by Allison Carter

Now what was that crazy whirlwind holiday that I am still trying to recover from?  I am attempting to lazily sit around and NOT accomplish things for the next few days but my house is a mess and laundry is stacked up.  Of course, even though I dropped an amount of money at the grocery store on December 23rd that could potentially buy me my own private island I need to head back Harris Teeter today for provisions that were used up.  I could pay people to help me out with these chores (if money grew on trees) so I could stay in my pjs all day with a cup of coffee in my hand.  But who is going to help me straighten out my kids?

They are a special disaster right now.  Are all children like this after the mass consumption and spoiling that is Christmas?  C is 3 1/2 and he wants to know when he gets more presents.  Joke is on me since more family is coming in to visit and, of course, bringing presents. 

He has become quite the fan of the word NO over the past Christmas week, this word being delivered with gusto just to me as Mom.  'NO I won't eat, NO I won't sit, NO I don't want to go to bed.'  My child who was generally well-behaved regressed into a toddler monster while company was here.

C has suddenly determined, as well, that mealtimes are no longer going to be mealtimes.  He will sit, look at us, perhaps snack, get down after being obnoxious for 20 minutes, then have a massive meltdown 1 hour later because he is STARVING.

My kids also think that treats are available for ingestion at any time of day for any reason.  C will look at me and say "But Mommy, it's Christmas" to try to justify getting a Rice Krispie treat at 10:00 am.

Bedtimes and naptimes are all messed up since we had church obligations, family to see, and people over.  I want SuperNanny (does she still exist?) to come get that back on track....while I sleep.

Our Christmas was incredibly lovely.  We truly had a joyous time.  We tried to keep our boys on track with their schedules and to keep our household running smoothly and consistently.  We limited the amount of presents Santa brought but with a huge, giving family they received a lot.  But the boys were innocently spoiled for a few days and able to enjoy special memories with family and to feel the magic that was Christmas.  So even though our house is running like a bad episode of Survivor around here right now, it was worth it. I don't regret a minute.

I just need more coffeee.  Now.