Getting over it

Well, finally the house is clear of out of state guests and I can get back to my normal routine around here. It's not that my guests were so bad, they were quiet; didn't demand my presence or require me to entertain them all the time; they didn't eat me out of house and home (other than they were 3 extra mouths-two of whom were growing, adolescent boys); and finally, they did not destroy my antique furniture or put holes in the blow-up mattress. Still, I am so glad to have the house back to its permanent residents.

Everyone would have laughed til they cried had they seen Eve and me with stupid, silly grins the moment the car was emptied and it was just the two of us heading back to our home. Ear to ear, teeth gleaming in the sunlight, huge, unable to stop grins. We wanted to do the happy dance, shout from the rooftops, and call everyone we know with the joyous news! How shallow of us.

Things feel so differently, now. It's more quiet, more relaxed, less stressful, and for me, most importantly - less odors. When there's 8 people pooping in your house there seems to be a constant wafting of offensiveness in the hallway...boys who cannot hit the bowl make for a bad service station restroom - the only thing I didn't have was the key with the office chair chained to it. No matter how often Amy cleaned the bathroom (it is her's and Chris' bathroom while their here)she just couldn't get the smell out. WEEEHOOO, she did it!

We love these people, but if anyone ever needed proof that "guests are like fish...after three days they start to stink" this is it. It will be a very long time (if ever again) that we allow people to come stay with us for an extended period. We made it through without hating them in the end - and that's a good thing. It's taken a full two days just to get over the experience.

So...my friends and family...we have learned a lot about what we will accept from people and just how mature we have gotten over the years. We have practiced tact, hospitality, and graciousness and are much better for it.