So being the week of Thanksgiving, I should probably post about what I'm thankful for. Well, I'm thankful for lots of things; lots and lots of things. But I've had one specific thing on my mind for the past month or so, and that thing is my kids. I'm EXTREMELY thankful for my kids.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately, because it seems like these past couple of months, I've been inundated with all sorts of negative messages concerning kids; whether it be the random lady in Wal-Mart who stares me down when my child is throwing a tantrum, or the "joking" passerby who sees me with my 5 kids and exclaims, "You know what causes that don't you?" (Yes, Yes I do. Sex! That's what Brian says I should say, just to make people re-think that comment.) There's also the reactions of people when I tell them I have 5 kids; some people just smile and say something to the effect of "Wow. That's a lot of kids." Other people react with a look of shock and horror. It seems that the current world view of having multiple kids is that it's irresponsible or that you're depriving your children of the things they might have if there were only 2 or 3 of them.
Well, to them I say "Mind your own damn business!" I know, I know; the cuss word may have been unnecessary, but honestly, that's how I feel. There isn't a second of any day that I regret having my 5 kids. Sometimes I might make comments to the effect of, "These kids are driving me insane!" Well, sometimes they do drive me insane. But, I love every single one of them unconditionally and I'm so thankful to my Father in Heaven for sending them to Brian and me. I think I'm the most blessed woman on earth.
Do we have our dream house? No, far from it! Do we have all the newest technological gadgets and the most amazing vehicles? Nope, not even close. But, my Grandpa Bill told me something I'll always remember not long before he died. He told me that the most important thing on this earth is our family and to make our family the primary focus of EVERYTHING we do. When we die, we can't take possessions or money with us; but we do get to be with our families forever if we follow the commandments and live the gospel, and I'm just glad that I'll have this wonderful family and these amazing children forever!
So, although I'm thankful for many, many things this Thanksgiving, I'm most thankful for my 5 kids and my husband, and I certainly can't imagine life without any of them!!
8 comments:
Amen sister! Couldn't agree more. :)
My kids run me ragged, make me question my mother skills ALL the time but they are such a blessing. Mc has discovered Christmas and santa and her excitment is worth EVERYTHING :) You are a great mom :)
The worst is when a total stranger asks "are they all yours"?! hahaha oh the comments I could throw back...but don't of course :)
You have beautiful children and I think anyone that has lots of kids is amazing and will be blessed!
One of these days I'll really write my "Things I Wish I Had the Guts to Say to Stupid People" book, and in my chapter regarding children I'll definitely add your comment in there. :)
I know how you feel. We just went on vacation and people stared at us like they didn't know how we left the house much less went to Disneyland. I did notice on that trip however that we had much more fun there than it looked like other smaller families were having because Dave and I were just happy to be together with our girlies even if we did have to ride the Ariel ride ten times.
Well said Natalie!
I LOVE this. Thanks Natalie. I wish everyone felt this way. Children drive us crazy, but they are the biggest blessing the Lord has given us.
Okay, I know you wrote this a while back, but I just read it and I loved it. I miss Grandpa Ellison!
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