Blessed

Allow me to start this journey we're about to go on with a little back story.

My mother came to visit the other day.  We went to a couple stores and I started to tell her how I apologize for our existence.  It's ridiculous and I simply must stop, we have just as much right to be where ever as the next guy.  If the kids are being unruly (which they are old enough, really isn't an issue anymore) then sure an apology is understandable, but if we are simply just being, why must I apologize?

For example, while in Wal-mart I was shopping and perusing the paper goods trying to find our paper plates a lady apparently needed desperately to walk between me and the wall of products.  She hastily made her way passed my family and I apologized for being in her way.

A few moments later we were looking for cheese and again someone else, also needing cheese, was put out by the sheer real estate we take up.  I moved aside, apologized, allowed her to get her cheese and then continued my search.

Apologizing for the space my family inhabits has become so regular that I have caught myself apologizing to inanimate objects.  I see something out of the corner of my eye, assume we must be in the way some how, and apologize without looking up.

Fast forward to today.  The kids and I headed out to Target to get a few things.  We wandered through the store and due to them marking their bulk goods on clearance, our cart was full.  The large packages of paper towels and toilet paper were struggling to stay in the cart.

The lady behind me in line refused to make eye contact with me and stood with her hand on her hip and her back to us.  I noticed, but didn't really care or feel we were why at first.

Brennan took Anneliese to the bathroom while we were checking and he apparently flushed the toilet without asking the Princess.  She freaked out and was wailing  as he brought her to me.  I just picked her up and continued.

We wandered out to the car and the pesky paper towels fell off the cart.  We were in the walk way between the two sets of doors so I had to stop and pick them up.  Obviously we filled up the space for all of 5 seconds.

The woman that had been behind us in line says to me with a big smile on her face, "You should plan your Target trips when they're in school!"

She looked at my crew like they were a cancer or a freak show and chuckled awkwardly.  I just said, "we homeschool, this is everyday."  To which she replied in shock and horror, "WOW, REALLY??  I admire you." 

No she doesn't.  She does not admire me.  She thinks I'm nuts.  She thinks children are a burden.  She thought I was nuts for having 5 in the first place let alone keeping them with me all the time.


Psalm 127

1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. 2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to [a] those he loves. 3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. 4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. 5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

I sleep great and my quiver is full Praise the Lord.

To our critics that say stupid stuff and probably think worse than we'll ever know:  Your fancy car and expensive jeans will not hug you back when you're 80.  Talk to older generations.  Ask them what their biggest regrets are.  I promise it won't be, I wish I worked more, had less children, and lived a more selfish life. 

These children of mine are a gift.  They are a treasure that I prayed for, begged for, and promised my God that I would do my very best by them.  They are kind, smart, extremely funny, and because of our hard work and dedication they will be a blessing to others.

Now follow this link and read what every mom of a large family wants you to know.  It's super funny and so very true.