Hell: frozen

Yep, that's right. At this point in time, I feel pretty confident in saying that it's freezing in Hell.

Why?

Four kids (which turned into five when Alex got home) all playing together. Nicely. Without arguing.

OK, maybe a little bit of arguing.

But seriously, this was probably the best day behavior-wise that we've had in a very long time. I don't know what's gotten into them lately, but they have all been at each other's throats. Constantly. It's been horrible and it has made me seriously question my ability to deal with it at times - which of course makes me feel like a complete and utter failure as a parent. Now, I know that I'm not a failure - but there are those days that really make me wonder. I know that's all part of being a parent, but honestly, I get tired of it (not being a parent, but having the bad days).

Being a single parent makes it that much harder. I don't have someone here with me every evening or on the weekends to "tag in" when things get rough. When the poo hits the fan, I can't take a breath and walk away and take a break - I have to deal with it unless The Dude happens to be here and can lend a hand.

But then there are days like today - and they make me realize that maybe, just maybe I'm actually doing something right.

Jared made this one for me.

I'm quite sure that they'll be back to bickering again in no time - but at least we had some peace today.