Eating alone, but not

The boys are home from school...ALL WEEK. Actually, this is a good thing. Its kind of fun to have them home and the truth is then I don't have to run them to school and do the whole routine. We slept in this morning and we can play the day away. Oh except for the fact that Daddy Doc won't be home for two days. Yup, he is working all day today and tomorrow but after his normal shift he is then pulling ER shifts both nights. Therefore, he will technically be home between 10:30 pm and 6 am to sleep but its not like we will see him. Ok, I MIGHT see him but considering this leaves me the task of fun kid activities, organization, regular cleaning, plus cooking for the big day...Thanksgiving. I'm not exactly feeling like staying up to catch up on my day. The good news is I don't have to add the school run around into the mix!

The boys and I sat around having lunch yesterday. Generally I hate making more than one lunch. Our options include, PB&J, Turkey Sandwich, Mac & Cheese, or Corndogs. Yup, that pretty much sums it up unless we have tasty leftovers someone is willing to eat. Doc occasionally makes the mistake of giving them the list of options. I don't'. My list involves what we have and what I'm willing to make...one option. Yesterday, however, we each had a leftover or sandwich and it was fairly easy. What was so funny was to all be sitting around mutually enjoying our meals (unusual to all be here for lunch but more so that everyone was eating.) It was really nice to eat my meal and have an 'enjoyable' meal with my kids'.

Its not that I don't love them but if you ever spend a significant amount of time eating with just kids you realize that the conversation is mostly on the listening side for you and the eating part would mean you aren't running around. Its not always very fun. Then again maybe just being novel is what made it ok. Ask me again after the next two days with only kids and no adults and I might not think it went so well. I'm hoping its partially because they are getting older. That does seem to change the dynamics. Maybe its wishful thinking and just not wanting to devolve into TV picnic night every single night that Doc is gone for four months. Ya, I know its wishful thinking. Ask any military wife and I've come to realize its normal. Yup, we all do it. People complain about hubby gone for a few nights but try months! Its novel to do the picnic a few times, but before you know it every single night is spent eating in front of TV. Hey, don't judge until you are the only person doing all the cooking, cleaning and most of the eating for weeks and weeks on end.

Yes, we had a good meal. I know. Its only one. I'm hopeful though. I can't help it. I'm a hopeful person. Perfection is what I strive for. See that is my control, organization and always trying to do better. I'm 'hopeful' that maybe this next separation we won't have the 5 food groups every night and maybe just maybe the TV won't always be on. Its a good few days of testing. Who knows.
(oh and those 5 food groups involve, Pizza, Chicken nuggets, Hotdogs, Mac & Cheese and I throw in Salad. Mix and match for your combos.) Hey, its what happens when you become a single Mom who does it all!! Super Moms survive on this stuff. Its a proven fact.