If all three of us survive the next 33.5 hours, it'll be a miracle.

Seriously, the last 10 hours of my life have been some of the most stressful and exhausting hours of my life.  I'll hit the high points briefly, and then close the door.  It isn't pretty.  Since 11:00 this morning, we have:

- Fought constantly
- Yelled loudly
- Cried
- Accused others of cheating
- Cried over a video game (times six)
- Invaded personal space
- Used unkind hands
- Used unkind words
- Drove this mom completely CRAZY.

And all of this was accomplished before 5:00 p.m. where I finally quit and made them sit next to each other on two stools and hold hands.  One cried, one laughed, and I took a picture to use for later punishment if necessary.

And know what?  It worked.  Well, it halfway worked.  They were mortified and embarrassed, and while they did sit there, they didn't sit quietly, so each time one of them said something, the time started over.  Each time one tried to halfway hold hands, time started over.  I gave them the choice: continue holding hands or get spanked for each "crime" committed.  So, they sat...because if you were given the choice, which would you choose?  Come on now.

After their punishment was over (and the inside of my cheek hurt from biting it so I wouldn't laugh), they had to take showers and get ready for bed.  Needless to say, when N's dad called to see if he wanted to come over, N jumped at the chance.  Wouldn't you?

They're both fine on their own...and for some of the afternoon, they were loud, but getting along really well.  It's just, when it goes downhill, it's like a stinkin' freight train without brakes.  On fast forward.

So, now, it's just one kid, and it seems like I handle that scenario the best.  I'm able to browse several sites for ideas and strokes of genius for one of my closest friends' wedding in June.  She called me today to ask me to be her Maid of Honor, and I was super surprised...and completely honored to be asked.  I'm so excited to be a part of this wedding that's (already) shaping up to be something that fits her down to the last little detail.

As it should, being her day and all...but what would I know?  I can't wait to see what she comes up with next: dress shopping, and giving me ideas of what she wants me to wear, and a toast!  I get to get up and talk about her ON PURPOSE!  Who wouldn't love to do that...I mean, aside from those who are terrified of any kind of public speaking.

Lucky for me, I'm not one of them!  (Or maybe "unlucky" for Amy...I promised her I'd be mostly good, though.)

I've already been throwing ideas around in my head, but (knowing me) I'll have this heartfelt speech prepared, and decide to wing it.  I'm a "fly by the seat of my pants" kinda girl, after all.

Nobody ever would've guessed that one, right?

Aubs