harness zipline sleep

"Harness zipline sleep, harness zipline sleep, harness zipline sleep"
"Yes! Harness zipline sleep."
"Harness zipline sleep, harness zipline sleep, harness zipline sleep"
"Yes! That's right!"
"Harness zipline sleep, harness zipline sleep, harness zipline sleep"
"Lochlan, yes. Harness, zipline sleep." 

We think Lochlan has some form of OCD, and the way it is most commonly expressed is through phrases repeated in almost constant succession. He does it most often when he's anxious, scared or stressed about something, but he also does it when he simply wants something more than anything else in existence. He is not satisfied with us stating the phrase back to him just once, usually, and he's definitely not okay if we just acknowledge that he's said it. He requires it to be repeated back to him exactly as it was originally stated.

The repetition is hard for my brain. I am usually juggling a dozen + chores/responsibilities at any given time, and because I'm female I never have less than 14 things rumbling through my brain at once. I manage the schedules of 5 people, including myself, and since spreadsheets aren't my greatest strength, I invariably rely upon my brain. The auto repeat of the various phrases contributes to the general fragmentation of my brain. 

My everyday conversations in person or by phone are something like this: 

"We are finishing school and then - yes, harness, zipline, sleep - we will be running into town for groceries."
"We are leaving for our backpacking hike - mower zipline sleep - on Friday." 
"Oh my gosh - ride the mower - I cannot believe how difficult this has been for you." 
"Dinner will be ready at 6:30, but- rainbow net bubble hurt - I have to leave at 6:45."
"We'll have 11 people for dinner so - wreck it Ralph - we need to get a couple more chairs in from the shed." 

I think this is why hiking is so important for me. Just one hour each day where I can focus, without interruption, push myself so the stress chemicals are removed from inside of me. It's incredible how much joy I find in those small moments of isolation and reflection. 

The boys are all absolutely amazing right now. Lochlan has made outstanding progress away from being destructive and he has a hunger to learn, to understand, to be a part of whatever we are doing. He wakes up most mornings with a smile on his face, a giggle in is belly, and he is enthusiastic about any and all adventures we embark upon. He's truly a delight to be around the majority of the time right now. He's even sleeping for almost 6 hours at a time. 

Madigan is cheerful and industrious. He is in the process of building at all times and I'm amazed at how well he creates things. He is usually happy to assist in anything, though sometimes he gets brain farts and forgets that he has committed to help. Usually his brain farts are caused by his absorption into one great book or another. 

Kelton is kind and gentle. I love watching him with his wild mustang colt. They are both precocious and ornery, always testing the boundaries, but they also both love to learn and are very teachable. They both have wild manes and spirited personalities. Neither are likely to be tamed, deep in their core. Kelton's training of Shadowfax is a truly beautiful thing; as the colt is tempered and molded, so is the boy. They are both finding their wings with the help of the other. 

Declan is always on the hunt to help others. He is the first to spot if one of us is weary and in need of assistance. He works diligently in school, even when he is struggling with a subject. He loves with his whole being, and he has enough love in his heart to care for even the slightest acquaintance. He has worked diligently to become a best friend, instead of a constant annoyance to his littlest brother, and he has succeeded. Watching their friendship blossom over the past year has brought me so much delight. 

Some days are long, and most nights are longer, but I am so thankful for all that makes this life so beautiful to me.