I stole this quote (well, technically from President Monson) from my Relief Society President's blog--thanks Amy! I love it. Just love it. I was at church the other day and some one asked
"You have four kids?"
"Yeah"
"How old is your oldest?"
"Five."
"Really? Wow." (accompanied by a look questioning my sanity)
I proceeded to have a similar conversation after church with someone. I seem to have that conversation a lot. Is it really that hard to believe? That someone....that I, would have decided to have four children in five years? I suppose it could be a possibility that John and I are not educated in the many different methods of birth control, this is not the case. We planned and expected each pregnancy, in fact, there would have been less of a gap between a couple of the kids if we had had things our way. No, I don't like being pregnant. No, I am not particularly silly about babies. No, I am not crazy.
Yes, my life is crazy. There is more cleaning, laundry, sticky messes, ouchies, whining, crying, kisses, band-aids, playdates, Happy Meals, toys, yelling, hugs, cartoons, mac and cheese, diapers, bottles, noise, carseats, wipes, fighting and frustration than is probably healthy... but I am not crazy. Our house is usually clean, the kids (and myself) are bathed, they have good manners considering their ages, we aren't late too often, I even get time to myself occassionally.
It's so amazing. I love that they have each other to learn from and to grow with. I am so proud that Abbi loves reading to her little brothers, and Isaac is so sweet to everyone (most of the time), and Jake is more boy than any boy I have ever encountered, and Ethan is just so entertained and adored by all of the older kids. I am proud that they are well behaved, happy children. I am so grateful to have them in my life and I will never fully be able to express that. So yeah...Wow. Really.
5 comments:
Clara, you are the most amazing mom! I marvel constantly at how much patience you have...way more than I did at your age...you have the most adorable kids (no, I'm not prejudiced at all!!) and they are fantastic! I love you all so much and I do know that yes, you are crazy...crazy in love with a wonderful man, crazy in love with 4 cutie-patooties! You are my inspiration! Love you, Mom
I get the same kind of comments so I totally understand. But it is such a blessing being the mom of so many little ones. If you ever head down Wichita way let us know. We'd love to see you!
Love, love, LOVE this entire post!!! Clara, can I be you when I grow up?!
Love yer guts,
Jamie
I love your post...I get it a lot too having 3 under the age of 4...and when I am asked if I am done and I say no...I get that look you were talking about! I love the quote from Pres. Monson..I think I am gonna use it on my blog, its exactly what I needed to read when I read it. Thanks for doing what you do, somehow it makes wanting more kids...not so crazy!!! Sure wish we were closer to each other!
I can't say I'm am totally in the same boat as you... I lack much of the patience necessary to get through my life right now. I sometimes do think I am crazy for being where I am right now, although I know that I crazy adore every kid I've got. I'm learning to appretiate the situation I'm in, the time in my life I'm at, and trying to enjoy these moments, because sadly once they are gone, only a faint memory remains, and this very well might be the end of this little age.
Thanks for your thoughts, for the quote from Pres. Monson, that's a good one, I think I need it somewhere LARGE in my house! to remind me every step of the way!
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