The Crazy & the Gullible

What a weekend. Where to begin. I guess because the tears are still fresh on my face I try to process what happened about an hour ago as I went in to check on the lil girls. KK grabs my neck as I lean down to give her a kiss. She squeezes me tight & says "Nina, please I want to live here." Tears start up again even as I write this. What can I possibly say to this sweet child? I squeeze her tight, give her kisses, tell her I love her, and good night. It is so unfair for her to have to ask me that. My heart is breaking. Please God, let KK be ok, lead her to the place she is suppose to live.
Backing up to Saturday morning, we actually make it thru the day without too much fan fair. Thank goodness for Caprice and the baby gate. Now I can either keep Z from going upstairs or keep him safe from a marshmallow hunt at night. He slept thru the night! He is so affectionate, loves to cuddle and twirl my hair when he is holding me tight. Its so strange how the 3 siblings have never lived together but they certainly share some of the same characteristics. I'd love to know more of their background & how much time they've spent together. We looked like the traveling circus as we went to Lucas's basketball game. Madeline opted out of going so that gave everyone a seat. I keep thinking back to my first teaching job as a 2 year old preschool teacher. It was the hardest job that I had before I became a mom. I keep having flashbacks to it, especially every mealtime as I line up 6 plates. I've found I need to run my dishwasher after 2 meals. Need to invest in paper plates & cups. KK & Z have definite opinions about what they will eat and won't. A is totally different & pleased with whatever is presented. We played at the school playground for an hour & then headed home to play outside with the neighbor kids for another hour. Hoping to wear everyone out. Lucas had a friend over for a sleepover. 6 kids wasn't enough, thought we'd go for seven.
Sunday morning. Get up at my regular time of 7:30. I have all 7 of the kiddos out the door just one minute past our regular time. Yes, I amaze even myself. Fried eggs, bacon, fresh fruit. Doing funky-do's at the table as everyone eats(sorry health inspector). Laid out everyone's clothes the night before. Luckily everyone gets dressed themselves. Even 3 year old Z insists on dressing himself and gets ugly if I try to help. No one has a melt down. We are a fine old machine. Ok, a small meltdown as we get in the van and Z needs his sippy. Race back in and get it. Return to the van and smell something wicked. I say, " I do not have time to change poopie pants so I hope someone passed some gas." I hear Lucas laughing with glee so I know its safe to take off. My van & 6 kids. Todd & Madeline in his car. Don't want Todd to have too much responsiblity :).
Takes about 10 minutes to register 3 extra kids at church. I make up a birthdate for Z because I have no idea. Get everyone to class. Z cries when I leave him, but the helper informs me he stops shortly after. He is used to going to daycare so I hope I haven't traumatized him. All during church, Todd, Tracy & I look down at the sticker on my pants with the kids number on it any time the board flashes a number for a parent to come get a child. My number is never called. Get teary in church, as I knew I would. So much to think about, so much to prayer about as the future of KK & Z is so unknown. As we sing about the lost and tired, I can't help but think of these children. Sleeping so soundly in their safe little beds in my home.
Its somewhat of a rough day as Z cries anytime something doesn't go exactly his way. Decide to go ahead & leave them all with Lexi & go to homegroup. Well, too bad there wasn't homegroup. Love my homegroup but I was off on my week. I guess having 6 kids can do that to me. Todd & I did a little retail therapy at TJMaxx instead & chocolate molten cake at Chili's. Carmen, you should have come with us. Good thing is babysitter survived & will come back next week.
MVP of the day has to go to Madeline. She & Z bonded as she helped watch him. Can't take your eyes off of him. I wouldn't have been able to do anything if it wasn't for her. Best of all she did it all with a smile, didn't have to shout, bribe, or repeat myself a million times. She is growing up. Of course, what better relationship for a 3 year old sweetie boy who likes to twirl hair than to be held by Princess Rapunzel(I mean, Madeline).
As we are getting ready to leave the "thought we had home group"house, Carmen & Todd are talking about our having 6 children. Todd says, yep, Christina is crazy & I guess I'm gullible. And I guess that's us, the crazy & the gullible. Thank goodness we have God to watch over us.