Oh the Noise, Noise, Noise, NOISE

While my home is normally what I would call a cacophony of sound at any given time, dinnertime seems to be the culmination of all noise.  This is the point of the day when all children are gathered in one place...all with very important (and not so important) things to say...and all very hungry.

It was Spaghetti Night.  I have a love/hate relationship with Spaghetti Night.  On one hand, it is a simple meal to make and everyone loves it.  On the other hand...it has to be, without a doubt, the messiest meal you can serve a child.  First of all,  it contains a sauce that stains the floor so badly that despite steam mops, Lysol floor cleaner, and even the Magic Eraser, the stains remain ingrained in our floors for days until they finally dissolve away.  Not only can you find sauce on the floor...but also all over our two youngest children.  A bib is no match for Spaghetti Night.  While the sauce is the obvious source of frustration for parents, the noodles also present various mess opportunities...they stick to walls, they make long slurping sounds when sucked up by a toddler, and they find their way into all sorts of nooks and crannies that can only be discovered later upon removing diapers at bathtime.  It all makes for a suitable environment for noise to fester and grow.

The older two were arguing.  I do not remember the argument....I vaguely recall discontent and my head throbbing.  In between rebuttles, the toddler was singing "Jingle Bells."  Loudly.

"Shut up!"

"Jingle Bells, JINGLE BELLS..."

"YOU shut up!!"

"JINGLE ALL DA WAAAAAAY!"

"Oh, Owen..."

I look over to discover Owen with his plate of spaghetti...on his head.  Noodles slid down the side of his face...and he was quite pleased with himself.  Connor began laughing hysterically.

"OH WHAT FUN IT IS TO RIDE IN A ONE HORSE SLEEEEEIIIIIGH...."

The older kids are momentarily distracted.  A plate crashes to the floor, followed by a sippy cup.  So ends Spaghetti Night.  Spaghetti Night also usually ends with multiple baths for the children...and beer (for me.)  I think tonight I will serve something that does not have sauce.  Or noodles.  Perhaps some chicken nuggets....with a side of earplugs.