22 Things

This past weekend Shawn and I went to a wedding in Buffalo, New York. We suckered my parents into watching the boys for us for the weekend. I dropped them off at school Friday morning, packed the car and took off for Upstate New York. My parents picked up the kids Friday at 5:00. I think they regretted agreeing to babysit for us by 6:15.

Below is a word-for-word copy of an e-mail my mother sent me after we returned home...

Things I Have Learned in the Last 3 Days (written at random 'cause my brain does not work right now)

1. I will take a 800 pound black bear over a 16-month-old and a 4-year-old. The bear does not scare me as much as they do.

2. Nick feels like he weighs in at 200 pounds when he climbs in bed with you in the middle of the night. He insists on sleeping on top of you.

3. Evan hates waking up to anyone other then his momma.

4. Evan has broken Jessica's record of throwing a fit. He does not pass out. He just keeps screaming.

5. Nick "hears" only what Nick wants to hear.

6. You can survive on chicken McNuggets, bread with butter and cheese sandwiches.

7. You can watch the same tv shows over and over and NOT have a breakdown. At least I think I didn't. I am still hearing "voices" so I am not so sure.

8. Nick is a smooth talker. He can make you feel guilty like a pro.

9. Divide to conquer. You may survive if you split them up.

10. If Nick is playing with something Evan will want it. See number 4 above.

11. Outside or inside does not matter, you can ALWAYS find something to climb on to give Pop Pop a fit.

12. Four-year-olds have a very short memory.

13. Sixteen-month-olds know more then they let on.

14. If a tv show is on, and they are actually watching it, don't even try to ask a question.

15. Frank says if he keeps his eyes closed he can survive anything Nick does.

16. It helps to know where the clean clothes are stored.

17. The "mother's voice" still works when you finally loose your patience.

18. Babysitting is like an episode of Star Trek. Time slows down, but aging does not.

19. If there is a stick, broom or anything that can put an eye out, Evan will want to play with it. See number 4 above.

20. Our hearts are willing, but the bodies can't handle it.

21. If you want to keep Nick occupied, take him to a book store. He will ignore the books, but play with the Thomas the Tank display for hours.

22. Evan's "Damian Face" does not bother Nick at all. We on the other hand know what's coming. See number 4 above.

Glad you guys had a good time. Keep that memory alive as we will NEED an extended recovery time period. LOL

When we got home last night dad said, "do you hear that?" I said, "hear what?" He said, "exactly." The he asked me if I wanted to watch Wow Wow Wubsy or Hot Wheels Battle Force 5. Of course I passed on both, then we went right to BED. The Upside Down Show was in my dreams....

Disclaimer: No beating/spankings where handed out to children during this event. However, they spanked us good!

P.S. We have filed a copy of this for future reference in the event we are asked to do this again in the near future!

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Now, we did have an amazing time at the wedding, then we headed north to visit Niagra Falls for a couple hours before heading home. I don't know if my parents know just how much we needed and appreciated the weekend alone, but I do know that I'm never going to be able to thank them enough. Shawn and I were able to be 'just us' again for the first time in a very long time. We were able to remember how much we love each other and we were able to re-charge ourselves so we have a better chance at keeping up with our children.

Here's to Eric and Andrea - may they be as happy together and Shawn and I are! I'd also like to send some Best Wishes their way for the upcoming birth of their son, Cooper! If any two people I know deserve to find happiness, it's them!!!

So, what do you think the chances are I'll be able to convince my folks to watch the kids so we can go out for our anniversary next weekend? Yeah, I'm betting slim to none.