My Genius Ideas

Yesterday was the last day of school before spring break. In a totally genius move, I decided to pull all three kids out of school early.

For dentists appointments.

At the same time.

Two fillings, one extraction, and three sets of sealant.

Pure genius.

Once that little bit of insanity was over, we decided to celebrate by having movie night, and a camp out in the living room. By camping out in the living room, I mean the kids get to sleep in the living room, and I put in ear plugs and conk out in the comfort of my own bed at about 7:30. Ear plugs: mommy's secret helper. Well, one of them, at least.

They told the usual silly stories, and a few "spooky" ones. It's amazing how the kids these days are still telling the same stories we told when we were that age. Sooo loooong agoooo, as they keep telling me. Maybe the scary part is that it really was so long ago.

Then, there's the eventual meltdown that happens when one kid wants to go to sleep and another kid is totally hopped up on story time and the M&Ms they found in the couch cushions. Fortunately, my earplugs are the industrial/construction grade kind, so I mostly don't hear this part. It's only when they come screaming into my room, trampling over The Doctor, trying to get to me first to be The Bearer Of Horrible Tidings that I can't block it out anymore.

Apparently, I've missed the section in my parenting contract where it outlines that The Bearer Of Horrible Tidings is an actual job description, but my kids take it very seriously. It must've been in the fine print.

I love the ear plugs for this reason. I just wave my arms, mouthing, "Sorry! I can't hear you!" until they finally give up and stomp away. Works like a charm every time.

They might look like sweet little angels in this photo, but don't let them fool you. Five minutes earlier, they were duking it out Looney Tunes style and screaming up and down the hallway in a contest of who can tattle first.

Also, in case you're worried that I won't hear it if someone really does get hurt, fear not. You can hear the really loud screams through the earplugs. So, really, it's a win win.