In other words...

Every time I meet someone new... like another mom at the park pushing her smiling child on the swing while I chase J and yell over my shoulder for M not to climb on that, or an old lady taking forever scanning her coupons in the self check out line at Jewel while I try and get J to pry his lips off the cart handle and keep M from putting all of the Push Pops in with our groceries, I always get the same line:  "Wow, You've Got Your Hands Full".  I know what this means.  In other words, "Wow lady, get your life together.  You look like hell."

Most likely true.  And at that moment I feel self conscious about what my kids are doing and what might be stuck in my hair... but as I maneuver my minis out to my car and unpack them and my groceries (including a few stray Push Pops and NOT including the milk that I actually went to the store FOR), I try and remember that the snot on the back of my thighs from the hugs I get while I'm washing dishes and the circles under my eyes from sharing my bed with a 2 year old who had a nightmare in the middle of the night and wanted to "nuggle in mommy bed", are the best gifts I can get.  They aren't going to be this little and needy forever.  When they're not... I'm going to miss it.  Until then, I'll suck it up and be grateful that I get to be home with them everyday.  I'll manage those days with friends to vent to, projects to distract me, and some good food and wine with my cute husband after bathtime and nigh night.  Emphasis on the wine.