The Law of Averages

Murphy rules. Not because I agree, but just because he said so!

This is especially true in large families. It doesn’t seem to matter the circumstance, if we want something to go one way, it will go the other. For example:

• No matter how many times you tell your kids to clean up after themselves, the law of averages (one of Murphy’s many aliases) says that if you are not there to supervise, it won’t get done.

• Walking into the living room moments after you’ve left it spotless, you will find at least one dirty sock newly stuffed into or under the sofa. This average increases in cooler climates and with the number of children per household. Likewise, you will find it after you have finished doing the laundry.

• If you plan a special family dinner, one or more teenager will have previously unreported plans for that evening – which they will need transportation to/from.

• When you are most looking forward to a quiet morning at home, a child with a fever/bellyache/rash/vomiting will crawl into your bed earlier than your usual waking time.

• Once that child is finally well, another will succumb.

• The number of unauthorized, injury-free leaps made from the deck is always one fewer than the number of offspring who attempt it.

• The year your loving spouse voluntarily sets up the pool early (with no nagging from you), it will snow Memorial Day weekend. And rain the rest of the summer.

• The more you look forward to your head hitting the pillow any given night, the more frequently your sleep will be interrupted by Critters of both the two and four-legged varieties. And if especially sleep-deprived, woodpeckers will find your house to be an irresistible soundbox at the crack of dawn.

• Critters who can't remember simple instructions for: running the dishwasher/washing machine/dryer/lawn mower, sewing on a button, folding clothes, making Ramen, etc. can nonetheless operate and navigate any and all technology AND tell you exactly how the world should be run. Which is, of course --- without your interference.

• The number of events crammed into your hectic schedule is proportionately equal to the resistance you'll face in getting everyone out the door on time.

 Spring was wild, and this pretty much sums it up, except...

....even though the last post featured her, I really should elaborate on the last couple of weeks from Sweetie Petite-y's perspective since she and Murphy have bumped heads on more than one occassion. She survived missing her class trip thanks to a wonderful day spent being spoiled by her Godmother. But she almost missed being class speaker at her graduation thanks to bouts of laryngitis and a virus that might have been food poisoning --- till it later made the rounds of Hubby and remaining Critters in milder form. They avoided the projectile vomiting, but then, they had less riding on being healthy. But everything turned out well in the end.

Murphy might rule, but a mother's prayers produce miracles.

And pretty little graduation dresses as well.

          

    

Somewhat Comic Relief

If laughter is the best medicine, then laughter through tears is a super-pill!

Remember that scene in Steel Magnolias just after the funeral when all the ladies are crying, and Olivia Dukakis cracks a joke? I was blubbering so hard that I almost missed it, and then it took me so completely off guard I practically snorted! I know I sprayed the person in front of me, but it was kind of a chain reaction. There were still tears steaming down my face after that, but they were tears of relief.

Sometimes we wanna wallow in self pity and enjoy our pain for a while.  After all, its a valid - though not very productive - response. When I feel like a little wallow myself, I try (operative word) to set a time limit, say... five minutes allotted for a pity party, then back to business. There's too much on our plates to indulge in much more.

Some of the Critters get this....

... and some still don't.

Sweetie Petite-y, who despite her tender years is a seasoned veteran,  has recently acquired more first hand experience. She learned that humans really cannot fly, that gravity is more than a mental state, and that sometimes you should listen to your Momster over your siblings. Oh, and that the ground is pretty darn hard.......... A couple of broken metatarsals in a compliant cast later, the novelty of having the first broken bone among siblings has worn off. Pain, excruciating and bravely met at first, is annoyingly persistent, and worse yet, limiting. Her eagerly anticipated, end-of-the-year, ropes course field trip now looms like dark cloud on the horizon.

The thought of her missing it is enough to make my eyes brim, but I witnessed in amazement the other day while she allowed herself only a few self-conscious tears, and then apologizing, put on her Pollyanna face and looked for the brighter side of things. No praying for it to rain on her classmates for her. Though she is opting not to go (and make fun of them as their butts zoom awkwardly by overhead, like her oldest sister would), she is determined to work hard and heal enough to wear both shoes by the time eighth grade graduation rolls around.

That's what a joyful spirit does: It looks toward an optimistic future, one filled with laughter and celebration.

And healing comes.

The Party's Over.......

Sloshed Apostles Anonymous

Well, it was one for the bucket list! Hard to believe that my return to the stage has run its course.......at least... this show has.

What fun! As terrifying as auditioning was, performing in Jesus Christ Superstar was a total blast - not just a blast from the past. I wasn't nervous at all, which took me by surprise. And with each performance the gel thickened until we really were apostles, priests, tormentors, soldiers, procuators, lepers, buyers & sellers (prostitutes?) and soul girls. Oh, and savior/superstars!*

I think my favorite part was flitting around backstage between scenes. It was hard to believe I was there, the firefly light of the microphone glowing on my back, my costume (pieced together with contributions from my She-Critters closets) swaying as we danced to oh-so-familiar music, huddling around the mike with the "rabble" to affect an angry mob. I loved rushing to change from apostle to leper to apostle again, and finally to soul girl (and apostle again for curtain call). They say the magic of theater occurs onstage and in the audience, but it's palpable backstage as well in the dim footlights and glow-tape, the props table and dressing rooms - and the wings!  Always in the wings!

Quite a few cast members got teary with post production letdown, but I'm still pumped! I actually did this brave, wonderful thing - an experience that greatly enriched my already full-of-many-blessings life. I stepped outside of my comfort zone, tested my abilities, made new friends, embraced my inner thespian, and lived in a fun and creative way. No whining here, just really good wine! (The bread was pretty awesome too --- I scored the recipe from the props mistress!)

And... the party doesn't have to end. For the time being I'm back to chauffeuring Critters to & from their play practices. But, watch out! Actress Momster has been set loose!

*Almost forgot to mention the amazing band and tech crew!  Thank you one and all!