Date Night

     For some time now, I've been planning a surprise evening alone with my honey.  Trish generously agreed to watch the kiddos, including Aila.  Today, I bribed the children with promises of candy from Justus' store if they cheerfully helped get the house in shape.  All was according to plan until Scott called from work saying he was getting off early.  Should I panic?  But, no, he was going to Massena to Home Dept.  Fine.  A couple minutes later, Justin, his boss and Trish's husband, calls, wanting to know if the surprise will be wrecked if Scott takes off.  "No," I tell him, "He's going shopping till supper time." It's a quality boss/friend that will call to consult first! 
   I am trying to pack the kids up and get loaded, but, as is our custom, we are running late.  Scott calls again.  He is running late.  For once, I am glad to hear it.  Relieved, we head over to Trish's.  Aila has nursed, so I am hopeful she will be OK, besides, she will eat most anything.  The other kids couldn't care less about me; they love "Teetee's" house, and usually groan when they see us come to pick them up. 
     I rush home and finish my preparations.  Scott calls again to let us know the full moon is rising, and maybe we should take the telescope out.  "Uh, sure." I say and hang up.  Candles, check.  Music, check.  Suggestive note on the door, check.   Finally Scott pulls in, and he is certainly surprised, which is half the fun for me.  He asks where the kids were.  "I waved my magic wand and made them disappear." I tell him.  We enjoy a lovely time together with no interruptions, savoring hot food I didn't have to cut for anyone except myself!
     As we enjoyed the last bites of our cherry-topped cheesecake, I felt anxious about little Miss A, so we headed back to gather the flock.  Justin and Trish's house looked like a tornado had hit.  Aila was surely glad to see Mama.  Everyone was talking at once.  Tirzah was wearing somebody's old PJ's, having wet herself.  Levi is holding up a mini ziploc bag, exclaiming, "Here's my tooth I pulled!"  Sure enough, he lost his first tooth, and we weren't even there!  Caelin is hiding under a blanket because he doesn't want to leave.  Our friend Nathan Martin is on the couch sleeping through all the commotion, as is Katrina, their baby.  Did I mention they have 5 girls of their own?  That makes 9 kiddos, which equals something just short of pandemonium, but not by much.  Some half-hearted clean-up by the crew and a quick nursie for Aila, and we head out, thanking "Dun-dun"  and " Tee-tee" for their services.  Under a chilly but beautiful full moon, we drive home, fully satisfied with our mutual pleasant evenings.