Mama or Aunt Jennie?—It’s all the same this weekend

Well, I’m off. My part of the secret weekend is about to begin. Tomorrow morning, I’ll be loading the three kids—and the pillows—into the car for the hourlong ride south. Where we’ll meet up with Kelsey, who will no doubt have everything completely under control at Sarah’s. And then, after Kels gives me the rundown of nap schedules and bottle needs, she will leave, and I will be left alone. That is, not at all alone. It will be me and six kids. Shall we review the ages? Indulge me, OK? 6, 5, 3, 2, 1, 9 months. Alright, alright, the 6 year old is only a few months away from being 7. And he’s the size of a 10 year old, but STILL. I am praying there are a LOT of popsicles in the freezer.

But seriously. The past week has been a difficult one. Yes, it started with Father’s Day weekend, but we don’t need to dwell on that forever. I won’t go into details, but just trust me: it’s been difficult. The kids. The RELATIONSHIP. Work. Home. Life. (Cupcake recipes.) My brain is full. My emotional fortitude has lost its fortitude. At some point early in the week I remember thinking, “I have been broken.” I am strung out and in need of a change. So, I’m ready to embrace the chaos that this weekend promises to deliver.

My goal: To keep all kids alive. The rules: Clothing optional (for the kids. I’ll be opting in, thank you very much). Food available on demand. Plenty of water play. And that ought to do it.

I’m sure by the time mom arrives I will be desperate for adult companionship, but I really am looking forward to watching the cousins all hang out together. I was 11 before my first cousin was born. And I’m just so thrilled that Sarah’s and my kiddos are so close. In age. In geography. In friendship.

So I’m hoping for some levity. Some clarity. A lot of laughs. And the good wine that mom promised she’d bring. I’ll do my best to jot down the memorable parts. As I’m sure Sarah is doing, too. (Well, maybe not.)

Tagged as: secret weekend