Noise

When did I start being bothered by the sound of the TV or radio? There was a time not long ago, it seems, I needed it. Couldn't live without it. Was it the introduction of having three children in three years, and not every having any quiet time? I now, as I sit here, the kids are "flapping their wings like a birdie"--is it not enough to just go through the motions? Do they have to scream out what they are doing at every moment? It is insane.

We stay home for the most part. Being in this cold climate, and having so many people to dress for the weather makes it impossible to leave the house. Well, not impossible, but close to it. The other day, we had some friends over for a play date, and I thought it would be nice to offer some bakery fresh doughnuts. The bakery is 2 blocks away. How long could it possible take? Any guesses? I got them in the van, and looked at the clock. 8:50. Back in the house, 9:10. I am sure we started with the boots, coats, and everything else somewhere around 8:30. FORTY MINUTES to take the kids 2 blocks. Any longer and one of the two that are potty trained would have had to go to the bathroom. So, unless my husband is there to help, we stay home.

Which takes me back to my kids running around flapping their wings, or playing house, or school or "mysta googaa" whatever the day may bring. We very rarely sit in front of the TV. They run around, imagine, sing, fight, cry, tons of stuff. Then we do go to someone's house. And it seems the suggestion is to have the kids sit and watch a movie. They don't know how to sit and watch a movie. They do watch it in the van--but they have no choice to sit there. Honestly, they are better behaved in the car when we turn it off.

CAN they sit? Yes, they sit and play puzzles, they sit and play with playdough and flubber for an hour, and they could sit forever and listen to books. But watching TV, for some reason makes them hungry--when I know if they would be busy, food would be the farthest from their mind.

Kids are loud. Point Blank. If you happen to be lucky enough to have a houseful of kids, and it is quiet enough to listen to the radio, I would check on them.