Acting Mom on Duty

I've been the Acting Mom on Duty this past week, and I've been discovering things that I've never known before.

Who knew that 6 kids can go through 3 gallons of milk in a week and who knows how many loaves of bread. And who knew how many petty, stupid fights could be created over the most mundane things. Like over whether or not a character did something in a film. *headdesk*

There are the moments where the teenagers resist being told to keep up with their chores, or to go to bed at a decent time, or to not leave a mess after themselves....then there are the moments when the little kiddos scream at each other and even pull each other's hair (oy vey) and argue about which movie to watch.

But beyond that, what are the perks of being Acting Mom? The cuddles from the two youngest girls, spontaneous ice cream nights, movie nights, painting nails, special trips to the library to pick out books and movies, and jokes while cleaning...including "the happy dance" (don't know it? Shame. It's happy!).

There's nothing more comforting or special than the feeling of  lil 5-year-old slipping her hand into your's or the looks you share as you smother bowls of ice cream with chocolate syrup. And even better are the dorky exchanges between little siblings.

Short Stuff #1: What's for dessert?
Sam: Cupcakes...
Short Stuff #2: YAY!
Short Stuff #1: You don't like the frosting.
Short Stuff #2: I like the cake.
Short Stuff #1: But there's the frosting on the cake.
Short Stuff #2: SO I'LL LICK IT OFF FUHST! DUH.

Do I enjoy being Acting Mom? Not for the most part, but it has it's moments in between all the insanity.