Four is More

Call me naive, or in denial, or downright stupid to believe that there wouldn't really be a difference in the amount of effort it takes to take care of 4 children vs. 2.  I think that when I thought about it, I always just thought, what's the big deal, so you make more food.  Or, what's the big deal, you already have to make 2 lunches, just make 2 more, dish out a few extra plates, do a few more loads of laundry, make a few more appointments, go to a few more sports games.  But, with E and Z gone at camp, this is the first time that I really see that four is definitely more and that it is not the laundry or the food that takes up the most of my parenting time and energy.  Rather, I spend the most energy with the kids on addressing and meeting each child's needs and requests, addressing grievences, answering their questions, and trying to find the time to give them experiences that aren't on my agenda but are sure on their's (making ice cream in the ice cream maker (M), seeing Harry Potter b/f leaving for camp (E), getting to the bookstore to buy Frighful's Mountain (Z), finding new flip flops that are pink and that are comfortable (S)).

Though I miss E and Z, the last few days have been quieter, calmer, even less stressful......Yami and I always thought that it was the younger set that required a lot more time and energy but in reality, they are quite simple, easy.  The things they need are simple like cuddles and stories and Webkinz World on-line.  In actuality, the things that E and Z need can also be quite simple like playing catch, talking Pokemon, or getting them to the pool.  That said, the needs and wants of a 4 year old are very different than the needs and wants of an almost 11 year old and so I think it is the very different needs of the two different sets of kids that becomes hard to juggle and sometimes leaves me frazzled (yep, I admit it, I get frazzled and when I do, believe me, I am not my best self.......OK, that's a serious understatement......)

Anyway, this has been a positive experience so far and I was really worried about having them away.  The day b/f they left, I was even sick about it.  But, that said, I've had a chance to spend some fun time with M and S (diner for breakfast (M says he never did that), made it to a movie that M wanted to see, watched ultra social S hang out with her 12 yr. old buddy at camp).  

So, here's the deal, if 4 is more than 2, well, then someday maybe all the kids will go to camp and then, well, maybe instead of freaking out, I'll actually feel what my Dad felt when we were out of the house.  I called and he told me that he was worried about how he'd do with all of us gone, and then he said, "you know what, it ain't so bad!"  And for me, the best part is that after a few weeks, I could go back to my wildly, wonderful, perfect for me, sometimes frazzled existence with 4..........

Begin forwarded message:

(The latest letter to the boys)

Isaiah and Emet--
Hi there guys-- It has been so incredibly wonderful to get letters from you both.  Yesterday I received 2 from Emet and 1 from Isaiah.  Today I received 1 from Isaiah.  I look forward to checking the mailbox every day when I get home if I know that mail has likely come.

I hope you received the first envelope I sent.  I sent a second envelope for each of you as well.  In that envelope is tape and some goodies.  I don't think it went out until this evening (even though I brought it to the post office place at Harvest yesterday -- at Harvest it only goes out once a day)--  Its a good thing that we live so close to camp b/c then the mail doesn't take so long.

How's cooking going Emet?  I can't wait to hear.

How's your injury, Zay?  I hope you are doing better.

I saw Max and Harry Porter tonight for the sleep over at Camp Hadar.  Micah, Silin, Daddy and I went for the family night.  There really weren't very many kids.  I'm not sure why but the camp seems quite quiet.

This weekend Daddy's friend Jim, is having a celebration for his new son down in Boston.  I think we are going to go on Sunday.  Its in a temple in Brookline and that is where they will announce the baby's name and have a ceremony for him.

By the way, I wanted to let you know that there was a very nice photo of you, Emet, on the Camp Yavneh website.  Isaiah, I think that you might be in a photo in the background near the ga ga pit but its hard to be sure.  So, guys, when the photographer is nearby, see if you can get in on a photo or two b/c it sure is nice for us to see you!

Alright, once again, I'm writing at bedtime.  I love you guys and of course, Daddy sends his love!

Love,
Mom

PS  Micah told me to tell you that he won $500 on the vacation wheel on Webkinz.  Honestly, he was super excited.
PPS  Silin now knows that Emet starts with "E" and Isaiah starts with "I" -- we're making progress
PPS  WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!