You have your hands full!

It's about time that I've updated! I would like to write more often, but that's definitely not a promise!

Now that the weather is nicer, we've been doing more and going out more, which I love. Most people cannot believe their eyes when they see our four boys, apparently four is a lot. The one comment (for it is certainly not a compliment) that I get is "you have your hands full!" My knee jerk reaction is, "Really? I didn't notice!" But for some reason, the more I get this comment, the more I want to smack the person giving it. I cannot believe that when people see four gorgeous boys the first thing they think is "That's gotta be a lot of work." When I see kids, especially a big family, I think of how beautiful they are and how wonderful it must be for the parents. When did kids become just a lot of work? I get this comment so often and have no idea what to say, so I actually have to prepare a response. I finally have the perfect one, "I love it!" Because I really do and I don't want to be mean to someone who is probably well meaning.

The next comment I get (again, definitely not a compliment) is, "I could never do it!" Um, yes you could, you just don't WANT to. My knee jerk response to this is, "No you couldn't." LOL! Again, are we so selfish that four kids (seriously, not a lot of kids) is so hard and a huge sacrifice? So we don't go to movies or have tons of lazy time, but we do have incredible moments. The other day Teddy and I had a long conversation about the moon and astronauts, he then squeezed me really hard, told me that he loved me, and hopped up to bed. I am in total awe over how amazing my kids are, they bring me such joy and peace.

The last reaction that I really appreciate we only get when we are around Catholics, let me rephrase, faithful Catholics who understand the value of children. I get this reaction so rarely it makes me want to cry. It is usually just a warm smile, a pat on one of the boys head, or a knowing glance my way. I love getting these little compliments, it reminds me that I am where I am supposed to be and that we are not crazy. Somewhere out there, people really do understand that our children are the greatest gift and the hugest blessing. These boys are not just an annoyance or hard work, they are beautiful souls loving and adoring Christ in their own baby way. I would never, never want to have it easy if that meant missing out on all of this love and joy.

Oh, and we can't wait for the next one :)