Ren Allen

"What I'm asking for here are specific ideas/examples of how some of
you did
things back in the day of young children, nursing babies who don't
nap, and
so on!"

Well...I'd suggest a sling, but I saw you with that little one
strapped on at the conference, so I know you've already got that
covered!:)
I think when your children are very little, you really have to work
as seeing the time you have with them as your only job. If you get
to clean or cook, it's a bonus. I know that sounds lame, but if you
accept that, it will be easier.

If you can afford to hire a nice older lady or teen to come in and
play mothers helper once a week, DO IT. Let them cook or clean while
you play with the kids, OR let them distract the kids while you
catch up. It's so worth the money. I didn't get to do this often,
but those rare times were lovely.

I always suggest keeping a stash of dollar store toys, new snacks,
any interesting items that are different than what you already own.
Pull those out when you really are longing to see your counters
again, or when the kids are cranky and you need to re-focus the
energy. PLAYDOUGH! I can't say enough good about playdough. When
the playdough was out, that one area of the house was getting
trashed but I could run around and pick up some other stuff. I don't
care for many baby contraptions, but I DID love having a high chair
for wee babsy art projects. Jalen never had one, but it might have
been nice for the playdough moments.:)

Here's a new game I've discovered that allows me to clean while
playing with Jalen and Sierra...Hide-n-seek. I LOVE being the one
to count, because the entire time I'm looking for them, I'm picking
stuff up. It's great. They are happily playing and I actually get
something done.
It's easier for us now, with mostly older kids in the house.
Just remember, when you're in the midst of baby/toddler stuff, it
feels like it's going to be forever.
You'll be hugging big, tall teens soon and all the mess and chaos of
the younger years will be forgotten and mostly what you'll remember
is the happy smiles and fun projects and cuddly moments.

Oh, and going for drives. I know you don't get housework done, but a
long, exploratory drive is a great way to keep everyone happy and
spark new connections.

Ren