Thank goodness school has started again. I cannot believe I am saying those words, but all the weeks of freedom and feasting have taken their toll. The kids needed their school routine, and I need time to exercise. On Sunday, I tried to exercise. Here is a little replay of the situation for you. Our cast includes The Captain, Tinker and the Blitz, ages 5, 4, and 3.

Mommy: I am going to spend just 10 minutes exercising. Can you guys finish your snack and then color those pictures for me?

All: Yes, Mommy.

10 seconds later.

Tink: Mom, de boys won’t share dere markers with me.

Me: Okay, where are your markers?

Tink: Dey are lost.

Me: Boys, please share your markers with Tinker.

(Boys generally whine and fuss but agree. Mom goes back to exercising.)

20 seconds later:

Blitz: Mommy, what are you doing?

Me: Hula hooping.

Blitz: Mom, why are you huda hooping? Hey!! I was using that green marker!

Me: For exercise. Shhhh.

15 seconds later:

Tink: Mom, the Captain won’t let me use the brown marker.

Cap: Mom, I am trying to use the brown marker and Tink keeps taking it.

Tink: You are mean.

Cap: You are mean and I have it first.

Me: Were you using the brown marker, son?

Cap: No, but I have it first.

Me: Please let Tink use the brown marker. Tink, give it back when you are done.

10 seconds later:

Tink: Mommy, de Captain threw the brown marker at me.

Mom (Putting the hula hoop away): Okay, forget it, let’s read a story.

—

There was more, but I am sure you get the idea. I think I got approximately 30 seconds of exercise in. Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids to pieces, but I am getting fatter by the minute. I tried again a bit later with more success. I think the key is to break up the Triple Threat. Any two of them seem to play pretty well. They are definitely turning into “normal” siblings who tussle and argue. But that’s a good thing, right?

When they arrived, the Blitz (then only 10 months) was practically a stranger and The Captain spent all his energy making sure Tink was all right and catering to her every whim. We’ve come a long way in 2-1/2 years. I sometimes forget to be thankful for all this commonplace behavior. So to heck with the exercise. On with the fighting!