I’ve never been one for staying in pyjamas all day. I’ve tried, believe me. And I’m all for elasticated trousers. But somehow I feel a bit grubby and completely lazy if I don’t get dressed, so I’ve tended to always get the kids dressed too. But today, probably for the first time ever, I said yes to a pyjama day. I did make a condition that they had to have clean pants, though. And as I had to go the shop, I felt I should probably not join in. (The pyjamas that is. I did have clean underwear). Maddie was in complete delight, followed by shock, followed by spending the rest of the day a bit unsettled. It might be fun, but it still doesn’t feel right. Maisie came down and said ‘Megan says we can stay in pyjamas?’ So I told her yes, with the conditions. She stood there, looked at me, and said, ‘But why?’ And at that moment I knew, all is not lost. I may be raising one child who might see the need for clean clothing in their future.

Theo was on a bit of a wind up again this morning, building bridges and making a ‘one person only’ rule, and then positioning himself there and not moving. The low point was when Liam and I had the nerve to try and have a five minute conversation in the kitchen, only to go back to the lounge and find kinetic sand everywhere. The tuff tray has not served us well in it’s two days of residence chez Lurker. I think Liam is deeming it the worst £15 I’ve spent. Ah well, some you win, some you lose.

For some unknown reason Micah decided to go around with not one but two megaphones, shouting ‘Everybody! Listen up!‘ Why he felt the need to have megaphones I’ll never know. He has quite literally the loudest voice on a small person that I’ve ever heard.

Maddie was keen to carry on with sewing, the only problem being that I only had one embroidery kit for her. So I thought we’d improvise with felt. Of course Theo wanted to join in on the action, and Micah wanted to colour…and suddenly I was running around trying to keep everyone happy. And not succeeding. So we got snacks out instead.

After lunch I braved a never before a task – I attempted to get my 10 year old son mopping the floor. Whilst at the same time encouraging my teen girls to try and locate the lost world that is their bedroom floor. Toby adopted a Goldilocks approach to the job, giving a strong effort on the first room, a medium sized approach to the second room, and a baby sized stripe up the middle of the hallway.

In the meantime the small boys disappeared up to Megan and Maisie’s bedroom to help with the tidying. They wandered back downstairs some time later, Theo sporting a full face of make up and manicure. I’m not sure the bedroom floor ever got got cleared, but at least one of us will look good coming out of lockdown.

This afternoon I embraced my inner 8 year old and made a sylvanian family village. The boys liked it, but Maddie was distracted by a FaceTime call from Aunty Esty and Uncle Gareth. They asked her what she’d been doing, probably not expecting to begin a counselling session, as she sat down on the sofa, sighed, and said dramatically, ‘playing. And stressing.’ And proceeded to explain how difficult things are with two little brothers. Before going off topic and making weird faces. And then unceremoniously hanging up on them. I should probably work on my children’s phone etiquette.

Maddie finished her embroidered heart today. Perfectly imperfect. Just like all of us, living together. We had some messy family moments today, tensions and frustrations. Even in the last few minutes when I was trying to send the older kids to bed after an already late night, and no one listened but they all flop down on me for another hug. And it’s lovely and I’m grateful but I’m also tired and losing patience and just want them to go to bed. We had the sand throwing this morning and the stressed little girl and all the other little moments that can add up to get you down when you’re all shut in together.

But we also had a spontaneous dinner time rendition of ‘500 miles’ led by Micah, which Toby and Megan had taught him, and he led them all with great gusto, exuberant dance moves, and it was hilarious and cute and I loved watching them all join in and laughing.

We even had a cheeky ten minutes after dinner when the little ones were calm and the older ones were happy and they agreed to Liam and I going for a quick walk by the river. On our own. With no children. Before we left, Megan told us not to get drunk, or get kidnapped or pregnant and if anyone offered us sweets to say no. I’m happy to say that we were back on time and did not break any of her rules. So you never know, we might be allowed out again sometime!

There are some verses in proverbs that talk about a wife and mother, which I have in a frame on my windowsill, given to me as a gift, and I love the reminder and the challenge they bring as we go about our perfectly imperfect family life.

25 ‘Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
. – Proverbs 31:25-26

I pray that as we spend these days together, the children are more aware of my love and God’s love for them more than my fear of the future. Of my faith that gives strength and hope in the uncertain days. That they hear words of kindness from me, of honesty, of apology, and of humour. And that those are the memories of messy family life that they take with them.