The Crew and The Coop

THE CREW & THE COUP

Let me start by saying, I really do keep chickens, and they are the cutest (names)

With my man, chickens, two dogs and three kids, there comes a point in family life where you realise you are not really in charge anymore. You might think you are. You might make plans, write lists, buy calendars, organise cupboards, label school things, prepare meals, set alarms and tell yourself that today is going to be the day everything runs smoothly. And then the crew wakes up.

The children always need something. It's always the most important thing in the world. The dogs need something and they tell you by getting under your feet. The chickens are clucking a good morning. Someone cannot find their socks. Someone doesn't like the breakfast they specifically asked for yesterday. There's a spillage of something that fitted into a cup, yet somehow is now turning the floor into a River. Suddenly there are tears - as loud as the ones I cried when Bambi's mum died. Someone is hungry again. Someone is emotional... it's me.

And just like that, the day belongs to them. The takeover is slow and beautifully messy - an onslaught of children, dogs, puppy and hens who make this house feel full of life. My man does what he can to help - he's good like that - now where is he?

Meet the crew

Some are big, some are little, some are furry and some have feathers. Some follow you from room to room. The ones who need snacks, walks, cuddles, answers, lifts, clean clothes, emotional support and apparently, mango ice cream for breakfast in December... random.

Collectively they make 'family,' with all the moving parts that come with trying to build something meaningful in the middle of it all.

And lets not forget the eggs. The coop crew come up to the kitchen door and wait for cuddles - I'm, serious. They have distinct personalities and I when I watch their antics, I suspect Disney might have created them.

Some days, it feels like every single member of our family has held a secret meeting and agreed that my needs will be discussed at a later date. A much later date. Possibly never.

In our house it is chaotic. It is funny. It is tiring. But mostly, it is full of love and I wouldn't change a single thing.

Chat soon. Love you, bye x