for everyone. MOST of my MOMMY friends started the week just like this. The kids are all acting like Hellions....lol Is it a full MOON? Is it the time of year? Are the kids so full of energy from all the SUN? Does the Sun give them some boost we do not know about? I am being funny here! GREAT POST.....Great POST!!!

Blog said...

Oy! I had exactly that kind of day today! EXACTLY! So related to this post! :) Love the pics!

Anonymous said...

"...get some of that sass out of ya" Your husband is awesome!

And yeah, kite flying is over rated. I thought it as a kid and I think it now. But good for you for trying.

Rima said...

You are a saint! If that had been me, I would have left when hubs came home and only returned when everyone was sleeping soundly in their beds! :)

Sus said...

When my second, who wouldn't sleep, was about 5 months old, I once downed a beer, a whole beer, in about 2 minutes, at 9 in the morning. I hear ya!

david mcmahon said...

Yes, Kathryn, there are occasional days like this. But the trick is to look forward - exactly as you have done so positively.

God bless you for the intense love you shower on your family.

just jamie said...

Awww, sorry I'm late to give you sympathy for your crummy day. We ALL have those days, and me, I truly do turn to a drink while Oprah is on. Not that I get to watch Oprah for more than 40 seconds before the kids either take over the TV, or run around so crazy-like that I give in, defeated, and act all crazy myself...
Oh, where was I? Crazy land. Yup. Right there with ya!

Words To Live By

Be grateful for each new day.
A new day that you have never lived before.
Twenty-four new, fresh, unexplored hours to use usefully and profitably.
We can squander, neglect, or use them.
Life will be richer or poorer by the way we use today.
Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could;
some blunders and absurdities crept in;
forget them as soon as you can.
Tomorrow is a new day.
You shall begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be
encumbered with your old nonsense.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson