It Couldn't Have Come at a Better Time

A few years ago, when I had 4 very young children (ages 5, 4, 1, and 0), life was pretty exhausting.  I had to check on them about every 10-15 minutes because they seemed to be making messes every time I turned around.  They couldn't really clean much and it would've been much easier to clean the messes myself then to teach them to do it, but I knew that I was making an investment in the future.  They couldn't really get themselves ready to go and so mornings were really hard.  I was holding 3-4 hands and putting 3-4 car seats on and changing diapers galore and...  None of them were very self-sufficient.  It was very physically demanding.  Several other Moms gave me encouraging words, like "It will get easier in a few years," "When the oldest is about 9-10, things will get much, much easier," etc.  I held on to that hope and just took it a day at a time.

  

Well, that day is finally here and I have really been appreciating it since Calyssa was born.  In fact, there are moments when it is easier for me to have all 6 of my kids at home then to have just the younger ones.  The other day, while Aurora was still in her cast, I was trying to make dinner (and had to keep stirring the hot stove item.)  Aurora was trying to climb up on a stool, which is dangerous enough without a cast, let alone with one.  She was also crying because she was thirsty and wanted a drink.  Also, Calyssa was screaming!  I was feeling pretty stressed out, when Grant and the older girls arrived home from soccer.  Riana walked in, scooped Aurora up, and said, "Oh, you're thirsty, let me get you a cup of milk."  Then I realized that Calyssa was no longer screaming, as she was safe in Sariah's arms.  I was able to finish making dinner with no more stress.  It made me smile.  :)

Aurora's big sisters have all been carrying her around a lot, while she has had a broken leg.  It was nice, since my body was still recovering, and they could usually get to her a little quicker than me.  (Although, sometimes she just wanted her Mommy, which was nice too... except when I needed to feed the baby.)

Also, the other night, I had all of my older girls in the kitchen helping me with dinner.  (We really need to do that more often!)  It was a very special moment for me.  One of those, "I've always dreamed about this" moments.  I thought of the future, making dinners with my 6 daughters helping, and thought about how lucky I am to have them.  I definitely plan on getting their help with dinner more often (they already help with breakfasts and lunch and usually make those meals when I am sick), and making this a regular occurrence because many hands definitely makes the work lighter... and much funner!!  :)

On another occasion, I was trying to get all the kids ready for school, the one day a week that we go (normally it is 2 but we cut down this quarter to 1), for the first time.  I had failed to account the time for nursing the baby, as she is a cluster feeder and her demands are pretty unpredictable.  (Sadly, it would be difficult to get her on a schedule because she often has no interest in eating, even when she needs it.  Then she plays catch-up and nurses a ton!)  Anyway, I still needed to get Aurora and myself dressed, make lunches, and yet, Calyssa was screaming and needed to be fed.  I called to Riana to ask her to dress Aurora and she informed me that she was making the lunches for everyone (without ever being asked.  I have especially been touched by Riana's awareness of my needs during these past 7 difficult weeks.  She has really stepped in when I have needed her, without my asking her to, and it truly means the world to me.)  I, then, asked Sariah, who was more than willing to help dress her little Rori.  We were able to get to school much sooner, due to their willingness to help.  It was a wonderful blessing!

In addition to moments like this, each of the 4 older girls have regular chores, which they do.  And although I can't say they are always done quickly or without complaint, they do get done, and it is great!  They are able to "pick up" the whole house, while I do the laundry and fill the dishwasher, which makes it a much nicer place to be.  (Although I have to say, we still need to work on cleaning their rooms more regularly.)  On Valentines Day, they helped me to not only "pick up" but also do the finishing touches like vacuuming, sweeping, washing all the big dishes, hang up all the coats, etc.  And according to the girls, even Calyssa did her chores and took a nap.  :)

  

Also, on Valentines Day, they bought Grant and I presents.  It was the sweetest thing ever!  We have a point system at our house, where they are able to earn points for doing extra jobs, brushing their teeth quickly, etc.  (They also lose points for calling names, not doing what they are told, etc.)  Well, a couple of days before Valentines Day, they asked if they could cash out their points instead of buying something out of the prize jar.  And then they asked if we would take them to Walmart.  Grant took them and they proceeded to hide things in the cart, under coats.  They even bought rose petals (which they also used to decorate the table and our bed with.  They have seen this done before and really have no clue!  LOL!) and tissue paper to put in the gifts bags!  We were both very happy with our special gifts from our girls.  It was SO incredibly sweet, especially because it was all their ideas!! 

At the end of the day, I'm glad we've made it the those days I was always dreaming about, when my kids were older and more helpful.  I am thankful that the investments of making them clean up their toys or letting them "help" are paying off!  It couldn't have come at a better time!!  I am so thankful for helpful daughters, who are now old enough to "rescue" their Mom from the many stresses that are our life! 

What would Grant and I ever do without these 6 wonderful girls?!?

We are very blessed.