fun, smiles and silliness

"You've got your hands full..."

For sometime, I've been trying to figure out why it bothers me to hear someone, especially someone I don't know, tell me "you have three kids? wow, you've got your hands full!" I'm not quite sure how I'm supposed to respond to that...so I try to just smile it off and say "why yes, they do keep me busy!" but really I think..."yes, I have my hands full, I'm a busy mom...I'm busy with kids vying for my attention endlessly; I'm busy doing laundry, cleaning my house, picking up my house, making lunches, changing diapers, being the peacemaker, disciplining (and the list goes on and on)...but aren't you too?? Don't you have your hands full in one way or another??" Then once I go through the endless list of my "busy-ness" I take a moment to reflect on why I'm annoyed by the comment. Yes, I am busy. I will not deny that I constantly have my hands full, and at times may even feel overwhelmed with all that I expect of myself. However, I don't want to get "caught" up in that moment; which leads me to "WHY" I'm annoyed when someone exclaims: "you've got your hands full!" Yes, I do have my hands full, but I don't want to get caught up in that mentality; it sounds like a 'reminder' of something that I want to look beyond!! Don't know if that makes sense or not, but in essence, I like to look past my "busyness" and imagine the BIG picture! You know, the picture that God has so carefully and lovingly painted for my life. Yes, I'm aware that right now it entails all this work, but I just keep reminding myself to look forward...I love to think about what I hope it will be like when the kids grow up. I love to watch my kids grow up, and develop; become great friends with each other as they interact day in and day out. I love to talk to my kids about a loving God, and to teach them about Jesus. I love to think about my relationship with each of my kids as they grow up and become young adults. I love to imagine a houseful of laughter and great camaraderie when we all get together, as each one of my kids starts going in the direction that God guides them. And even further into the future, I love to think about having a houseful of grandkids one day, sitting on my lap while I read to them the same stories that I'm currently reading to my kids right now. All these things are in the future, and we can't get there without putting forth any work on our part. So, I do it. I do it with love.

Life goes on...

...yes it does, and it does not slow down as much as you would like it to. So, lately I've had my moments of realization that life goes just way too fast!! Why? you may ask...simple. I've now dropped off my oldest at preschool a total of 6 times, and it's yet to feel normal to be without her those days that she is at school. It's hard to explain! I always thought first day of preschool would be a celebration, and it has been, but somewhat bittersweet. I'm so proud of Katherine, the little lady that she's grown to be over the last -almost- five years. At the same time, I still see in her my little baby, that little girl that would wake up from nap and scream for mommy. She was a snuggler, all the kids have been, but my memories of napping with her laying on my chest are some of the sweetest treasures I hold dear to my heart. I love my kids, and as much as they drive me nuts a LOT during the day, I can't live without them. I'm adjusting, you could say, but there is this rush of excitement in me when we get in the car at 2:00pm to go get her. Her little smile and her happy face when she sees her brothers and I seals the deal. I love my baby!! I miss her and am so happy to come home with all 3 of my kiddos. Sometimes I wish she weren't old enough to go to school, but I know that she does have to grow up! :)

Joshua too, and Oliver too...I know they have to grow up too...and they are!! I'm enjoying watching my boys interact and learn to play together. Joshua is now speaking in full sentences, and has been for a while. He expresses himself so well, it's impressive. He is tender, and loving with his baby brother. He loves to share and play cars with Oliver.

Oliver is my happy little 7 and 1/2 month old baby. He reminds me so much of Joshua when Joshua was his age. Their temperament is very similar--laid back, happy, smiley, and not a care in the world. Oliver loves to sing, and babble. He loves to watch his brother and his sister. He loves to follow mommy around the house, and he loves to see daddy when daddy walks in the door after work--not to mention, this little guy has a love for food!! He eats just about everything!! He has yet to turn away any food. Last night in fact, he and Joshua helped me finish off my tortellini dish. I was very impressed. He ate about 6 or 7 tortellini, and then his normal serving of cereal!! WOW!!

Well, naptime is over and I have to go tend to my kids. Photos to come!