I always have such optimism going in to a long Holiday weekend.  I have all these amazing plans of everything I’m going to accomplish and how I am going to spend those precious one on one moments home with the kiddos.  It’s not often that we get to spend four days in a row where there is no work, no daycare, and just family time.

However, now that the weekend is over, I am 100% ready to go back to work and I am ready to throw my kids out the window (that’s a joke for all of you ready to call CPS on me).  It’s a blessing and a curse that we do not have much family that live near us.  On one hand, we do not have to travel to (or host) a big Thanksgiving feast.  But, on the other hand, we do not have anyone to give us any sort of break from taking care of a house full of kiddos for 96 hours.  Here is a realistic look at Thanksgiving weekend by the numbers at my  house.

• I threatened something about Santa watching 242 times.
• I asked the question, “why are you crying?”  143 times.

• Callum bit Jacek 3 times.
• I changed 125 poopy diapers.
• I left the house 2 times total.
• I did a good Mom thing 1 time and made a “pie” with the kids.  (shout out to pillsbury.com for giving me an easy recipe!)

• I went through 12 boxes of Kleenex (why do kids’ noses never stop running?).
• I took 4 naps!
• I said “chocolate or poop?” at least 2 different times.
• Harlow tested out 3 different accents and I have no idea where they came from.

• I stepped on 1,364,761 Legos.
• 3 seconds…the amount of time I had in the bathroom by myself before someone knocked on the door (or came in).  Every.Single.Time
• I mentioned that I needed wine 376 times.
• I broke up 723 fights between Harlow and Jacek.
• I broke up 52 fights between Harlow, Jacek, and Callum.
• I gave up and just egged on Callum and Jacek.

• I made 17 forts.
• I took a total of 1 shower in 4 days.
• I said the phrase “are you being a good listener?” 526 times.
• I did 9 loads of laundry.
• I folded 0 loads of laundry.
• And I laid in bed and reflected on how lucky I am 4 nights in a row.

Because, even though the days are chaotic, and I need a break sometimes, I am truly blessed and thankful that I have four healthy kids, a loving husband, a healthy baby on the way, and all of our needs met.  And, my kids love me unconditionally.  They do not care that I showered once in four days, and they love the fact that I made 17 forts.  I did not get my to-do list accomplished, but I was able to spend every moment making memories with my kids.  And I’ll take those special memories with me wherever I go.