The Benifits of Kids

I really am enjoying having older kids. I think I have at least 1 (so far) who has inherited Trent's ability to figure out the mechanics of things, and fix things. (unfortunately he has also has a lazy streak so his projects are seldom finished, or cleaned up). The other day, I asked him to put my pictures onto the computer. Unfortunately I can't find them now, so I hope he remembers where he put them. I have a daughter also, who has become pretty responsible. and I feel confident that she can care for a couple of kids if I have to run an errand. Unfortunaly a few other people have also discovered this, and I don't see her very often anymore.
I am also not a big fan of spring. I know, not a very popular feeling. Spring to me, means yard work, hot, lots of birthdays, and Trent being gone. First off I don't mind yard work. I like it less and less as the years go on, one because there is just no time to keep the inside clean, the outside clean and take care of the kids. Also, our house was empty for 3 years, so it was really bad by the time we got here. We did all of the inexpensive parts, now we would need to put money into it to do much more than we have. Or to make it what I really want.  Then the birthday part. All but 2 of my kids have summer/spring birthdays. That's a lot of work. Especially the week where there are 3 in 4 days. or the day with 2. Then it's a little hard on me when everyone gets a year older. My oldest will be 14. We only really have 4 more summers together. Not that she will never be around, but kids priorities change as they turn 16, 17, 18. The twins will be 3 in a few weeks. I miss them being tiny. Then there is the fact that summer means Trent is gone. A lot. last year, we had to cram a quick family trip in, because his free time and vacation time was taken by his calling. So summer means he will be doing scout camp, high adventure camp, youth conference. I am way jealous of high adventure camp this year. He is taking the older scouts to Capitol Reef for an entire week to bike and hike. But, I do get to go on trek with him, so that just may be our 'away' trip for us.
I feel like our summer is already filled. It gets worse and worse every year. Well, worse isn't the right word. Busier is a better word. But since I like uncomplicated and unbusy, worse may be appropriate. I am hoping to cram at least one Yellowstone trip in there with the family.
I know it will go by quick, then before we know it, we will be starting a new school year. That's a whole different ordeal.

Looking Forward to Summer

I don't go anywhere. Unless it's an appt or getting a preschooler to school. But my excuse is, it's too dang hard. I have 3 preschoolers a toddler and a kindergartener. it's just too hard to pack us up, and corral everyone once we're there. I used to be so social, play dates, lunches. I was fun. Now, I'm just a tired mom. I feel like I am looking forward too much, to kids growing up when I really should be enjoying THIS.
AM I alone in this? I think I am, I don't know anyone else in the same spot. Well, one other mom, but she is moving, and didn't really like me much anyway. Maybe it's because the people in this same club, are hiding in their houses too.
I guess I can't really complain all that much,  really I'm not complaining, because I have no desire for anything else.
I knew a mom once who I never saw, and I thought she just didn't like anyone. Turns out, she's just busy. Sorry about judging.
Seems a little lonely doesn't it? Should I be bugged about it, and make myself go and do? Is it worth the occasional bad outing, and how frustrating that is?
I am going to force myself out this summer. Cooped up in the house, sound far worse that chaos out in the open.
Just don't judge when you see us out and about, looking like we should be a side show in a circus.

A Break in Spring

I love Spring Break. It's kind of like summer vacation. With out the commitment. No one has to get up before 7. We stay up late watching movies with out the pressure of having to get kids to bed for school the next day. I can run an errand or 2 with out a bunch of little kids because I have older kids here. It's not 105 degrees outside. I am really looking forward to summer this year. I wish it wasn't already full of so much busy ness, I start stressing out a little bit when I think about all the stuff we have to do this year.
For Spring break Trent took Monday and Tuesday off, and we took the kids out to Capitol Reef. It was beautiful. The kids we so well behaved and happy and nice to each other. We did it on a tight budget, and still had a great time. We took our time coming and going the long way , checking out ghost towns we'd never been to, taking a few back roads we'd never been on and just enjoyed each other's company.
Then we got home. First thing we noticed was the windows were all steamy. It was hot and muggy and had a funny smell to it. Trent went down stairs and discovered the hose to the hot water in bathroom sink had busted. And poured hot water into the basement for 2 days, Ok. We can handle this. We stayed up until 2 am sucking up water. And trying to look at the brighter side, we had 2 people come out to help at 10 at night. I am trying not to be too bummed out there were only 2 people. But I am incredible grateful for those 2 people.
The next day my mother in law took the 3 girls for the night, which really was the greatest help. That relieved a lot of the stress, since we can only use half our house, 2 of our bedrooms, and our one full bathroom is in the basement.
We called the insurance co on Wednesday morning, and finally had to call them back 24 hrs later, when our house started smelling so bad we thought about moving out. They sent out a company to dry everything out and test for lead and asbestos, which both came back positive (it's okay, we've had all of our kids tested for lead many times over the years and they are fine). They set up 29 fans and 2 dehumidifiers, taking up all of the basement, including our one fully functioning bathroom. Did I mention my Wednesday and Thursday we filled with back to back loads of laundry. 12 loads to be exact.
We're still not even sure if the insurance will cover what's been done so far, the adjuster doesn't come until Monday, but the water dryer people have already put venting holes in some of the walls. Sigh. That is all.