Make That a "FIVE Ring Circus"

That's how I refer to my household these days...five-ring, being M, age 8, J, age 6, A, age 4, S, age 2, and J, age 3 months. Whew - I'm exhausted from just typing it!

So I can't make any promises, but I think I'll start blogging again. I think it helps me keep the right perspective on this parenting thing. Not like I have any "readers" or anything, but who cares...it's definitely theraputic for me. And now I'm trying to NOT turn to sugar or caffeine to remain "pleasant" or even "normal" anymore, so writing will hopefully help me process and vent.

That said, I'll jump right in! The kids and I were bumming around the house tonight while Jer worked late, one of them already in bed, and I just had this burst of energy and determination that I needed to get my lazy butt off the couch and go walking. So we did, all 6 of us, and let me add that it was a most dangerous attempt, seeing as I was severely outnumbered. But we did it, and with only a tiny meltdown upon loading. (My 2 year old currently resists being strapped into her carseat and has also started spitting like a camel...need I say more?) After that, it was smooth sailing ahead!

I had the youngest two in the double stroller and the other 3 were having a great time racing each other around the walking trail. However, the most phenomenal thing happened during one of these races! My little four year old, who is very petite and still wears a size 2T, took off running...and kept on going! She was like Forrest Gump or something, just running like the wind. It was hilarious seeing a tiny little person, outfitted in pink shorts, pink shoes, and a pink shirt, just running so far and so fast on such short legs! Amazing! Who knew?! I had no clue my tiny girl had such endurance. She wowed us all - we were laughing hysterically because none of us could catch up with her. Then, to top it off, when we got home, I sprayed the kids down with the hose before sending them up to bed. Don't get me wrong...we had plenty of arguing and sibling spats interspersed with our lovely evening, but surely this will be one of the memories we talk about for years to come!