The holidays

It's the Christmas holiday and we're all home together for 2 weeks straight. Do we get along? Are the boys fighting? Is there chaos in the house? Well, not exactly. Yes, we're getting along, sometimes the boys disagree, wrestle it out, then it's over and no, there isn't any chaos. Actually, the seven of us are getting along really well. The boys all share the same interests, so they are each other's best buddies. We've been skiiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice skating on our lake, playing Wii, Playstation and a lot of cards and board games. We've also managed to keep up the chores and add some more work to their jobs such as shoveling, hauling wood, changing sheets on the beds and bathing the dog. On the other hand, disgreements do occur and I have to play referee. I have two teenagers who are getting antsy for their peers and little guys who want more of my attention. Their idea of attention is playing their games, taking them sledding and playing with Hot Wheels or Build-a-Bear toys. My teens want more computer time to log onto You Tube and to download i-Tunes. Despite getting up early still (which is not fair on MY vacation) I'm constantly in the kitchen preparing and feeding an army. But, the paybacks are a bonus. Free Babysitting! Bob & I can go the movies, shopping and out to dinner without to many worries as long as the boys have a rented movie to watch and junk food. I know this Christmas break will soon end and the real chaos will start up again with getting ready for school, homework, ski clubs, and indoor soccer games. I really cherish these two weeks more than the boys will ever realize. I love their messes, constant wrestling matches in the living room, food left out on the table and clothes on the floor. I know it sounds crazy but, I would never tell them that.