Reality check

We've had my bro-in-law, Branden, staying with us for the last few days. Thirty, single, and bored. out. of. his. mind. He's tried to keep a positive attitude, but I really feel for the poor guy.

Here's a typical day around here: everyone is up and moving by 7:30 a.m. Most of the morning is spent in a state of barely-contained chaos. Emma is starving for breakfast, Jared needs help with math, Micah can't find his science book, Adana spills her cereal on the floor, Jared has another math question, Emma want to know how to spell "ballerina," Adana has taken off her diaper (somewhere), Micah can't find the Lysol to clean the bathroom . . . And that's before 8:00 a.m.

Nathan, of course, is at work all day. So poor Branden has been stuck on the domestic front. I worry that this may scare him from ever marrying or having kids.

I usually have very few complaints about my life. I've got a great husband - supportive and generally sympathetic to my particular trials. As far as kids go, I think I lucked out. They're pretty darn good kids.

But some days, I feel like complaining a bit. Especially when I'm seeing my life from the perspective of someone who doesn't spend the bulk of his day wiping snot/poop/milk/mud from various places.

Just a few complaints, like why do we have white carpet with 4 kids?

Or at what point do I get to take a shower without someone ending up in tears?

Or how is it possible for these kids to be so bored all the time when our house is overflowing with toys?

However, if I really stop and think about it, I wouldn't trade my snot-wiping, toy-picking-up, cries-soothing days for anything. Especially not the dating scene. I suppose it's all a matter of perspective.

But I would like some new carpet.