There's No Place Like HOME!!!

Well, as Dorothy put it, "There's No Place Like HOME!!!". We travelled 8 1/2 hours today to get back home, from visiting family in the Upper Peninsula. God help me! After 6 days with 16 people in a home with 2 bathrooms, 9 kids, 7 adults and 2 dogs...I was DONE! Not that I don't like visiting with family, and seeing how much my children enjoy their cousins, but holidays and family always bring on stress. Not to mention, I buried my step-mom Tuesday, which was stress enough, but life goes on. A mother can't take that time to grieve, cause you have to wipe butts, pour juice, get the kids dressed, help with dishes, make meals, clean clothes, soothe the crying, all while suppressing the crying you are doing inside. I tell you, sometimes, just taking care of myself is a task. My family is lucky I bathe and brush my teeth everyday (sometimes TWICE)! I remember to shave my legs and put deodorant on everyday, how, I will never know. Thank goodness for things you do out of habit! Oh, the joys-Happy New Year!