"How ya' doin'?", one of my sisters (the one with no kids) asked me yesterday.

"Well, we're more or less up to full speed," I replied, "throw in Bible study on Tuesday mornings and another set of Saturday soccer games and we'll be there."

"And??"

"And what? It's been like pulling teeth all week. My life? Well, I think most of the time I identify with Sisyphus of Greek mythology...or maybe the Little Dutch boy--the one plugging holes with his fingers? Mostly I just beat back chaos".

"Yeah, well, that's just because vacation is so much more fun than real life!".

She has a point.

Next week should be better. Not to tempt fate, but I'm not sure how it could be more discouraging. Throw in a mini-vacation to Florida for the little guy and I (my youngest nephew and youngest sister are both celebrating their birthdays), and things are looking up.