This morning I awoke to a slightly quieter house, mostly due to the fact that Hayden is spending this week with my parents. It's become an annual event to have him visit during the summer when their church holds Vacation Bible School. For weeks now, Hayden's been counting down the days until he goes to Nana's for VBS. His suitcase was packed weeks ago. He's listened to his past VBS cds every night at bedtime. He's carefully selected exactly which three stuffed animals get to make the trip with him. Needless to say, he's very excited. Though I think it may have less to do with the religious education and is more likely because my mom lets him eat marshmallows and chocolate sauce for every meal. She's a good grandma like that.
Hayden's mini vacation came at a good time. Not only will he get to partake in some spiritual and moral guidance (and with a momma like me, this kid needs all the help he can get, no?) but he will also get time away from the current bane of his existence, Miss Riely. Let's just say a little "apart" time will be beneficial to us all. The past few weeks have been fraught with arguments, tiffs and crying, oh my. On some days the kids cry, too. Here's a small sampling of recent utterances at our house:
No Transformers, Hayden! It's soooooooo scary!
You are such a baby, Riely!
Hayden is mean to me!
Riely keeps putting her butt near my face!
Hayden said I'm stinky!
Riely's toe touched my Lego boat!
Hayden is eating my pretzels!
Riely looked at me!
Hayden walked by me!
Riely is chewing too loud!
Hayden is breathing!
MOMMMMMMMMMMMMY!
So, yes, a week apart is definitely needed. And it appears to be working. Just now, as Riely came down for breakfast, she asked, "Where's Hayden? I miss him! And can I watch Transformers, Mommy?"
This is God's idea of a practical joke, right?
