So please raise your hand if you have ever wanted to put your head in the oven?
What? – no takers – really??
I always knew that I was one of a kind ;).
Perhaps I should put this initial statement in context.
It was 5.15pm and I had been up since 5.15am with three sick and very attention-mad children.
Okay that description is putting it nicely – which is so unlike me – they were like sneaky hawks circling their weak prey – ME.
They were taking turns to torture me, repeating my name over and over, crying at me and begging for food – generally driving me bonkers.
My kids pretty much wrote the manual for witching hour.
Anyway, so I hadn’t cooked the Husband a proper meal in three days and so was cooking a roast dinner (pork – aka Babe).
It was even complete with home-made gravy – to give the impression that I was still a shit-hot housewife!
But as dinner time drew near the three sickies elevated themselves to levels of madness that I haven’t seen in ages.
It’s been raining on and off for weeks here on the GC and I’ve been on the brink of insanity throughout it all.
But after having to care for three sick kidlets all day I was SPENT!
I even called the Husband on his way home to ask him to please stop at the bottle-O because it was an emergency!
He didn’t even ask why – and that’s just some of the reason why I will love him forever and look past the fact he can’t put toilet rolls in the bin.
Here is the Husband being a super dad!
But that is also why when my hard-working Husband arrived home, after 13 hours away from us (lucky bastard), I made sure his family were sitting at the dinner table trying to be civilised!
It didn’t last for long – but we tried to not annoy the shit out of him for the first 30 seconds 😉
And you know what? As soon as my gorgeous six-foot hunk walked in the door (yep I’m a total suck up) – I felt the weight on my shoulders instantly lighten.
My rock was home, he was here to help me.
No I’m not married to Thor – but what a hero and those arms – cha chinngggg
The love of my life came through for me again.
If it wasn’t for him (and vodka) – and the fact that he puts up with me for who I am – then my life would be beyond shithouse!
It’s days like that when I recognise how hard it must be for those who parent alone.
Motherhood ain’t easy – but a trouble shared is a trouble halved.
How crazy is witching hour at your place?
Are you fortunate enough to have a partner in crime to help parent – or do you do it alone sometimes? (and have my UTMOST respect and admiration!)
It’s totally IBOT with the McAwesome Jess from Essentially Jess
Have a laugh on me 
February 26, 2013 at 7:56 am
Thankfully I have worked since K was 4 weeks old so we always got home from work together and tackled whatever had to be done !!!!
Hope your week gets better and your children are well in no time !!
Me
February 27, 2013 at 7:44 pm
I often think it would be easier to not work from home – and then I also wouldn’t be cranky at my hubby when he came home (after a massive day of work) xx
February 26, 2013 at 8:35 am
Now my youngest is nearly 5 the witching hour seems to have finally become manageable MOST days (discounting the occasional meltdown about homework from the older two boys).
But I totally relate to the way you feel about your “rock”! I sometimes wonder why they put up with us? Could it be becuase we are shit-hot in bed? Yes, it could very well be… 🙂
February 27, 2013 at 7:45 pm
Hee hee Rachel – for the first time in 6 months the Husband wrote a response to one of my blogs because of your comment about being shit-hot in bed! FUNNY. From one shit-hot lover to another – have a great week! Em x
February 27, 2013 at 9:34 pm
Hey, you gotta own it Lol! You too & I hope Mr 1.5 years gives you a break at some point x
February 26, 2013 at 8:41 am
Those days are SO HARD!!! Must have been something in the air yesterday! xxxxx
February 27, 2013 at 7:45 pm
They sure are Leigh – I hope you day was better today also?
February 26, 2013 at 9:10 am
Very thankful for the boy who helps me whenever he can do 🙂 i really admire those that do it on their own though… especially with a few kids because it really can get so tough, and I just have one now!
Ai @ Sakura Haruka
February 27, 2013 at 7:46 pm
You are so right Ai – those who do it alone are amazing. I am so thankful for any help I get 🙂 xxx Thanks for visiting
February 26, 2013 at 9:23 am
They don’t call it the witching hour for nothing eh? It’s funny as I thought it was bad when I just had G, now that I have two of them it doesn’t take much to spiral into chaos. I’m lucky that most evenings my hubby is home by 5 so it’s a joint effort.
February 27, 2013 at 7:47 pm
I was the same I thought it was hard with 2 but 3 is just another whole world of PAIN! I’m glad you have help – and I do too – just wish it arrived home a little earlier some days x
February 26, 2013 at 10:23 am
I’m “The Husband” and yes Rachel – being shit hot in bed does make Ems easier to put up with LOL
The roast dinner also helps too.
Love you Ems
February 27, 2013 at 7:48 pm
WOW – for the first time ever the Husband has made an appearance – a big round of applause please 🙂
Love you more xxx
February 26, 2013 at 10:30 am
oh my…. I’m so glad you have your person who sounds wonderful – especially with the alcohol deliveries!!!
#teamIBOT
February 27, 2013 at 7:48 pm
He’s one of a kind for sure Lyndal xx
February 26, 2013 at 11:11 am
Not much is harder than 3 sick, whinging little kids. Vodka makes everything better. Rachel xx
February 27, 2013 at 8:33 pm
A wiser word hasn’t been spoken Rachel – Vodka is my friend 🙂
February 26, 2013 at 11:44 am
We all have days where we’re just hanging on to sanity by the tips of our fingernails, the weather here on the coast has been abysmal – you know it’s bad when your 3 year old is sick of putting on his gumboots and jumping in puddles. My sister is a single mum – I have no idea how she does it, utter respect to all the girls (and guys) that have to do it alone.
February 27, 2013 at 8:34 pm
Those who do it alone are truly heroes in my eyes – I’m not sure I could. Totally over the rain here – it’s been like this for weeks 😦
February 26, 2013 at 11:54 am
You had me at the title. I really didn’t need to read more, but I did and I’m glad. I don’t know how single moms do it. You are so right. Just walking through the door is all they have to do. I think it’s because there’s strength in numbers! This post is hilarious!
February 27, 2013 at 8:35 pm
Strength in number for sure Rachel – I count down until he arrives homes and my mood lifts 30 minutes before he’s due to walk in the door. Thanks for visiting – Em x
February 26, 2013 at 12:30 pm
When my husband comes home from his FIFO job in the Middle East, I feel so light and relieved I practically levitate!!!
Sick kids, any kids at witching hour are a horror.
By the way, here’s what I reckon: ‘A problem shared is a bloody good laugh for everyone else!!” Thanks for a wee laugh and here’s to dry bloody weather!!!
February 27, 2013 at 8:36 pm
See at least I have my hubby at nights, unlike you, so I probably shouldn’t be moaning! And yes if I’m suffering, why not share my problem and give them all a good laugh. xx 🙂
February 26, 2013 at 12:42 pm
Some days are just sooooo hard you seriously wonder how the hell the human race has kept going! My husband works from home 2 days a week so he’s generally here (see: can’t avoid) the witching hour on those days. It definitely helps to have another pair of hands! On the other days, I just make it up as I go.
February 27, 2013 at 8:38 pm
I think they did it differently back in the day – we were just ignored, sent outside or told to amuse ourselves. I’m not saying it was right or wrong, just an observation. I wish my hubby was here for weekday witching hour!
February 26, 2013 at 12:59 pm
And that is why Coping Cordial was invented lol. Sick kids AND dinner to be cooked is enough to make a saint stick their head in an oven. Heres hoping tonight is a better one for you hun x
February 27, 2013 at 8:38 pm
If only I was a saint Sonia then maybe I would be able to cope better?! I appreciate the visit and comment 🙂
February 26, 2013 at 1:45 pm
Yep! Totally take my hat off to single mothers – I doubt I could do it without my husband.
February 27, 2013 at 8:39 pm
Every day I tell him how grateful I am that he helps me with kids, not like it was 30 years ago x
February 26, 2013 at 2:12 pm
Sorry, must drag my attention away from Thor…..
I don’t know how you cope. I am like that with one son (there will be no more and I have a pretty good one!!).
Yes, Gin & Vodka help, but heaven knows how many times I’ve thought about the oven scenario.
Thank heaven for husbands – aren’t they divine 🙂
Becc @ Take Charge Now
February 27, 2013 at 8:40 pm
Ha ha Becc, no hurry, just move away from Thor when you’re ready – he’s such a spunknut!.
Have a great weekend 🙂 xx
February 26, 2013 at 2:22 pm
I feel the same about Mr Awesome, the moment he walks in no matter what is going on, I suddenly know that all will be well. Fairy wishes and butterfly kisses to you and your knight in shinning armour. I hope all the kidlets are feeling better now.
February 27, 2013 at 8:41 pm
Me too it’s like if I really had to I could collapse on my bed and cry and he’d be able to take over – not happily – but he would. Still got 2 sick and a case of scratch head – ARGHHHH – xxx
February 26, 2013 at 2:49 pm
I’m totally with you Em! Mine works permanent night shift, 14 hour shifts and I can’t wait until his business takes off and he’s working from home, we’re a team. Go the vodka xx
February 27, 2013 at 8:42 pm
Man that must be tough – you poor bugger. See what have I got to moan about. Em xx
February 26, 2013 at 3:20 pm
omg this was me last night! Exact same time, trying to get a blog post written after I had supplied them with sufficient nutrients and distraction. Clearly.. still not good enough.
February 27, 2013 at 8:43 pm
Glad you refrained from plonking that gorgeous swede in the oven, as did I!!! It’s amazing how much they can push our buttons right? Thanks for visit x
February 26, 2013 at 5:37 pm
That’s exactly how I feel when my man walks through the door too xxx
February 27, 2013 at 8:43 pm
It’s like I’m whole again xx 🙂
February 26, 2013 at 7:36 pm
Witching Hour.
Don’t talk to me about it.
I work full time and then I pick up screamers who need food, a bath, milk and sleep.
My partner does help but he arrives home at the tail end of the witching.
Wine helps. Lots of it.
February 27, 2013 at 8:44 pm
If only I could arrive home at the tail-end of witching hour like my hubby. He arrives to us all sitting down eating – lucky bugger.
By then I’m half delirious – and a few drinks down!
xxx
February 26, 2013 at 8:13 pm
Oh this was such a cute story! Thank God for awesome husbands, and even more awesome husbands who bring wine. 😉
February 27, 2013 at 8:45 pm
He sure is a keeper Jess, and he didn’t even judge or ask why I needed a little medicinal compound!
February 26, 2013 at 8:22 pm
I know the feeling! I am always hanging for hubby to get home…A good way to avoid witching hour is to make a slow-cooked dinner or salad or soup or whatever early, and take the kids out of the house at that god-forsaken hour. That’s what I do anyway. 🙂 x x
February 27, 2013 at 8:46 pm
You are so wise Zanni – I will try and do that – but today it just wasn’t going to happen. I had heaps of work/interviews to try and do when I wasn’t chasing the babe around. Have a great rest of week xx Em
February 26, 2013 at 8:30 pm
Reading this made me want to stick my head in the oven…..until the knight in shining armour bit (and Thor’s arms). It’s a tough gig some days. I can’t tell you how bad I hang for that glass of wine!!!
February 27, 2013 at 8:48 pm
Glad you refrained but putting your gorgeous face in the oven – Thor does rock as does the Husband! I have to say Danni for me it’s a tough gig most days at the mo, but what can I do?! x
February 26, 2013 at 8:59 pm
I can totally relate…except it wasn’t the oven I wanted to get into…it was the shower with a showercap on. Those shower caps are noisy as the water pelts on them and you don’t hear a thing going on out there! There’s a tip for you…you’re welcome! 😉 I know what you mean about the relief when hubby gets home! I do not know how single parents do it. They are incredible!
February 27, 2013 at 8:49 pm
You are very wise Mins – great idea! Thanks for the tip. Single parents deserve medals – truly x
February 26, 2013 at 9:10 pm
I have a huge respect for single parents.
I just love the way you describe your husband!
And how lovely that he commented on your post!
February 27, 2013 at 8:50 pm
You are the only one that picked that up Rita – after nearly 6 months – he outed himself 🙂 xxxx
February 26, 2013 at 9:43 pm
Thoooooor, moooore. I have one,but he often only makes it home before 9 about twice a week. He often only sees the girls on the weekends, so at shit o’clock, I’m it. Some nights the hardest decision is vodka, gin, or wine????
February 27, 2013 at 8:51 pm
Love your work Kim, I’ve changed from wine to vodka, purely for calorie purposes – hee hee. It must be hard – see now I feel bad for being such a moaner xx Love your visit 🙂
February 26, 2013 at 10:03 pm
I know I could not parent alone – I need my husband to be there, even if all we can do is sneak in an eye roll at each other when things are crazy! I hope today was better for you and that your munchkins are on the mend now.
February 27, 2013 at 8:52 pm
And talking in code over dinner to explain how the day went. I’m so glad you have a super hubby like mine, we’re super lucky fur sure. Kids are getting better slowly – except we had unexpected visitors yesterday – Mr Lice and his family – ARGHHHH
February 26, 2013 at 10:40 pm
Shit yeah witching hour is full on round this joint hence my dependence on ABC2. I have a joke with my friend that as soon as our husbands walk in the door we “tag them in!” wrestling style. haha!
February 27, 2013 at 8:53 pm
TV is totally my friend – and you’re so right – as soon as they enter the house they’re on duty, in fact sometimes all four of us are pounding the driveway 🙂 Thanks for visit Sarah 🙂
February 27, 2013 at 5:38 am
Oh yeah, I remember witching hour so well. At 13 and 9 my kids are beyond that witching hour stuff (I think, I hope, have I spoken too soon?) Our hours of frustration come in the morning when trying to get them organised for school and home work at the start of the day. And yes, that problems shared, problems halved thing is so true.
Hope everyone gets well soon!
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
February 27, 2013 at 8:55 pm
I can already tell school work is going to be a pain butt – especially with 3 very close in age – so maybe I should just enjoy my ‘easy’ life while I can.
Thanks for best wishes, sickness is now the least of my worries, we’re on to head lice – ARGHHHH 😦
Em
February 27, 2013 at 1:32 pm
I am nodding my head throughout this entire post!!! Can my head join yours in that oven?
But you are right. We have our beloveds to share the load with us.
I would be lost without Mr Surfer. He’s my rock, my punching bag and forever my shoulder to cry on!
February 27, 2013 at 8:57 pm
I think our McAwesome heads might need two ovens Gracie!!!
I’d be devastated without my rock also – aren’t we lucky?
Have a super week gorgeous xxx 🙂
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February 27, 2013 at 4:30 pm
Ha ha…I can totally…TOTALLY relate to you!! Yes, I think I will join you and Mama Grace too in the oven.
Once I did ask my husband to buy a bottle of my favorite drink too because the day was sooooooooo crazy. And once he popped by the door the first thing I asked was “where’s my drink?” lol!
February 27, 2013 at 8:58 pm
I think that was the first thing that escaped my lips yesterday too Rina – next was – can you please change No.3’s poo? Poor hubby, lucky he loves me so much (and vice versa) Thanks for visiting and commenting 🙂 Em
February 28, 2013 at 12:06 am
Em…you crack me up-you write so well. My drug of choice is chocolate. If I starting drinking I wouldn’t stop! Ha ha
February 28, 2013 at 10:44 am
I’m thinking I might have to swap Lisa!! Save some money and my liver 😉 xx
March 3, 2013 at 6:30 am
Someone once told me that with kids there is a difficult hour in every day, a difficult day in every week, a difficult week in every month. But when there are multiples, well you can get two kids going through their difficult periods at the same time. It’s enough to drive anyone bonkers. As for single parents – hold my hat out. I reckon you’d just have to drop the standards. Let them watch TV. Let them eat whatever. etc. Otherwise, HOW?
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