Eight Kids and NOT Counting!

That's right! At this moment in time, there are eight children runnning (literally) around the house! You see, we have visitors, extended family, with whom Handsome, Hunky, and Girlfriend went camping last weekend. They consist of: Nine-year old twin boys, a four year old boy, and a two-year old girl. That makes seven! And then, for the moment, we have one of the boys of my daughter's best friend, who is seven. His mom had to go to the hospital to encourage a friend who is having a baby.

It resembles mild bedlam around here. Perhaps I shouldn't actually say that, as they really are being quite good...for SIX BOYS and two little girls! Three are playing WII, two are playing squirt gun, one is laying down for a "nap",(more or less) and two are watching TV. It could be MUCH worse. The noise level rises and subsides, depending on the game results, and water-gun surprises.

The entire day has been weird. They slept in and ate breakfast in strange shifts, mostly two at a time! This continued up until the normal lunch time for us. Then the routine began again. Usually, I have planned activites and organized games. But trying to find such that would achieve the cooperation of all eight, would be really close to a miracle. Just having them taking turns on their own, and not having "issues" with each other, is close enough to a miracle for me, to not interrupt a good thing!

Speaking of friends having babies...this girl was due two days before my other daughter...in two weeks! I am hoping perhaps, that all this contractions and pain that my daughter has endured over the last few days will mean that our little one will make her appearance soon as well. I have my bags all packed and am ready to go. All I need is a phone call and an airline ticket and I'm out the door!

Today would be a good day for a departure...but, alas, she is on her way to the doctor for a routine visit, not expecting any news of delivery soon. Her contractions have been inconsistent, both in duration and strength. It is hard to believe they haven't accomplished anything, though. Her first child was not quite this difficult to get here. I wish I had the option of just going there to be with her until the time comes...but I don't. For several reasons. My daughter here could find someone to help her with the kids, but I cannot afford the time off. And

I also have some commitments both in church and community that I can only void when actually necessary. I will, however, be making phone calls along that line this evening! And, besides, my husband is no longer a bachelor...and no longer lives like one. I don't want my garden or house neglected...he will take good care of the dogs!

Today there are eight kids in the house. That does not bother me...mostly. I can handle 60 or 70 kids in VBS or Kids Church, or half that in a classroom...
Somehow, a home setting is different...oh well, it is NOT my house! Ha ha!

So, today there are eight kids here...perhaps next week there will be more...but for now, I am NOT counting...