Roll Film!

Ever have one of those days where you think, "This is like something out of a movie!"  One crisis follows another and the only thing missing is the dramatic soundtrack in the background.  That's today, only think more Three Stooges/slapstick film.  All that's missing is the "boing!" sound effects!  Only two things on my to-do list, but they're pretty crucial.  Lesson plans and lesson plans.  Oh, and did I mention that I picked this week to start potty training Daniel?  So, when the alarm goes off at 6, I roll over - oh, wait, can't do that because my bed is filled with sleeping boys.  Oh well, back to sleep for another couple of hours.  That means, of course, what with Rob gone, taking Daniel to the bathroom every twenty minutes, and getting everyone up and dressed, breakfast was at nine or so. 

Following breakfast, more potty trips between accidents (sploosh) and cleaning up from breakfast.  This potty training is a lot easier when you have only one perfect child.  First of all, for the past 8 months, Daniel has gone to the bathroom in his diaper mostly standing up.  Now, all of a sudden, I'm asking him to go sitting down.  This means that he sits on the toilet for 10 minutes (did you know that there were so many fascinating things to distract a child in a toilet's environs?), then, when Mama gives up and sets him on his feet, he pees (sproing)!  This atmosphere of distraction is aided and abetted by having four older siblings IN THE ROOM encouraging him.  Talk about performance anxiety.  It's not a huge bathroom, people. 

My mother-in-law who is still on Christmas break has offered to help.  She has a long errand to run, she says.  Can she take Katie?  The oldest, quietest one. (bong.)  I'm starting to giggle hysterically.  Sure, why not?  Finally, I have a moment to sit and gather my - oh, there's the phone.  Twice.  One is my mother, who after hearing about my morning encourages me to write about this.  You have her to thank for this post.  :)  No lie, as soon as I lay the phone down from talking with her, there's a knock at the door.  Just a quick drop-off from a family member, but I close the door, turn around and see that Daniel has peed in his pants again (tada!).  Back to the bathroom.  At some point in the morning I get him to go while standing up ON the toilet seat.  Not perfect, but it's a start.  Now...

Snacktime.  Of course.  They just ate an hour ago, but apparently their stomach acid is burning a hole in their empty bellies.  Another potty trip (boing) and everyone's settled.  I've managed to copy down my to-do list into my planner, when there is an interpersonal crisis (crash).  Once dealt with, it's lunchtime.  Fortunately, I have a plan and it all comes together quickly (light, happy music).  A quick game of telephone at the lunch table and everyone heads off for naptime.  And here I sit, the house quiet, no one stirring - well, almost no one, and I'm still not planning lessons.  Oh well, maybe next semester.