My New Normal
in Giggles on November 8, 2016
So, I realize that it has been over a week since my last post. I apologize. I often stand stock-still in the middle of my house, stare off into space, and wonder what in the world I’m supposed to be doing.
Why do I do such things?
My new normal has me walking…some days running in circles.
I had the idea for this post on Saturday night as I was herding ten teenage girls into the local movie theater for my daughter’s birthday. This was her idea for a fun-filled birthday party. My mind began to drift back in time to birthday parties filled with screaming and excited toddlers (many of them belonging to me) and the gentle whir of exceptionally large air-filled slides and trampolines strategically placed inside a massive warehouse space. Parents Moms would stand in the back of the room doing random head counts, while Dads tested the weight limits on all of the equipment.
The party Saturday night was much different. Ten giggling teenage girls, who stopped every ten 
feet to take a selfie, wanted to watch a movie, eat a mountain of snacks (almost as much as my son and his friends) and then hang out in the hot tub. Of course, there’s my youngest son lurking around corners and poking his nose outside at the mere mention of his sister inviting ten of her cheerleader friends over for a swim party!
My New Normal.
We also have a new addition to our family…nope…not a new baby…nor a new puppy. My father-in-law has moved in with us. He’s 80, a diabetic, and has Stage IV lung cancer. So, I spend a large amount of my days visiting doctor after doctor; sitting in waiting room, after waiting room. I am learning about drug interactions and chemotherapy treatments. My house is almost completely germ-free. I should buy stock in hand sanitizer. I monitor blood sugar, temperature, and fluid intake. I know nurses at the hospital by name and how many children they have.
With an addition such as this, comes an interesting and new family dynamic. While everyone in the family wants the best for my FIL, not everyone has the same idea as to how to achieve that end. Feelings get hurt, toes get stepped on, and emotions run high…extremely high. My new normal is FULL TILT all day, everyday.
And…as an added little bonus, Thanksgiving is SIXTEEN DAYS away!! SIXTEEN…That means that Christmas is speeding toward us at breakneck speed. So, if my posts are a bit more sporadic, now you know why. But, on the upside, I am posting Closet Confessions VIDEOS (to go along nicely with my Confessions of a Terrible Stay Home Mom posts) on my Waiting on Naptime Facebook page. They are short, funny and to the point. Check them out!
Here’s hoping your day is somewhat NORMAL!
-Dallas