My children are the ultimate fountain of youth.

Children are the ultimate inspiration to not become an old fart. Seriously, without children I would get up, drink my coffee, get online, work, eat my lunch, get back online, read a book, do some laundry, eat dinner, and go to bed.

In a word?

I would be boooooring.

With children I get to do things like laugh – those deep belly laughs that leave me gasping for air. With children, I get to see everything from fresh eyes – because even though one of them might have outgrown an excitement, the next one in line is experiencing it anew.

With children an ornament isn’t just an ornament, it’s a “Look at this one! How old was I when I made this?”

…and “Momma, how come you have the most ornaments?” to be followed by a 12 year old saying, “Because she is so old!”

Oh yes, children teach me that tact is something learned and not internalized.

With children…I can somewhat forget that there are about 6 loads of laundry to do.

With children…I can almost forget the ‘ring around the tub’ or the toilet funk…almost.

With children…I can re-read all my favorite childhood books and see them truly enjoy them for the very same reason I did.

With children…I have an excuse to watch every single one of the old Cosby Show seasons.

With children…I can wrestle, have pillow fights, and pretend I don’t see the big lump of a child hiding beneath the covers…just so he can ‘scare’ me EVERY OTHER NIGHT.

This year the children finally convinced me and Mr. OMSH that only BORING people have all white lights on their house, and so, we broke down and bought the multi-colored outside lights (pictures to come later). Never in a million years would we have considered buying multi-colored lights to adorn the house, but THEY want them and really, aren’t lights for children most of all?

Do adults ever squeal in delight at a street full of lit homes with dancing penguins and polar bears in the front yard? Okay, maybe there are some, but the point is – in OMSHville decorations are for THEM.

Our Christmas tree is like a big history project of years gone by – and I LOVE IT.

Seriously, once I exorcised all the tree demons, I was excited to see it fill-up with all the crafty, popsicle-stick, toilet paper roll, clothespin and construction paper or doily ornaments from years past.

And now, I have been informed, I need to start wrapping gifts. “A Christmas tree isn’t a Christmas tree without gifts under it!” my children proclaim.

Uh huh.

Right after I do the laundry.

For now?
I’m just gonna sit and listen to the ‘fountain of youth’ snoring in their rooms while I soak up the silence and stare at their creation.