Tim and the older children are on a pilgrimage to the National Centre for Padre Pio and I am left today with four children, age eight and younger.
It’s not 10AM yet and the roses in the center of the table have already been spilled (no not that tiny little vase in the picture this was a large full vase).
We’ve had breakfast AND snacks and the house is in disarray. I am trying to figure out how I can actually clean up the kitchen and get dressed (I’m not even going to think about the possibility of getting a shower).
Fortunately I had the foresight to take Maggie (she’s the 8yr. old) to mass with me last night so I don’t have to try and wrangle these little people into the car for the 11:00 mass and then. . . well, you know, walk the vestibule with my energetic 17 month old. No, instead we are staying home and I am chasing her as she tears from one end of the house to another.
Are you laughing at me? You should be! I am a mother of 10, this is not new to me —at least it shouldn’t be— but it’s not that often that I have only the smaller children for the entire day. It’s days like this that I realize how helpful my older children are. Add to that I was a LOT younger when I only had four children eight and under.
At least it’s not just me and the baby all day. She is miserable when there are no other kids here. God certainly knew what He was doing by giving her all these older siblings. She positively thrives on their attention. Unfortunately though she’s terrorizing 3 yr. old Matthew at the moment and he’s not happy about it.
Pray for me. Is it nap time yet?
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Meredith 05.18.08 at 11:11 am
Oh yeah baby, relish that naptime :))) So glad to see you here today!! Love and hugs,
Kathryn 05.18.08 at 11:17 am
Yes, I’m laughing ;). As much as I’m laughing at myself as the realisation hits that being home with just one two year old is harder work than I remember. My energy levels aren’t quite what they were ten years ago!
Heather - Doodle Acres 05.18.08 at 11:21 am
Agreed!!! Those older children sure do help!!
joann10 05.18.08 at 1:16 pm
I am laughing with you!! I had 6 kids aged 8 and younger–and was home alone with them almost everyday of their lives. At that time everything seemed fine. Now I have 4 kids aged 8 and younger (along with 6 older kids) I have to tell you, I almost get in a panic when I am going to be alone with these 4 kids. LOL
Not only do the big kids help–they keep me sane!!
Leonie 05.18.08 at 7:10 pm
Oh, but such sweet faces in that pic!
Ellen 05.18.08 at 7:46 pm
You are a brave woman Michele. I think the good Lord knew that one was enough for me. While there at times that I wish I had more than one child, there are times when I know that one was what I was meant to have. Besides, I practically raised three of my brother’s four children before I even had one of my own. My vocation, I believe, was to help with his children and raise only one of my own.
By the way, I love the way your comments’ section is set up with the “say it” and “hit it” buttons.
Jessica 05.18.08 at 7:52 pm
I love this post!!
As a Mother of 5, that are currently seven and younger, this post gives me hope that it will get easier!!
Your children are darling!
Kris 05.18.08 at 9:16 pm
Add to that I was a LOT younger when I only had four children eight and under.
—LOL! I can SO relate.
From one 40+ mother of 10 to another….
hope you all made it through unscathed.
Jennifer 05.20.08 at 10:38 am
I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to see this posted! I have four kids and the oldest is 7 and a half, the youngest being 17 months like yours. I have dreams of going to daily Mass. At least once a week. One day. They do get older, right? Please remind me that they do!
Jennifer in TX 05.22.08 at 1:20 pm
I had a similar experience recently at the Mall, Michele! I only had the three year old and the 16 month old…It was challenging getting any shopping done at all! I do so rely on the big kids to help!!
Hope you got that nap!
SuzanneG 05.22.08 at 8:33 pm
Good one, Michele….you sure know how to make all of us mamas with “only littles” feel better, (without even trying!) LOL! I now have FIVE under SEVEN, and my mom just left from visiting after this babe was born a mere 3 weeks ago….so I’m back to doing my own laundry and cleaning up my messes in the kitchen. I definetely could use a few teenagers over this-a-way!