Five months, really?

It's been 5 months since I wrote anything here.  I like to write.  I do.  So why am I not using it as an outlet?  I think it's time to pick up the pen once again.  Or hammer on the keys.  That actually feels more cathartic.

Tonight we're facing a strong line of Iowa thunderstorms.  I've been prepping the kids for it all day.  NOT SURE why, because honestly, they act like morons at the THOUGHT of storms.  Well, not all of them, just the 3 youngest.  So I prepped them a bit, but then came actual thunder.  Oh lord, the thunder.  I made a huge exception and allowed all of them (except Caden, who wanted to be in his bed, bless him) to snuggle under blankets on the couch to fall asleep.  This lasted about 5 minutes before they started filtering in, with the "I'm scaaaaaaared!" routine. 

Which I understand.  When I was about 6 I remember being terrified of storms, and once my dad took me outside INTO THE FACE OF THE STORM to "get brave" about it.  Folks, that didn't work.  I have always had a very vivid imagination and this was just too much for me.  I thought I might get sucked into the wind.  Not a good move for me, and one I'm not willing to risk with my scaredy-cats.

So yes, Declan was scared.  So I made another big exception and allowed him to sleep on our floor, but I made a few rules.  #1.  Lay down.  #2.  Don't be a jerk.  #3.  Be quiet.  Declan couldn't handle any of the 3.  He was lunging at the dog and just generally being ridiculous.  And he was laughing, showing absolutely no signs of being scaaaaaared.  I gave too many warnings and then finally carried him upstairs to the room he shares with Avery (he has his own room, but he's been "too scared" to sleep in it since we moved in...sigh).

He screamed.  Boy can scream.  He screamed bloody murder for 15 solid minutes.  I know why some animals eat their young.

Finally we asked Avery (bless her heart) to go up with him, and James offered to go as well (bless HIS heart).  It is now quiet upstairs.  Declan has my ipod and is listening to the Frozen soundtrack.  Macey and Madelyn finally cashed out on our bedroom floor next to Chloe's kennel.  The dog is having some sort of dream in said kennel where she is outrunning a Great Dane.  Caden is fast asleep in his bed and James is just tucking himself in as well after coming downstairs.  I am blogging.  And sipping a Diet Dew.  Most all is right with our little world.

Please storms, be as quiet as possible tonight.  Mama's tired.