We plan certain things in advance.  With seven schedules to deal with and juggle, some things require advance planning - the birthday outing for Hayden the other day, a trip to Busch Gardens, a weekend camping excursion, or a family vacation (that one can require SERIOUS planning). None of that is easy with seven people.  Roy might need to take time off work, I need to check with the kids’ teachers to make sure they aren’t missing anything, appointments might need to be rescheduled, etc..  And on the day of the event, tensions might be high.  If we have a long drive ahead of us, I want to start EARLY.  So, I get up get ready, and then run around trying to get everyone else up and out the door.  Because of all the planning and maneuvering, expectations are high.  At Busch Gardens we try to please all of the kids - going on roller coasters for Corey, Joey, Roy, and I, looking for rides that fall somewhere between death defying and boring for Hayden and Addi, and then finally a little something for Dean.  Everyone expects to have a good time, and we usually do.

Some of my favorite memories of the past year are from family outings to Busch Gardens.  Hall-O-Scream is a big deal down there.  Haunted Houses are set up, shows are reworked. Even the stores have special treats.  A few years ago we went and I clung to the back of Corey’s shirt while we walked through a haunted house.  I screamed with delight, and the boys all laughed at and with me.  When Corey tried to take off and leave me stranded, he didn’t count on me holding on to his shirt collar.  I ripped it, but when we got outside, we all laughed about it.  This past year, Corey made sure Joe knew it was his turn, and Joe made sure to wear an old shirt.  We walked through the house and I clung to Joe, I laughed when he tried to “throw me to the (were)wolves.” He pretended to comfort me as we walked around corners and down dark alleys.  Addi clung to me, and Roy carried Dean.  Hayden walked with Corey, and the two of them laughed and pointed at all the ‘scary monsters.’  It was one of the best Halloweens in a long time.

But again, that was planned.  The idea that we were going to have fun was so firmly planted in everyone’s mind that the kids expected nothing less.  When we go camping, I try to plan things - not over plan as I have learned that causes more headaches than it is worth, but I try to plan things so that everyone will have fun. We will get to have new experiences, and some old, reliable ones as well.

But it is the little things that make me happiest.  This past weekend was a dreary one.  It drizzled all day Saturday, it was cold and no one wanted to do anything.  I was sitting on the couch watching something.  (Pretty sure it was The Vampire Diaries.) Dean was sitting next to me, curled up into my side, and Hayden was playing with Legos on the floor.  Addi was on the computer, and Joe came running down the stairs and flopped on the couch.  

“What’cha watching, Mom?”  I told him, and he snorted.  He then proceeded to sit on the couch making snide comments.  Nothing ridiculing or insulting. He just tried to make me laugh.  Hearing this, Addi came over and joined in.  Hayden not knowing or really understanding what Joe was saying started laughing simply because I was, and Dean giggled when Joe tickled him.  And in that moment, I felt such joy.  The everyday problems were forgotten, the bills that needed to be paid were pushed to the back of my mind, and instead I sat on our couch and laughed with my boys.

Sunday we were eating dinner, and Addi made some silly comment.  We all laughed, but then Roy made a comment under his breath - a little risque, and the younger three didn’t really get it, but Corey, Joe and I did… and we cracked up.  Roy took one look at my red face and burst out laughing.  Hayden tried to join in, but didn’t really understand why we were laughing, so whatever comment he made was even more hilarious.  Joe had to stop eating less he risk choking, Corey was about to fall into my lap he was laughing so hard, and I was getting a great ab workout from all the laughter.  I don’t remember what was said, I just know that was one of those moments, when we were all on the same page.  We were all in on the joke.

There are times when my house is crazy - chaotic doesn’t begin to describe it. And yet, it is moments like those that make me realize… I have never been happier.