Thursday, June 26, 2008

I just want them to act normal for 10 days.

Tomorrow, I will be sitting on a plane with three beautiful children and a huge bag of candy headed for Chicago. We will be living along side my parents for 10 days. The last time I spent a week with my parents and my children, my father exclaimed, "You let them get away with everything." He said that out of love for my well being after witnessing the day to day chaos of motherhood with three active kids.

I don't have to explain just how crazy in love I am with my children. I know. That is enough.

However.

My kids are not perfect. Jay cries too much. Lola is rude too much. Fifi is a blessing. My parents are obnoxiously in love with all three.

Today, like any "good" parent, I started threatening them. "If you are rude to MY parents. I will be rude to you and you will spend a lot of time in your room." She rolled her eyes. "If you cry over silly little things, no one will understand when a big thing happens. Do not cry wolf." He started tearing up. "Fifi, you better not change one thing you are doing. Keep eating. Keep sleeping. Keep pooping. Keep it up, or else." She clapped her hands and smiled.

Honestly. I just want them to behave or pretend to behave or just pretend to act normal for the 10 days we are living under my parents roof. That is all I am praying for.

I have packed lots of candy, packed lots of threats, and have some tricks up my sleeve, if for some reason my prayers are not answered. I know that the big guy is busy actually answering more desperate calls (I do have his number memorized). As much as one tired mother of three can pray, I know my calls are petty.

If that is the case I hope the windy city and my parents are prepared for our kind of classy chaos.



********************************************************************
I wanted to thank each and every one of my commenters on my post regarding COMMENTS. As always, I read and reread each comment and really absorbed them all. It isn't humanly possible to visit all 134 blogs to thank you personally... but I do think I have stumbled across the most perfect way to stop by regularly offering my laughter, my advice, and my love. Stay tuned tomorrow.

81classy comments:

Blessings From Above said...

I am actually first!

I'll be praying that the kiddos are more classy than sassy, at least for the next 10 days! Have a wonderful trip.

Lisa said...

Hooray! I'm 1st!! woo-hoo!!!

I'm going to be in Chicago on the 11th for a day of shopping with friends. Stay, and you can shop with us and show us all that's classy!

Seriously, I hope that the kids are perfectly behaved. I'm sure your parents will love the bejeezers out of them, and hopefully you'll get a little bit of time to relax!

Kelley said...

If you need it, apparently Boo has God's URL...

It will go fabulously babe. And if not, blog fodder. That is the only thing that saves my sanity and descending into drunken debauchery..

Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] said...

Hooray for threats and candy! THAT is real parenting.

Have fun! We'll miss you!

MarĂ­a said...

I hope they are better than you hoped to pray for. :p

Jill said...

As a never ending nomad... a family who basically lives out of bags for 4-8 weeks at a time when we visit our family from overseas... (we're currently at my parents house for 10 days as well)... I can offer a few pieces of advice to help with good behavior...

Bribery is key. Mommy giveth and she can sure as hell taketh away.

Their own carry-on bags (with wheels) are awesome! I pack them with one new toy wrapped in a paper bag that they can either unpack on the plane or once we get to our destination. They LOVE wheeling their bags through the airport! And it's a great place to store their toys at your guests home.

Home-made play dough at the parents house is much better than the store bought version... it comes out of everything - and if Fifi eats it, it's au naturel and it won't harm her! I have the recipe if you want it.

When in doubt - drink wine... on the plane or at your parents home. It numbs the pain AND helps you fall asleep quickly.

Have fun!

Chelsea said...

Those pictures are hilarious. I'm sure they will do great. And if not, just remind your parents that this is classy chaos. ;)

Anonymous said...

Great series of pictures- your littlest one is too cute.

Enjoy your trip!

Suburban Correspondent said...

You're welcome - have a fun plane ride!

Rhea said...

Great pictures (as usual)!! Hope the kids behave well and you guys have a WONDERFUL trip!

Kash said...

Don't worry, just about the time, your classy brood get chaotic, Aunt Kash will come to the rescue.

Karen MEG said...

Great shots!!! They're angels, really they are ;)... they'll do just fine!

Tena said...

Praying you have a safe flight tomorrow, and that your kids don't go through you whole stash to fast!!!

Unknown said...

Love love love the pictures, Lola is SO Queen of the stairs, and sweet, happy Jay with his inside out shirt (: (I only point that out in love. And Fifi! Climbing Jay in her little ballet shoes... it's too much.

ListPlanIt said...

Ok, weird! I am currently on a 10 day vacation with my 3 children to my parents home (in Kansas)! I am typing on my dad's computer right now! We have 2 girls and a boy. The day of the flight went really well, despite the pit in my stomach. I am a little worried about the trip home. We have TWO stops and a 3 hour layover at one of them. But so far, so good.

Jen
http://www.ListPlanIt.com

Laski said...

I'm sure you and the Chaos Kids will be spicing up the Windy City.

Oh, how I miss it. I lived there for a total of six years--two for school and four during early married years. *sniff*

Have a safe trip! Good luck :) (Sounds like Auntie Kash will be there . . . my sisters are my saviors!).

Zoeyjane said...

lady. I am in totally the same place - but with one and only for trips to the grocery store. Feel free to add Isobel into that prayer, eh? I think if it's coming across as altruistic, the big guy listens more.

Danielle said...

My dear, sadly that sounds and looks entirely normal to me.

Maybe the vacation should be sans children. Maybe I'm speaking for myself...

Have a fun trip/visit!!

Danielle said...

but, I should have added that vacations without them makes me miss them too much!! oy!

moosh in indy. said...

My grandparents make me want to give my mom an award. Nasty people they are.
Good luck on the trip girl.

Janice {Run Far} said...

your kiddos are so darn cute.. have fun.. and I hope they all keep pooping too

maggie said...

My whole entire family still lives in Chicago, too, so please have everyone wave as you fly in, and have fun - I'm sure they will be perfect. Or if not, still very much loved by all. :)

Unknown said...

Have a blast in Chicago! I can't wait for you to come back so we can have that much needed night out with drinks!

XOXO
Have a safe flight and enjoy yourself while you are there!

Anonymous said...

Good luck with the plane ride and the visit. Traveling seems to be so rough on parents. I'm sure it will turn out even better than expected. And I love the pics as usual. Adorable. Have an awesome time!

Kristen said...

Let me know how it goes!

I have to say that we are going to my parents in Indiana for one month and she just told me that she already has the word CHAOS written on her calendar for when we arrive. No way bribing for me can work for one month. 5 days maybe, one month? Not a chance.

I say if your mom hasn't done that in either English or Polish, you are golden!

Have a safe trip, and remember the kids always do better for someone else.

Jeni said...

Speaking as a "wise" old granny here, I'm betting the way your kids behave -good or even a little bit bad at times -will still have them as shining stars, the classiest of the classy grandkids on the planet! Grandparents do act that way most of the time. Besides, it is always a whole lot of fun to watch the grandkids get the better of the parents, pulling the same stunt often that the parents once pulled on the now grandparents. (Parents revenge, I think it is commonly called!) Have a great time and come back home with lots of stories of lots and lots of fun -and love.

tricki_nicki said...

Oh the pressure of wanting your kids to not seem like monsters in front of your parents!!

My MIL was just here for a week with my kids while I was in Jamaica. I was really worried - and when I got home she was really tired. I think my three boys were, um...kinda crazy while I was gone. *sigh*

Miss said...

You are flying with all three? Alone?? Holy cow girl. You are amazing.

lattemommy said...

Good luck on the flight tomorrow, have a fabulous trip, and if all else fails, I'm with Kelley - share it on your blog! :)

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

Bribery and threats are the backbone of parenting!
I hope you all have a great time.

Wendi said...

I hope you and the kiddos have a safe and happy stay with your parents.
They may have temporarily forgotten how hard it is to have 3 kids in tow.
They will quickly remember.
Maybe they will feel sorry for you and buy you a new pair of classy stilletos.
One can wish.
Don't make the kids be too perfect.
What would you share on Classy Chaos?
Imperfect kids make good blog fodder.
I love your perfect little kids on the stairs.
They are too cute.

Laura said...

fingers crossed for you! Have a great trip!

AutoSysGene said...

Hey girlie, I emailed you about getting together and I didn't hear back from you. Still interested?

Anonymous said...

That last shot with the doggie too, is just too cute of them! Have a great triP!

Anonymous said...

Um, quick question? Do we have the same exact kids? I always thought it was birth order. Missy B is SO sassy sometimes. Lil V can be sensitive, but he is the angel of the duo otherwise. Have a fun vacay!

Jessica said...

Safe Travels! Bring the kiddos to get some "Chicago Popcorn" (Caramel and Cheese mix)...yum yum...ride the ferris wheel at Navy Pier....see the animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo....Fifi and Lola to American Girl....Drag them to the top of the John Hancock...they will be so exhausted they will be angels for grandma and grandpa!

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

Here's to a great and fun trip with perfect angels of children!

Jennifer said...

they are just being kids. :)

i think everyone's kids act like this once in a while. :)

i love the threats and the bribes!

i hope you have a GREAT time!! ;)

and honestly... when they look that ADORABLE who cares how they act!?!?!?! ;) lol

be safe & have fun!!


xoxoxo

Indy said...

I can't wait to see what you are up to tomorrow. Gotta go. Ry is crying. Seriously.

Stephanie said...

Good Luck! I'm sure they will be fabulous.

I love when you post pictures of all three. It solidifies my want for three children...though currently I only have one :)

Burgh Baby said...

Have a blast! I'm sure the kids will be perfect angels. Or not.

Irene said...

Have a great trip! Hope it all goes well.

And I truly believe you cannot underestimate the power of threats and bribery. If it works? Go for it! Good luck!

The Gerster Family said...

I hope you have a blessed trip...If nothing else, I'll pray your parents see the beauty the in the chaos you call everyday life. *hugs*

P.S. Let me know what bribes work! I'll keep them up my sleeve for the next years to come!

Ashlee said...

My prayers are with you! good luck on the plane ride and with your ten day adventure! :0)

Kim said...

Threats, candy and bribes. That is what I use. :)

I hope you get to enjoy yourself... it will be fine..just breathe.. :)

Kimmylyn

the dragonfly said...

Hope you have a great trip! (and they are absolutely adorable, by the way...)

Mama Smurf said...

But a tip with a whole lotta "classy" and very little "chaos" would not make for a good blog post! There MUST be some chaos in the mix! I can't wait to here about it! Good Luck! Have a fun and safe trip!

Mama Smurf said...

"trip"

Unknown said...

You're coming here at the perfect time. The weather hasn't been too bad and should be off and on rainy over the weekend. Make sure you get to Brookfield Zoo while you're here.

Meanwhile, I can't believe I didn't comment on your post about comments. Because I LOVED that picture of you - the 'no makeup this is me' photo. I know you get a LOT of comments and I don't expect you to reply. Like Lotus at Sarcastic Mom or Sandy at Momisodes, you get a LOT of comments and replies are just too much to contemplate. Not with three kids, anyway. So, you blog, I'll read and that's that. xoxoxox

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

Hey, if you're looking for an escape from the grandparents here in Chicagoland, let me know! I have an open weekend and a NEED to get out of the house!!

Hope the flight isn't too painful and that the children put on their best portrayals of quiet, well-behaved children. :)

Texasholly said...

When they are that cute they can get away with more...

Chris said...

Have a great trip! Your kids are adorable.

Kat said...

Try not to let them (your parents or your kids) stress you out too much. I am convinced that grandparents completely forget 85% of what raising little kids is really like. They gloss over all the difficult stuff. All their kids always slept great, ate great, were hardly ever sick, never talked back, etc. Take it all with a grain of salt.
Have a great trip! :)

Valreegrl said...

Here's to hoping the plane ride goes well!

Have a great trip!

Quarantine Hobby said...

Good luck! I hope the trip going fantastically! I'm sure the kids will behave...just keep the candy and the threats :)

Looking forward to hearing about the adventures in Chicago!

tiarastantrums said...

Have a safe and fun flight! Perhaps I will see you at Target or Jewel??

Meg said...

Are they too young for Game Boys? That usually keeps them busy.

Have fun!!

Anonymous said...

Aw, I'm sure the little darlings will be on their best behaviour while away! Enjoy your time with your family and have a safe trip!!

Nan Patience said...

So your parents are old school, too. They don't subscribe to the attached parenting thing either. As a mom, you're a pathetic, complete pushover, boob like I am!

Jealous of spending 10 days in the Windy City! Enjoy!

Are you sure about the big bag of candy? That would turn my kids into automatic monsters in no time.

Kelly said...

Really, what's normal with little kids?? LOL I wouldn't know normal if it hit me in the face.
Enjoy your trip!!! I love Chicago. We get up there at least once a year. Looking forward to hearing about your travels. I went back and read the post about what your dad said after your Mexico trip.It brought tears to my eyes also. You know, no matter how old we get, we always want to make our parents proud and those kinds of comments do hurt.

Ali said...

you are officially my hero. flying? with 3? alone?

holy crap!

Marmarbug said...

I am LOL at you telling them your expectations. I love Fifi's best! Good luck and have a WONDERFUL time!

Be good kids!

MommyTime said...

Have a wonderful trip! Here's hoping for good sleep and good times for you all.

Robin said...

I always tell my boys before these visits, "At least try to pretend you weren't raised by wolves!"

It hasn't worked yet.

Anonymous said...

Hey! I have 3 just like that! My youngest cries too much, my oldest is way to sarcastic for his age and my middle son, well he is such a sweet thing! Good luck on your vacation -- have fun and don't worry so much!

Rachel said...

Have a wonderful time sweetie! The great thing about grandparents is they've been there and done that, but it's cute and fun when they're not your kids. So no worries, they'll love them no matter what darlin'!!

Drop me a line, I have a question for ya.
XOXO

Karen said...

How fun to be able to visit Chicago with your parents! Here's hoping that the kids are on their very best behavior. But as a mom of 4, I know the 10 day thing will be a stretch.

They were very well behaved for their trip to NYC though. You've got some great kids.

Don Mills Diva said...

Have a wonderful time in Chicago!

Next stop: San Fransico!

Unknown said...

I hope you have a wonderful time with your parents. It's always nice to have a couple of extra sets of hands.

EatPlayLove said...

Have a great trip..There's nothing like nana and papa's house in our family. Enjoy it!

April said...

And I thought I was asking a lot for just 3 good days! Hope it's a great trip!

Amy said...

I always tell my kids to act like heathens at home, but angels while we are out. That way there is the perception that I am a perfect mommy, even though I'm far from it. The plan doesn't always work though!

Tara R. said...

Have fun on your trip, and I hope your parents fall even more madly inlove with their grandchildren. Loved the photos, they were awesome!

Tootsie Farklepants said...

When all else fails just leave them with your parents, and you go sneak off for a drink and some city life. Grandparents live for that stuff.

Have a great time!!

Jennifer said...

Oooo, what are the 'tricks' up your sleeve? I have purchased about 10,000 stickers for our flight to CO next week. We will go to TX 2 weeks after that. I hope I'm ready for this! My daughter has flown 20 times, but it gets a little harder each time! Let us know how it goes.

just jamie said...

Best wishes for a sane journey. Fruit snacks? Small toys? Lollipops? That kind of bribery?

LOVE the framed photos above the stairs. So classy.

Anonymous said...

I will be praying you and your little blessings. I pray every time we are going over to some of my families for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Please Lord, let Sarah and Hannah be on their best behavior. No tantrums from Sarah and let Hannah be more calm today. I also pray safety for your flight. I hope you all have a wonderful time together. Sounds great about the POW. Their are brilliant minds out there.

Manager Mom said...

Enjoy Chicago! I grew up in the 'burbs, and just dragged my kids for a city visit there last year. SO much fun family stuff to do...

SECRET AGENT MAMA said...

Sending you travel mercies, my dear!

3 Peanuts said...

Have a GREAT trip! I'll be thinking of you. I will miss you but I get the break. i think I am in need of one too.

Kim

CC said...

We just tried the candy + short airplane ride adventure. Worked out great. Soon we'll try the candy + looooong airplane ride adventure. We fly a lot. We do not candy a lot. Wish us luck!

 

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