One...Two...Three...Four?

So, I think you probably know by now, dear reader, that I have four kids. Which means, I've decided, we've officially moved to the 'big family' category.

That is... 'big family' according to me. My neighbor, who has 10 kids tells me that our family is small. 

Last year, after having our fourth baby, Seth and I decided we were crazy and took all four kids to a huge supermarket, with a huge list of things to get. As we sauntered down the crowded aisles with our behemoth carts, I looked up from my shopping list to see a lady, standing and staring at our entourage. With a look of pure terror on her face, I watched her say "One...two...  three...?" and then, upon seeing Isaaq jump out from hiding I heard her repeat to herself "One.. two... three... four?" And then she proceeds to stare. Full out stare I tell you. Her jaw was even hanging open. It was epic. Soon her husband walks up, sees that his wife has gone into shock, and gently escorts away her while muttering to us "Yes, nice. Very nice."

I was quite amused. I love our chaos, though I'm also quite used to it. It's normal for me. I understand it may not be normal for you, and sometimes you may be overwhelmed by our mess. And that's ok! I love you no less for it!Do I go to bed tired every night and dream of the time when I will get to sleep 7 consecutive hours? Yes. Do I absolutely love it when all four are sweetly tucked into bed? Yes! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Bust out the tea and grab a cookie and simmer in the blessed quiet! Their bedtime is very important for my sanity.

 

What that poor lady didn't see is all the blessings that our four beautiful kids have brought. She doesn't see the cards my son makes proclaiming his great love for me. She's never heard my daughter read a beautiful poem she'd written about God's great creation. My day is filled with the sweet sonnets of laughter, with joy in the small things, like kids' vitamins and eating French toast.

As my Poppers likes to say, "Emi, you're a rich woman." And he's right. I am. Deeply blessed even in the midst of bums to wipe, pancakes to cut, and endless... never ending... never stopping... always present... never giving up always and forever... chatter (8 year old girls anyone?).