In the grand scheme of things, I will be the first to admit that we have been very blessed!  And one of the main blessings in my life are my children.  But in this exact moment I write this, I really don't want to be around a few of them!  In the big scheme of things,  I love them dearly and would give my life for them...but in the here and now...well ...if blood is shed it won't be mine!  This is very conflicting!  As I spank my 2 yr old for hitting his sister in the eye and calling her stupid, I have to actually control my ANGER! Huh?  Why can't it just be an infraction to me?  I take it all so personally and it gets my temper boiling!  I'm trying to remember that he's almost 3...not almost 16.  He's not doing this because he wants to tick me off!  This is the age where firm and consistent discipline will teach him the behaviors I want him to display.  Sounds good, but, being the impulsive person I am, I fly off and all logical thoughts of how and why I'm punishing him go out the window! 

But then there are moments (more than I realize) when play is peaceful, naps are nice and long, meals aren't messy, and I check to see if indeed Calgon HAS taken me away!  Here's a little proof:

So don't judge me...though I doubt anyone will.  My guess is everyone with kids (or nieces/nephews,
neighboring kids, or even babysitting duty) has felt this at sometime or another.  I think the goal is to GET OVER IT with the children in tact.  I will try to remember that they don't belong to me...they are in fact on loan to me from the One who created them.  I'm just required to love and nurture them until they go on their own. 

...have we been!!  I mean, I look and notice it's been 2 months since I've blogged!  Not that anyone out there is on pins and needles waiting to find out the latest in our drama called "the family"!!  But I've probably already forgotten some of the cuter things my kids have done lately...this is where I'm supposed to share those sweet things, so they can be preserved forever!  At least that's what my mama tells me.
Right now everyone is doing fine in this clan.  Still haven't killed the 4 yr old so I always consider that a good month!!  He's doing better at school, and he seems to be improving sometimes, then he totally forgets the progress made and becomes...what...like his father was at his age?  Seriously!  Don't let the amazingness of Daddy fool you - he was a little terror at this age.  That's the only thing helping Aaron: if he turns out half as decent as his daddy, he'll be okay.  Don't get me wrong, Aaron and I have some pretty amazing moments when he's sweet, and tender-hearted.  I know he's on the verge of growing out of this.  Marcus, on the other hand,is picking up some of the bad habits, so there are new battles to be faught with him!  He's 2 (almost 3) so it was bound to happen soon!  Marlee cracks us up daily!  She's such a ham!  She's learning to talk, knows the parts of her body (ask where her hiney is and she gives it a little shake to show you! ha!), and is showing signs of a future teenager...uh-oh.  Pearce has 2 teeth now, can crawl (army-style...on the belly) all over the place, and loves to be in the middle of whatever the brothers have going on.  Carter is doing well at school when he doesn't get in trouble for talking, and his teacher says she'll recommend placement for gifted class at the end of this school year!
As for Mommy and Daddy: I'm swamped with Taste of Gourmet these next few months (which is great!), and Daddy got a promotion at work so he's now a supervisor.  And even with the lay-offs at his company, he's safe and even manages to get over-time!  Yeah!  We stay busy at church: Daddy is a deacon, 5th&6th grade S.S. teacher and sings in the choir.  Mommy is Nursery Committee Chair, plays the flute in the orchestra, and tries to auction off kids to the highest bidder every Sunday after service (so we can go home and nap!).  And I will give credit where credit is due...we'd be insane if it weren't for the grandparents!!!! 
I have to go break up a fight (a shock, I know).  Next post I'll ask you about Oct 31st and traditions.