Sometimes I Just Want the Illusion

You see them in magazines…that happy, smiling family, enjoying an outing together.? Everyone from Grandma and Grandpa to the kids and grandchildren, laughing, smiling, having a wonderful time.? The part that keeps me sane about that whole thing is I know it’s staged.? The illusion however, is wonderful.? And I’m a sucker for it, every time.

That?this can be recreated with my own family ?is a fantasy.? One that I indulge in on occasion, and afterward remember why it’s only a dream.? My sister Andrea says “We put the “fun” in dysfunctional”…that is the truest statement ever spoken.?

Don’t get me wrong, we’re a good bunch of people…but nothing can seem to go right for us when we try to do something fun together, and it usually ends badly.? It’s not even comical, like the Griswalds.? It’s like the little girl with the little curl…when she was good, she was very, very good, but when she was bad, she was horrid.?

Today’s attempt ended with our youngest two boys screaming, crying, throwing a fit and pushing my sister Stephanie right over the edge.? Part of me is irritated that you can no longer visit a pumpkin patch and get a wagon ride on the spur of the moment (yes, you actually used to be able to do this.), you need to have a reservation for everything these days.? It’s ridiculous.? The littlest ones were very upset and disappointed, and acted out…they were very over the top however.? This has led to infighting among the three of us sisters…which should smooth out over time, at least I hope so.? Because I have a roast in the crockpot big enough for 6 people, and only two will be eating it.??

Nothing like a downer post to liven up your already dreary autumn Saturday, right?? My life isn’t perfect.? Far from it.? Sharing anyway.

S.