Vision 20/20, Sanity 50/50

The most recent excitement in our household comes from Nate's 3rd and Will's 2nd birthday party - Pirate Party - that took place Saturday night. It was big-time because we rented our first (of many to come, I'm sure) bouncy castle, complete with a large Pirates of the Caribbean motif displayed in high style across the front. Will didn't notice the skull and bones figure until later in the night. He had to be reassured and coaxed back inside the castle afterward. Other than that, the castle was a hit and created a great amount of sweat throughout it's 13 hour stint in our backyard (it actually fit, hurray!).

The boys had a blast with their maties. The only bashing that took place was on the slightly creepy pirate pinata. The little guy withstood so many "at bats" by 2 and 3 year old's, we had to give the fella a couple pokes so he'd spill his goody guts.

We had fake mustaches and pirate masks that made for some great/why-would-I-let-anyone-take-my-picture-while-wearing-this-nasty-thing pictures. Too bad I was sweating so badly my stache kept falling off. Felt like a nasty caterpillar on my lip, anyway.

I've been finding myself sweaty a lot lately when it comes to parenting. The boys are incredibly active and are always up for a good chase or wrestle-action. We were a bit of a scene at the park tonight playing chase over and around all the equipment and in the grass. We played leapfrog and "It's raining, it's pouring" where we held hands spinning then would fall down. We did somersaults (yes, me, too!) and I walked the kids around on their hands and spun them around until they were so dizzy, they couldn't walk straight. We tried cartwheels and raced on the slides. I taught Nate how to crawl around on all fours so he could be a horse for Will. All-in-all, we had some authentic, sweaty fun tonight.

Rick and I were just talking about how the boys are starting to become quite enjoyable (at least some time every day... let's not push it). They're becoming funny and are finding things funny. They're understanding sharing (on occasion). And at least I don't have to tote bottles and binkies all around like I used to. I'm seeing the light. Tonight they're even staying in bed and going right to sleep.

Nate and Hannah, our 8 year old Weimaraner, are asleep together in Nate's bed (it's queen-size, Daisy, our Doberman's on the bed, too). Hannah's spooning Nate and he has his hands wrapped around her. They held hands while I read him his books tonight. It's great to see harmony in the home, be it kid vs. kid, kid vs. animal and/or animal vs. animal. The dogs are definitely easier than kids, but they're a pain in the rumpus on their fair share of occasions, as well. Lately, it's digging in the new grass/seed we just planted. The kids have taken to letting the dogs in and out of the back door when they need out. It's a simple thing, but I love it. Well, except when the dogs claws are filled with clumps of mud and grass from digging in the new grass.

The boys both start going to preschool this Friday. I'm giddy just writing that. I really can't even believe it yet. I'm going to have over 10 hours a week by myself. No worrying about anybody but me. What will I do with myself? Maybe a bath and a book, regular, no-guilt exercising, volunteering, shopping and errands by myself and maybe I'll just stop by Starbucks and hop in and out of the truck all by myself! The things you take for granted before having children. I might meet a new friend who doesn't even have kids. I'm like a smiling fool typing here in the dark.

Speaking of before having babies, my sister is due with her first in a couple days. I am so excited for her, but full of mixed emotions, as well. You just don't realize what it takes to raise a child until you have one or a dozen yourself. It is absolutely incomprehensible, no matter what you've been told or how many moms you've been around. I hope my sister brings her good nature and patience to "the other side". I just know she'll be an incredible mother. She has a gentle and loving nature which I admire. I feel badly every day that I'm such a "hustle your bustle" (I say that at least 10 times a day) kind of person. I know she'll be acing me in the "I wish you were my mom" category, and I'm down with that.

When it's all said and done, and you've crossed over into parenthood, there's no going back. No giving up. No "I tried, it was terribly tough, and I throw in the towel." I know because I've thought hard about take backs many, many times. I'm just glad I can be here for my sister (minus a 3 hour flight), which is really the most important thing, anyhoo. As long as there's someone to commiserate with, to confide in, to lift you up and remind you of what's really important and what's really not, we moms will remain mostly sane. Of course, my sanity's only about 50/50 at this point, so good luck and take my words with a grain of salt.