This week hubby was in Germany on business. As with any of his trips, the first couple of days are the hardest because the kids are so close to their dad. Ryker being so young, really doesn't like it. He asks everyday "Is daddy coming home today or his he in Gerrmy?" Or when he gets tired he will just sit down in the middle of the floor and say "I just want my daddy back." I do love this though. I love that my boys are so close to their dad.
So the first few days were pretty rough. The boys could not get along. Saturday, Ryker fell and hit his head on the concrete, after Lancer was practicing his roping skills, and roped Rykers feet pulling them out from underneath him. I didn't sleep much that night because I watching him for signs of a a concussion. Monday, Ryker skinned his knee after Lancer hooked up the jogging stroller to their power wheels Jeep and tried to pull Ryker around. He went about 10 feet before the stroller turned over and Ryker went tumbling out. Tuesday, Ryker got cut above his lip and almost needed stitches after playing the never ending game my boys play. The game of Ryker bugs Lancer. Lancer teases Ryker. Ryker throws a toy at Lancer, completely missing him. Lancer throws toy back with much better aim. Ryker gets hurt, and both boys get into trouble. I hate this game.
Anyway, this was also Lancer's last week of the 2nd grade. His last week was full of special days, 4 mile hikes, and class picnics. This led to a really tired and really grumpy 7 year old, which just made the fighting even worse. So you can imagine how excited I was when Thursday my father-in-law came and picked up Ryker. He and Sandi were going to take him on Friday to see Thomas the Tank Engine in Heber. So with Ryker gone, and Lancer up at my parents house, and hubby in Europe, I was going to have the entire house to myself. I have never had that before. I sometimes dream about that, thinking of all the things I would be able to do. I could clean the house or go shopping without little hands pulling random things off of the shelves. I could defiantly go to the gym for a long workout. So many options! So after Ryker left and I walked back into the house, the house felt so empty and so
quiet. Suddenly, I couldn't think of anything to do. I tried to take a nap, but I couldn't sleep. I went to the store and looked around, forgetting half of the things I was even there for. Finally, my friend Carlie came over and we went for a hike, and then we made cookies for Lancer's school picnic the next day. I surfed the Internet for a while, had some chips and yummy black bean dip for dinner, while watching a really old episode of ER. I went to bed at 10:30. I couldn't believe how tired I was. The next day, I was late for Lancer's concert and forgot the cookies. Why? I had no reason, I just felt out of it without the constant chaos.
After the picnic, Lancer went with his friend for a play date, and the grandparents called to say they were keeping Ryker another night. I was starting to get used to it by then and this time I did a little better. I went to the local nursery and picked up some flowers, planted them, mowed and trimmed the grass, chatted with neighbors, had more chips for dinner and went to bed. By the time Lancer came home at 9:00 Saturday morning, I even had the house pretty clean. We met the in-laws at Chili's for lunch. Ryker was tired and pretty whiny from all of the fun and he and Lancer fought the rest of the day. I was more patient that usual, because I was so happy to have my life back to normal.
So I guess that although I like a few hours alone every once in a while to regain my sanity, my family is the center of my universe. I am lost without them. So what if the kids fight non stop and are covered with band-aids, or the house is a total mess and I cant ever seem to get caught up on my laundry. So what if hubby is grumpy from working too hard and playing too little or that I have to literally drag the 70 lb dog outside by her leash twice a day to use the bathroom, I love the chaotic life I live.
