Another Year

My oldest daughter gave me a nice birthday present.
I fear it can only go downhill from here. 

National Clean The Wall Day

 

The blueberry-juice fingerprints stayed on the wall for two days before I had time to make a project out of it. I told the kids I had some sponges called "magic erasers" (Mr. Clean brand) and they did the work for free. Free meaning no whining, stalling or balking. My wise-gal 8 year-old sees her sisters working happily and snorts: What is this, National Clean the Wall Day? Craking herself up, she answers her own question: Yeah, it comes right after National Mess Up The Wall Day.

Embracing Winter

To save money, we are not taking a warm weather vacation this year. The economy is squeezing us, and so we figured we'd better make the most of New England: the snow, the slush, the ice-- although these last two are a real drag. Even if we don't want to ski, strapping on some snowshoes and going for a hike is a pretty big win for kids. They don't need any special skills or classes, and snowshoeing makes them feel like they are walking on clouds.
So far meltdowns have been short in duration. What can you do out in the woods anyway? You can provide a snack from your pocket or fix a few mittens. You can't carry the kids the whole way or go home instantly. They have to pick themselves up and march along with you. As a last resort you say, "OK, let's turn around then, and hike back home."  

How Did I Get Here..?

I never imagined it would really happen, getting on the slopes. I thought I kissed goodbye my 20-something hobbies a long time ago. With five little ones, what a joke to think I’d ever ski again before my silver years. But it happened this season, and I’m a little shocked by it. Now I’m trying to understand what it all means and what role skiing will have in our lives.

Why did we do this? I know the answer and I’m not sure it reflects well on us. I am always trying to delude myself that we’re a normal family. (We’re not, of course, because we’re saddled with all the logistical obstacles related to moving around 5 kids.) So when friends at school invited us up to New Hampshire to go skiing, my husband and I said yes, of course we will. Then I spent an insomniac’s night at our friend’s house wondering how two adults are supposed to accommodate the 4 different skiing levels we theoretically have in our family. Can I ski with one between my legs while instructing another? Will we ever convince anyone to take the tow-bar by herself? How long will Bevin, our petite, tolerate those storm-trooper boots? Would a meltdown on the slopes be just the ultimate?

If we can get our entire family on skis, then anyone can. This is what happened.

A few disclaimers: We purchased used ski equipment at a high school sale in October. (Presumptuous, don't you think?) We go to ski resorts in N.H. where kids 5 and under ski for free. A few of our children had tried skiing last year. Our 8yo and one of her triplet sisters are solid beginners. Finally, my husband and I can ski, but haven't done it together in 12 years.

1st visit:
A disaster. It takes 3 hours to get equipped while all the kids moan, complain and refuse--one plants herself in the lodge with our friends. Then four kids attempt the slopes for 20 minutes in a blizzard. Wind and snow lash our faces, and we don't have ski goggles. My back hurts from holding the kids between my legs and yanking them up when they fall. We waste a lot of money. I vow I'm not coming back for five years.

2nd visit:
One of our 5-yos (who gets cold easily) stays at home with her grandparents. We put our 4yo in a half-day "ski club" while I ski with our athletic 8yo and 5yo on the easy intermediate trails. (First moment of zen occurs when I realize I am successfully riding on a ski lift with 2 of my daughters.) Jim takes our last 5yo, who always needs a lot of one-on-one attention and painstakingly goes through every step on the bunny hill. By the afternoon, my two are feeling really comfortable on the easy intermediate trails. And Jim reports Lucy is doing fine on the bunny hill. We pick up Cian from ski club and he shows us his "pizza" "french fries" and "magic hands," and I am in awe. The ski instructors are much better teachers than we are.

3rd visit:
This time we have all 5 kids, and I'm a little anxious. We convince Bevin, who stayed home last time, to join her 4yo brother in 1/2 day ski club. How? We tell her she will get hot chocolate and a video there, which is true. Now we have two parents with three kids for the next 3 hours. Jim goes back to the bunny hill with Lucy, since she refuses ski club and responds well to her dad's patient manner. I ski with my same 2 girls, who are now doing their turns very comfortably. It's a whole morning of Zen! I cannot believe how much fun I am having enjoying the scenery of the White Mountains, and watching the girls learn so much. Just before ski club pick-up, Jim and Lucy show up. She is ready to try intermediate. She takes it slowly at first, then really gets into it. I go to ski club. They've done it again--taught another one of ours to ski. I take Bevin and Cian to the bunny hill for the rest of the afternoon, which gets cut a little short because they are pooped.

4th visit:
Oh man, we have got the logistics down to a smooth operation. At Tenney Mountain we know exactly where to unload, place our skis, put on ski boots and even where to put our bag of food. We now have only two different levels of skiers--beginner and intermediate. Jim and I go off with our respective group, then switch in the afternoon. This is the best ski day so far. We go back to Aunt Martha and Uncle Don's house with big appetites and tired bones.

THE BEST MELTDOWN STORY COMES FROM....

 

Ansley, Nebraska. They're all smiling now, but on a particular school morning not long ago, it was pandemonium for their mom, Donna, who deftly handled 5 freak-outs at the same time. Congrats, Donna, for keeping your sense of humor! Scroll down to read her vivid account in the essay contest. Thanks to everyone who contributed their agonizing and hilarious stories--they made me feel much less alone in the constant management of irrational behaviors!

Happy Trails to You, Orla

This is usually what our family portraits look like. After five years in the trenches with us, our loyal and beloved nanny, Orla, (lower right) is moving out of the country to seek new adventures. She joined us full-time when the triplets were six months old. Now they are five and a half. Incredibly, she stayed with us for five years, and became a family member. Orla, we will miss your happy presence in our house and your uncanny ability to re-direct kids out of a meltdown. You were and still are a gift.  

FINALLY, A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP!

Share your meltdown story with us and you could win a copy of I Brake for Meltdowns and this great pampering package! (Because you deserve it, for goodness sake.)

Remember the strong abs you used to have? Well, chances are your lower back is straining to compensate for them. Heat this flaxseed bag in the microwave and bring it to bed warm. It feels amazing on your back! High quality earplugs will block out your spouse's snoring, but your child's wails will get through in an emergency. A silky eyeshade will fake night time darkness until your alarm goes off.
(Did I miss my calling as a supermarket circular writer?)

ENTER YOUR MELTDOWN STORY BELOW
Get inspired by my own daughter's 3pm tantrum story. Post a meltdown story on your own blog, then add your URL to my Mr. Linky box below. All entries on Mr. Linky will qualify for the pampering prize.