Ebb and Flow

On any given day, you may find seven, or more, or less children in our home. It's what I call the ebb and flow of our life. Our children have wonderful friends. We like to have them here, but we also like it when they go to their friends' homes. I like the quietness that results in extra  having children here. Yes, I wrote quietness. So often, when one of the children has a friend over they are so busy -- often with younger (or older) sisters in tow -- that the house seems quieter. I also like the quietness that results when one or two are gone to friends' homes. It changes the sibling dynamics and different sisters learn to play with one another again.

The only downside to this ebb and flow that I can see is the need to always have kid friendly, but still healthy snacks in the home. Two boys arrived home today from rowing practice. They informed me that the miles they covered at the calories they burned were the equivalent to that of playing two professional basketball games. I'm pretty sure that that was their way of saying they were really hungry. So a muffin each, a glass of juice, an apple, and a bunch of crackers and cheese later, I think we at least made a small dent in their hollow legs. Before you think that that's just a boy thing, nuh uh! Our girls are great eaters too and so are most of their friends.

This weekend we will have two extra girls here again. Beans and Squirt will each have a friend over. These four play together very well. I imagine I won't see them much. For my highschoolers, that will be a good thing because exam week starts on Friday.

I like the ebb and flow of our lives, but if you have any ideas for healthy snacks that can be had at a moment's notice, I would really appreciate your suggestions!

** I would love to have posted some photos of the kids and their friends, but both the computers with Word on them are in use. We're also heavy into project season. Oh well, that too will soon be remedied :o).