Lessons learned by a (temporary) mother of four

I asked the husband and best friend to do a major home improvement project at the house this weekend.

Sounds awesome, right? 

It was.  Except that meant I had to watch four kids all day long by myself.

I know there are people that have four, if not more kids. 

But I don't. 

So when all was said in done, I learned several things.

1: Shower early.  Kids don't care if you stink and there is no way four kids are going to sit quietly and play with their toys while you clean up.


2: Buy lots of food.  Just because they are under the age of 5 does not mean they don't eat like grown men. I seriously went through an entire container of strawberries, bunch of bananas, hot dogs, milk, crackers and a brick of cheese.


3: Kids forget to flush.   


4: Boys are gross. And they like to play in toilet water. See number 3.


5: Bath goo sounds fun.  But skip the bath part and just put that goo in a bowl and head outside.


6: Fingerpainting is fun.  But don't turn your back. Ever.


7: All that food you bought and they ate has to go somewhere. When checking diapers, don't stick your finger in too deep.

8: Even the best of friends, get tired of each other after a full day together.  Come up with some solo activities, even if they last only a short time.


9: Join in the fun.  I had four ghosts making scary sounds all around me while I tried to cook dinner.  It was easier to play along then to get them to play elsewhere.

10: Buy lots of beer.  The men will be demanding it for their hard work and you'll probably want to tip one back when the little ones finally go to bed.


Whew.