Will Rogers and Me!

"The only time people dislike gossip is when you gossip about them."

"Never miss a good chance to shut up."
                             
                                     -Will Rogers

My friend Erin invited us to Will Rogers State Park for fun and fresh air today. I was excited, but I had to force the boys out of the house. Literally. Partly because they wanted to stay with Grandma (who arrived yesterday), and partly because they are homebodies... or at least one of them is. I also think that on vacation they need a lot of down time because pretty soon it will be back to the daily hustle and bustle. I wouldn't ordinarily force them to do something they don't want to do, but I thought they could use the exercise and it was a beautiful day.

Now, interestingly, there was unlimited space for the kids to run and play, but we had to constantly tell them to go off and enjoy the space. When we were at the zoo yesterday they were running and climbing on things and I kept having to stop them.  Go figure. Today, the thing they enjoyed the most was kicking and throwing dust on each other in the stables. That, they could have done for hours, but we stopped them after 30 minutes because they were getting dust in the babies eyes and making a mess.

Together, Erin and I have six kids. She has two girls and a boy, and our kids are very similarly spaced. I find that Erin, more than most people I hang out with, understands the crazy of my life. She gets the constant movement and noise that comes with three kids. The dressing and undressing, spilling and cleaning, yelling and managing, chauffeuring, preparing, explaining and calming, and constant, constant need. As soon as someone's needs are met, there are usually only a few moments before the next person has new and unmet needs and it goes on and on. I suppose this is why I hear "I don't know how you do it" so often. Actually, I usually hear that when one of the kids (or all of them), is falling apart or up to no good. I think "I don't know how you do it" is code for: "You are crazy for having three kids lady!" However, I do it, we do it, because along with all of the chaos is a lot of fun and love and humor and purpose. I also have friends and family that help me through the really crazy times. And Richard, who does a lot. Jordan helps out too.

I have another brilliant friend named Shaughn who also has three kids about the same age as mine. She too, understood the madness. Not only did she get it, but she made homemade meals, and banana bread and kept a clean house and was always glowing and hilarious. She moved to Atlanta where her sisters and mother are, and although I was distraught at the thought of losing her presence, I knew it was the right thing. I miss her and her and her lovely family so, so much. I hope that right about now she is sitting down, after putting her babes to sleep, and enjoying her first few moments of silence in the day.

Outfit:

Printed Shirt: I am fairly sure Pollyanna gave this to me. Then again, it could be from a clothing swap.

Pale green shirt: Definitely clothing swap. Old Navy.

Pants: Goodwill. Moda International. Also seen in: Thursday's Child! and Passive Hairgressive.

Shoes: Fit Flops. I would have preferred other shoes, but I knew I would want to go barefoot in the park. The flops make it easier!