Grayden's Goggles

So much has been going on since I last posted (the reason I haven't posted again). There are some Sunday nights when I lay in bed and say out loud to myself "I'll be glad when this week is over." To which my husband replies, you say that every week. Ok, not every week but probably more than I want to admit. We try to be pretty conscious about our kids not being over involved so that school and church responsibilities don't get put aside for sports and other extracurricular activities. But a couple activities times 3 kids can feel pretty overwhelming some weeks. I was sitting in church a few weeks ago and the boys decided with about 30 minutes left that they were done behaving. Jason was rounding at the hospital so I was left to manage these maniacs on my own. That's when Grayden decided he was also done wearing his shirt. He kept trying to take it off himself but when he couldn't get it off he started having a meltdown wanting me to take it off. Instead of completely losing my sanity in front of 300 church members I just took off his shirt. That's when Luke and Nate lost it. They thought it was so hilarious that I was taking his shirt off in church. I was even having a hard time at that point to keep from laughing (or crying). The point of this story is that after a sister siting behind me (whose children are grown) leaned forward and told me how patient I was and how well I handled the situation. I wanted to hug her. Not only for what she said, but mainly for what she DIDN'T say...which was "they grow up so fast!" I have been told that so many times in stressful situations with my children by older adults that I want to scream back "NOT FAST ENOUGH!" Of course we always appreciate things more when we are not knee deep in laundry, dishes and children. What any of that rant has to do with this post I'm not sure. Except for the fact that I think having Grayden has finally made me chill out a little as a mom. Hence, the baby of the family syndrome. I am fascinated by birth order and how it effects families and siblings into adulthood. It is always one of the first questions I'll ask people when they are complaining about a sibling or friend or whatever. So when Grayden found these ski goggles in the basement last week and wanted them on to eat his lunch I was like sure. Then when he wanted to wear them to the grocery store, why not? Would have never happened when Lauren was two.