What I'm learning. . .

I am learning that even though three kids doesn't feel that much harder than two kids, my time seems more slippery somehow, like I look up and it's been three weeks since I last blogged, or two weeks since the lawn was last mowed, or um. . . let's not mention how long since my bathtubs were scrubbed.
We had John's mom and grandma come to visit last week. It was absolutely lovely. I learned that even when you already have 40 grandkids and 51 great-grandchildren, you still have enough room in your wonderful grandma heart to dote on one more. (It was wonderful to see you again, Grandma. Thank you for such a great visit.)

I learned (and am willing to admit) that the cuteness of my children is not only due to their Anderson genes. (Sorry, Grandma, for springing the camera on you late at night after you had already put your pajamas on and gone to bed. We had to get a three-generation shot.) It also dawned on me that with an opera singer for a great-grandma there was bound to be a little drama in my sweet Naomi.
I am learning that there is nothing that will encourage the comments of passersby more than an tiny head with a shock of stand-up-straight dark hair. I must hear "Look at that hair" 10 times a day.
I learned that just because you have a mom that is allergic to cats doesn't mean you will love your friend's cat any less. In fact, you may just love it more, especially when it is as calm and tolerant as Phelps (Sara's cat, named after, you guessed it, our fabulous gold-medal swimmer).
I don't usually like cats, given that they make my eyes swell and my nose run and my throat hurt, but this one. . . well, this one won my heart. Such a sweet cat. (Plus, the addition of Zyrtec to my arsenal was fantastic.)
I already knew that I loved Sara and her family. They are so sweet and welcoming, even when I call last minute and need a break and tell her that I will be bringing all my kids. "Can I commandeer your weekend?" And she always says yes. I learned, however, that she'll say yes even when she'll be babysitting two extra kids starting the day I leave. What a sweet friend!The little girls played tea party.

The big girls ran through the sprinkers, even though it got quite chilly.And when, for some reason, they tired of running, they stood in the sprinklers, holding their faces. Over and over and over again. You know, I was five once, but sometimes I still don't understand what they're thinking.