Survivor

I did it, I survived! I spent the last 7 days being mommy to 6 kids. Ethan and I got to stay with a family of 5 kids while their parents were out-of-town. I was pretty nervous about it, but I guess if it doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger, right? The week started off kind of hard because I had a cold and felt like I needed a rest, but this lifestyle doesn't allow for sitting down to catch your breath. As the days went on, it became easier, the kids seemed to get along better with each other, and I got a little attached to my little 2-year-old Amelia. She is such a doll.

My favorite moment was when I took Ethan and Amelia to the grocery store and all the workers kept talking to her about what a good big sister she must be and what does she like to do with her little brother , and she must like to help mommy do things. She was shy and didn't say anything. After correcting the first person that I was only babysitting, I decided to smile and nod at the other people making comments to avoid explanations. When we left I said, "Amelia, everyone thought I was your mommy, wasn't that silly?" To which she responded, "I wish you were, then I would have 2 mommies!"
Here are a few lessons learned:

• Moms are TOUGH! From chauffeuring to orchestra, soccer practice, soccer games, band concerts, band practice, early-morning seminary, storytime, grocery shopping, etc. to cleaning, doing laundry, making dinner, and doing dishes, the background work of running a family is exhausting!
  
• I'm still young enough to remember strategies used to get out of responsibilities and was able to call the kids on them—reading with a flashlight in bed instead of sleeping, watching a movie instead of homework but turning it off really quick when someone comes downstairs, "forgetting" facts about altercations that happened at school…
  
• Kids are so forgiving. Whether they get sent to their rooms or fight with a sibling, they can forgive-and-forget within 15 seconds.
• Don't ask to hear a joke or you'll hear this and other fabulous jokes for the next few hours: "Did you hear the joke about the procrastinator? Oh, I'll tell you later"J
• It's easier to catch bees with honey than vinegar (symbolic of course).
  
• Don't forget to make sure the little ones go potty before bedtime! (hey—accidents happen)
  
• Kids can be the most eager helpers ever! "Be-e Efan" was spoiled and smothered with constant attention and love.
  
• Ahh, "Charlie bit me!" (check it out, we loved it: http://youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM)
  
• Heavenly Father sends us one child at a time for a reason….. (starts with an "S" and ends with an "anity")
  
• As hard as it was, it didn't scare me away from having a big family (much to the dismay of Brian), I hope I have great kids like the Stevens.
• I shouldn't complain when Ethan gets up at 7:15 am each day. It could be a 5:45 beginning to each day.