I spent most of the day today trying really hard not to explode or, at least, not to rip all my hair out while jumping up and down like an excited chimpanzee.

I have the most strong-willed children on the planet. Of course, I can’t know that for sure. But, I’m almost certain that statement is pretty close to total accuracy. I’ve come to the realization, more specifically, that Rascal’s “alarming” behaviour is not, after all, a matter of behaviour at all. No, it’s that will of his. That will of his is way too strong for his own good. Now, as his parent, I’m in such a tough position. I don’t want to quash (“quash”?) that strong will because he and his equally strong-willed (but with major sweetness factor) sister, as one of my twitter buddies reminded me in a Direct Message, “will be leaders” because of those pesky strong wills. What’s a Mama to do?

So, what happens — as I’ve mentioned before — is that I end up fighting with the little guy ALL day. Putting his socks on is a fight, dressing him at all, changing his diapers, medicating those infected ears of his, getting him to SLEEP, putting him in his carseat (you would not BELIEVE), getting him to leave Starbucks, and try cooking or talking on the phone or turning on the computer when he’s in the room — not a chance without a headache full of SCREAMING. Brutal. I hate saying it because I don’t want to “affirm it” (a la Law of Attraction), but he’s INSANELY DIFFICULT. And you’d never know it from those BIG blue innocent saucers of his…. When he sleeps? I always laugh at the great size of his eye lids — they have to be big to cover those ENORMOUS SAUCERS…!

Sigh…. There were glimmers of joy amid the chaos today. And I meant to focus on JOY today because my now-chronic lack of sleep is making me all kvetchy and bitters lately. Anyway, I MIGHT be taking the day off from blogging tomorrow (like I was SUPPOSED today and yesterday), since I have MAJOR plans tomorrow night — well, not I’M-GOING-TO-BERMUDA-…-ALONE big plans, but big enough to excite and warrant a night off blogging…. Yes, since I MIGHT be taking tomorrow off, I thought I’d leave you with something substantial to last the weekend…. Check it.

Minden staying AWAY from The Rascal yet still wanting in on the action….

Closer….

And closer….

ME crafting a magic wand with our new Envirobloxs (FUN for me, but a BORE for the Monkey because too hard and a disaster for her brother)….

What do you think? Not bad, eh? Closer….

It even bends, yes. And no longer breaks thanks to the beauty that is duct tape….

RASCAL playing independently…. This never happens. Notice the WAND….

MONKEY’S drawing….

BAKING muffins. WOULD have been a joy in my day had Rascal not screamed the entire time (see recipe at The Kitch)….

Yes, baking these was an awful experience. But THIS made it worth it:

Mama: Monkey, what do you like better? Starbucks’ muffins or Mama’s muffins?
Monkey: Mama’s muffins.
Mama: Really? Why?
Monkey: I LOVE you!

Are you melting? Am still melting….

Love!
xo Haley-O

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