You never realize how important something is until you go without it. For the Webbs, it would be our sewer pump that launches the sewage to the street lines. When the tank fills and the pump has malfunctioned, you know what that means? It busts the sewage cap (it's metal by the way), and the week's flushings begin to drain into the yard. 2 Dogs, 3 Boys, 22 chickens, 2 cats, and a surprise shit pool in my grass. Lovely.
We had some awesome friends who reached out to help us that first week, and it surely made week two bearable. My parents' neighbor is a man of that "trade" and helped Brannan clean / drain it that first night. When I saw the Dinosaur Head puppet and handfuls of baby wipes that must've went for a ride down the chute, I assumed we had a winning solution. But we learned later, the pump had to be replaced and we were destined to use the bathroom outside for a hot minute. I'm sure my face proved my resistance to the idea. Hello! I'm a woman! I can't aim like y'all!
The next week involved minimal flushing, dirty dishes, less than average number of showers, rapid teeth brushing, and ZERO laundry. Thankfully, our mothers scooped up laundry and took care of that element. I learned that a messy house and dirty humans aren't such a big deal. And we were beyond excited to have the new pump installed today. I turned on my dishwasher, cleaned clothes, and allowed every boy the chance to flush the toilet after bathroom trips. I now love and appreciate that sewage pump.
The boys started their two weeks of day camp this week - YAHOO - at least for the older two. Camps don't take Grayson. Because of his age, you know. Although, perhaps his antics would get him kicked out anyways. So Gray got to ride solo with mama this week, as I launched into 12 hour days at the studio, full of workshops, guest teachers, young girls, older girls, phone calls, emails, and studio cleaning. I'd lock the front door during classes and set him free. Today was day 9 of Mommy & Grayson adventures and I was beat. He ran through my class of 11 year olds, pulled up his shirt to show his backside and said "I shake my butt!". Of course the talk I had with the girls about "just don't laugh at him, and we'll be good" didn't apply at that moment. We all giggled, and at that time, I knew my son would probably be the clown of the family from here on out. I always thank God for laughter in those moments.
Along with the glorious installation of the new sewage pump today, I enjoyed my first night to come home before 10 p.m. Thankful to cook dinner. Thankful to sit and watch the boys play (or really just fight constantly). Thankful to enjoy bath time. Thankful to snap a brother picture before bed. We got upstairs, began the teeth brushing, potty one last time, tuck me in, tuck me in again, tuck me in with the right blanket please, rituals. And then prayers. I asked BK3 to lead us in the prayer and he gave me a beautiful surprise "Angel of God" to start. My exhaustion melted a bit as I knew how lucky I was to share some prayers with my boys. And in true fashion, Grayson played his part. It went a little something like this:
We began, "Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name....." PPPFFFTTT goes the fart gun in the hands of the grinning 2 year old. "Thy kingdom come...." PPPPPPPPFFFFFFFFFTTTTTTTTTT. "Thy will be done, on Earth".... PPPFFFTTT "as it is in heaven"..... the fart gun went off a few more times before ..."But deliver us from evil." Grayson delivered the "Amen." I held it together, eyeing Briggs and Brannan to make sure they too, could keep composure on one of my favorite times of the night. We moved right onto "Hail Mary, full of grace" When I felt a giant slap with somebody's underwear coming from behind me. "the Lord is with thee. Blessed art though among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus." I was now being assaulted by the same 2 year old with the underwear he was holding in his hand. I lost it. The loudest laughter before our prayers to Mary completed. We failed. But we won. People tell me every day to cherish these moments, and I doubt I'll forget that one. I believe it so much. The days pass so quickly. I can't keep up. I pray for time to stand still, despite Briggs asking me every day "Mommy when will you be 85?". "Not for a long time, Briggs, please let me enjoy 33." In an attempt to break the giggles, I allowed Briggs to pray first. He prayed some gibberish, which mainly sounded like the mayor of munchkin city, and we all smiled. Next was Grayson who patiently named every member of his family, followed by the word "Booty-head", then a resounding AMEN. Finally, Bk3 got his turn (he normally goes first, so I was surprised he waited without complaint). He made a few pleas for a good weekend, a good day at camp tomorrow, and for everyone to stay well. Then prayed that God would "get some help in ruling the world." My heart melted and broke all at the same time. I took the opportunity to help him understand that God is the God of the whole entire world. And that He's the best at His job. I'm not sure if that moment was for BK3 or for me. Each week brings its own adventures. I always try to keep a good perspective, but as humans, we can let it get the best of us. While I'm thankful for these extra flushes allowed now, I will forever be thankful for those gentle reminders of who is in control. I am even more thankful I could share it with my loves.
