The Tank of the Toilet Holds a Lot of Water

Disclaimer: If you are a total germ-a-phobe (like Stacy) you might want to not read this post.

Yesterday as I was preparing dinner, my children overflowed the toilet. A child had stopped it up earlier in the day, and I was aware that it wasn't flushing properly. I had tried to plunger it, to no effect, so I lifted the seat up and then yelled like a maniac anytime a child tried to enter the bathroom.

I'm pretty sure Gabrielle must have forgotten about how I freaked out when she tried to use it right after school. (I pounded on the door yelling at the top of my lungs.) I think she used it, and then Gavin, seeing that the bowl only filled to the brim with water instead of flushing down, flushed it again. Guys, there was a flood of water. It filled my bathroom, laundry room, the bathroom closet and the floor in front of the door to the garage. I was sooooo mad.

Of course I had two children standing in the middle of the flood that now desperately needed a bath. I won't give you the disgusting details, but I bathed two children, sent everyone to time out (Yeah, I know half of them hadn't done anything.) and spent the next hour mopping up water with towels, disinfecting the floors, running laundry and shampooing the carpet.

I was so mad I couldn't even speak to Brendon when he came home. I just called to tell him not to come into the house through the garage. He could tell I was upset and offered to help, but when I am that angry, I just want to be left alone to deal with it. Dinner sat in the oven for longer than it should have, and was a bit dry last night.

Work, Flute, and Disneyland

It has been hard to find time to post since I've been working, but I think I am into a good routine now. I am really enjoying my job. It's fun to have someplace to go and get things done that stay done. Since I am getting up so early (3:00 am) I have been going to bed at 9:00 pm, so don't call me past then. I won't answer. (Brendon probably will so you can chat with him.) Brendon has been getting the children off to school in the mornings and feeding the little kids breakfast. He does a good job. My older children have been really good about following any notes I leave for them regarding things such as laundry and dishes. Things seem to be going pretty good.

I am still volunteering in Gabrielle's class on Wednesdays, and on Tuesdays I watch a couple of children for my friend who also helps out in the school. This last week I purchased a flute from ebay. I am making arrangements for Naomi to take some private flute lessons. I am also hoping to find a piano teacher for Gabrielle. Benjamin still really loves playing trumpet. He has a concert next week.

In February, we are planning to take our family to visit Disneyland. Lately I've been realizing how old my kids are getting, and how few years we have left to take them fun places. I have always put off a trip to someplace like Disneyland because I didn't want to take a baby. I would feel guilty about this, but when we told our children about the trip, Benjamin said he didn't want to go. He hates driving, and is afraid riding rides will make him nauseous. We pointed out all the stuff there is to do in Disneyland, and I think we finally have him talked into it. Naomi and Gabby are thrilled to go, and Gavin doesn't really understand what we are planning.

We are hoping to schedule our trip during the time that Laurel and Nick's family will be there vacationing. Hopefully we can spend at least one day together at the park. We are planning to bring Kay with us when we go.