So that's how it's going to be

Today was the boys' first day at a new school. We were very apprehensive taking them in since they have cried every day since we started the last school. They kept telling us on the way in that we had to stay with them at school. We walk in and it was time to go outside (thank you Jesus). We said, "Ok bye, have fun" and they grabbed each other's hands and got in line and marched out the door to play. What??!!?

Fast forward to the end of the day. I am thinking I will get a story or two about what they did, what new friends they made, what new toys they played with. We get in the car and this is how it went:

Me: "How was it"
Grayson: "Can we watch a show?"
Me: "Sure..."

We get home and I try again:

Me: "So what did you do at school today"
Grayson: "We colored and painted" (Good we are getting somewhere)
Me: "Wow, that's great. Peyton, what did you do?"
Peyton "I don't want to tell you today; maybe tomorrow" (wtf?)
Me: "Ok, here's a popsicle"

We will see how tomorrow goes, but hopefully it goes so well that I get no stories and no crying.

Controlled by 3 Year Olds

I am an adult, educated woman. I used to decide simple things like when I ate, showered, slept - etc - you get the picture. Lately it seems that my life is no longer my own. I knew this going into motherhood, but I don't think I knew the extent of loss of self prioritizing that would take place.

I was out of town last week for a break away from the routines of every day. Scott did great watching the boys as I'm sure they didn't make it easy. He has spared me most of the stories, I'm sure. Anyway, there is no greater vacation buzz kill than a 3 year old tantrum. I picked the boys up from school and the happiness to see me was still there. It lasted all of 5 minutes until we got to the grocery store and they didn't have a "car cart" - you know those carts that kids can sit in and drive. We waited because God forbid they just sit in the cart like we used to. This poor bag boy (I use the word 'boy' loosley as this guy was pushing 70) searched the parking lot for us. No car carts to be found. Meanwhile, Peyton is screaming.....in Publix......while people are walking in staring at me like I'm the worst mother on the face of the earth. After 20 minutes of waiting, I threw them both in the cart, and proceeded to get the groceries. Peyton is still screaming and I'm still getting looks. I made it all the way through the store and I have one more thing to get and the poor 70 year old shows up with a car cart. So what is a smart, educated woman to do -- simple thing would be to just hurry up and be done in the existing cart. But no, this smart, educated woman is controlled by 3 year olds, so I did the most illogical thing - I transferred all my groceries to the car cart and finished my shopping and paid. I'm sure I got 20 looks of disgust throughout my trip through the store. These people either have never had kids or they have amnesia.

The night continued in the same fashion - the fights were just about different things - "I don't WANT apple sauce" - "Just one more show" - "I don't WANT to go to sleep". Thank God for endcap wine displays. My mantra is "this just cannot be normal" - it's our normal, however, and somehow I have to fight for control. All of you mothers of 4 and 5 year olds, please tell me there is light at the end of this tunnel. I'll take all the advice I can get! Meanwhile, I will embrace my "normal" and take the hugs and kisses in between the tantrums - because then there is this....

and this does cause amnesia....