Just Say NO!

When RLs uncle passed away recently, he planned a trip to West Virginia for the funeral.  None of us wanted him to go by himself, but we all had reasons we couldn't go with him.  I needed to be here for Mom.  R needed to be here for Harper.  L wanted to be here so he would have the freedom to chat nightly on the computer to his 'someone special'.  And, technically, it was Rs turn to go on the next trip.  So, being the awesome mother I am (hold all applause until the end please) I told R to go ahead and go.  I would give what little time I had available to babysit Harper.  No, no, no.  She just couldn't leave him.  He's never been without her.  How would I do since I really can't wrangle him by myself since I broke my arm.  I had L with me.  I would be just fine.  Go.  Have a break.  See some new sights.  Maybe there's a really cool yarn shop in Charleston.  Go. 

Now, those of you who are mothers are starting to understand the title of this post. 

The first day was exhausting!  R was still a little upset at leaving him and wondering if she had made the right choice.  I assured her we would be fine.  Shortly after they left, however, I was a little upset at her leaving him and wondering if I had made the right choice!  He was a wild child extraordinaire!  I didn't think he was ever going to calm down!  He was into everything and by that, I mean E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!  Finally, about ten or so, he went to bed.  I didn't get to read, play on the computer, do laundry, clean the kitchen.  I hardly had time to take a shower and I needed that shower!  L was a big help to me and I couldn't have done it without him, but he was busy in the evenings and I was on my own.

The second day was a little better.  Not much, but a little.  I learned that I still cannot walk him by myself because he pulls so much and I couldn't contain him with one good arm and one arm still healing.  That night he went to bed early!  It was either that or one of us wasn't going to live to see the next day.  About four in the morning he threw up.  What kind of grandmother am I for that to happen on my watch?  I got up, cleaned his crate, took him outside to 'tend to business', then came back to try to go to sleep again.  Oh - did I mention he's an early riser and I am not?  Well, he is.

The third day came.  Oh my, oh my.  My vocabulary increased by leaps and bounds.  Harper was no longer called 'Harper', but names I don't care to type here.  Then it started to rain.  Really?  Rain?  I  have to wear a rain coat and take him outside to do his business when it's pouring?  Seriously?  Then he went wild on me.  He tried to chew the skirt off the couch.  He pulled the curtains from around the windows by the door.  He tried to eat everything off the floor I hadn't had a chance to sweep because I was lucky I was able to eat with him still asleep!  How on earth was I going to get the trash and recycling down to the road, in the rain, with him tearing the house apart.  Luckily, L really stepped up and helped me with the little 'dear' puppy.  Bed time could not come soon enough! 

Harper's mommy will be home today.  I think Harper will be excited.  I know L is looking forward to a break.  I AM ELATED!

They say the one who sits in the Lazy Boy rules the house.  Look who is sitting in the Lazy Boy!!!!

Next time this situation should arise, I will follow my own advice:

JUST SAY NO!

That yarn she found in that WV yarn shop had better be great stuff!