Tips from the Crazy Cottage

Tip: While it makes a mess, dirt can be a mother's salvation.

At least in my case it is. We've had a warmer-than-normal past few days,

and on one such morning, the children spent a good forty minutes digging for worms.

Forty minutes of attention from five under five is a supernatural experience around here.

I will deal with mud crumbs mingling with the dropped cheerios through the house and the multiple washings of crusty clothes, if it means happily preoccupied children. I highly recommend investing in small shovels if your children are drawn to the soil like mine are.

Tip: When you find the contents of your makeup bag scattered over the bathroom rug, first locate the tube of mascara.When said tube is missing, it is not missing by accident and you should be concerned. Similarly, if the family-sized bottle of Baby Powder perched on an upper shelf of the bathroom closet has vanished, waste not a second in securing it's whereabouts.

Tip: When desperately tired, and venting out to your husband after a two trillion hour day, only ask for suggestions on how to handle life if you really want it and are willing to accept what is (in your mind) offered a little too quickly. Most often I am not desiring a solution in the least. For me, I simply want to hear words of sympathy and heartfelt adoration for keeping our children alive and well. That, and to be told I am look so dang hot while doing so. I don't care, lie to me, but do it in a natural and convincing tone, please. Oh, and tell me you would never, ever be able to handle my workload. You would drown in it within the first day solo.

On the *off-chance* he tries to offer advice as he mentally takes note of the sunken eyes, occasional neck twitches and barren stare of a woman one step closer to a white-coat fitting, listen before reacting. He might be on to something.

Mine was last night when he kindly offered (since I had actually asked in a reasonable tone of voice) that I be careful in my comments to my beloved "little hurricane". While I do not berate outright, the sarcastic, under-my-breath comments like "Thanks alot for tearing down the gate and letting the twins out of the living room AGAIN!" do not build up, but rather create of sense of disapproval. Not good.

As many easy opportunities as she gives me to let out an exapserated comment, it is imperative I not only withhold, but seek out the moments were there is even the littlest bit of praise-worthy attitude/act, and pounce on them with abundant enthusiasm and joy.

Today, I noted over and over what a tremendous big sister she is to her little brothers. I saw a bit more beaming and heard a lot less screaming.

Tip: When your mother is kind enough to come and sit with your children while you take one of them to a well-check down the street. Do not start laughing and run for your camera when she is about to leave from performing her large act of kindness. It would be cruel to take a picture of mismatched shoes worn by the woman who just read "Am I Your Mother?" to your offspring for the 2,429,304th time...and yet, I did. Worse yet, I promised (fingers crossed!) to never show anyone. It's sad, though, to be honest. This woman has only 395 pairs of Wal-Mart brand reading glasses tucked in laying around her couch cushions abode, making it difficult to find a pair in a time of need. Donations can be made here during the month of December. Her perscription strength is  2.75, I believe. ( i love you mom! happy to have born you so many grandchildren!)

Tip: When taking a talkative, eager four year old to her well-check visit (six months after her birthday), do not over react with your answer to the "Is she read to on a daily basis?" question. For just as your head nearly rips off your neck by the dramatic nodding, your daughter will answer the following question: What books are you favorite? with:  "Barbie and the Diamond Castle" and "Fireman Sam".  After an embarrassed laugh from the mother, the pediatrician might pose another question such as "Do you have a favorite character from a book your mom reads to you?" to which she'll answer with "Dora and Diego". Great. just. great.

This is a picture of our four year old who has taken to writing lists.

"To-do" lists, rules lists, whatever kind of list one could think of.

I am thinking she'll have taken over the entire household operation by the time she blows out the five candles on her birthday cake.

Tip: When watching five children smooshed into a bathtub, two of whom are not potty trained, and two of whom would not think twice of adding a tint of yellow to the bath water, do not let your mind consider how 'tainted' the water probably is. Give 'em one good rinse at the end with fresh water and call it a night.

 

Tip: When your early morning (5:50am to be exact) shower ends, and you see three little heads through the blurry glass shower door, with one of them commenting on your anatomy, you might feel an overwhelming urge to run away for a time. Or really, really hope you win that sweepstakes for a week in Hawaii. Instead of waiting and growing frustrated because that "long reprieve" isn't showing up, look for the little moments. Moments that sweepstakes and lazy lounges by a man made pool cannot offer. For instance, if your eye catches a brilliant display of pastels as you pass your east-facing kitchen window on your way to the Cheerio's box, stop. Let the bowls go unfilled for another five minutes. They won't starve. Go to the most upper level of your house to admire His handiwork. Let whatever it is He imprints from that little moment sink deep in your heart and let it carry you through the day.

Thank you, my friend, for your visit here at the Coffee Cottage!