Okay...
so after my previous
"I'm okay, they are okay" blog post...
I realized I may be giving people an unrealistic view
of how things really are
over here in Chrissy-ville.
Please don't hear me saying I'm tripping over glittery unicorns
and blinded by the rainbows in my face all day long.
This
IS
Hard.
This is 12 kids.
Babycakes, this would be hard under normal,
everybody-speaks-English,
no-one-needs-intestinal-medication,
we've-been-together-forever
circumstances.
But add to it...
three boys who have been parenting
two little girls,
two little girls who learned to manipulate and survive
with their crying and screeching...
and the cultural "okayness" of hitting,
and group-parenting...
and you've got me...
playing whack-a-mole
with the kids all day.
Stop it.
Don't hit.
Eat.
Chew with your mouth closed.
You sound like cows.
Drink this.
No hit!
No cookie.
Eat, then banana.
Quiet.
Softee (toilet paper) NO basket (trash can).
Softee TOILET.
Use the towel.
No water on the floor.
For the love of all that is holy, aim that thing!
Share.
Don't eat playdoh.
No coffee for babies.
I'm thinking sometimes I win the whack-a-mole game....
sometimes I walk away thinking I needed extra hands.
Then there are the moments that take my breath away.
Walking outside and finding our oldest of the new kids
singing to Jesus, hands raised, eyes closed...
just worshiping.
An un-prompted hug and "I love you SO much, Mommy!"
from two of the boys in one day!
One of the littles saying
"Mommy, I'm so glad you brought our brothers and sisters home!"
Our new 8 year old telling me I make "very good shiro!"
like Mommy is Habesha! (Ethiopian)
There was the day when our little girl squealed with delight when I made
scrambled eggs for lunch (which I thought was lazy lunch food).
There was a kiss that didn't get wiped off.
A child came to me for comfort when she fall down.
And a hundred other small things
that keep me going,
let me know it's all going to be okay,
that things are just exhausting now
because it's new,
we don't have our sea legs yet,
and lets face it...
I'm just getting the hang of this whole
dozen-kids thing!
So, don't hear me saying this is a piece of cake.
It's more like cafeteria pot roast...
chewy,
sometimes hard to digest,
but ultimately...
good for everyone concerned.
Wait. Littles don't get coffee? Hmmm...I think I need to have a talk with Little Man. He enjoys a cup of joe with Dad whenever he can. Seriously, loves the stuff. We're all praying you through this!
ReplyDeleteLOVE THIS! BE REAL, but IT IS WORTH IT. It is true. HARD.....but wonderful.
ReplyDeletePRAYING continually for you!!!! Knowing that GOD will hold you all together :)
Love this post and what an adorable picture of the kids!
ReplyDeleteSam totally thinks buna is for him :)
ReplyDeleteI love keeping up with your amazing story
:-)
ReplyDeleteSo can relate....just not to the extend, lol ;-)
Blessings,
mel
I love this post. I just brought 3 home from Ethiopia in October. The Lip smacking and manners at the table were horrendous. We immediately started working on that. I fell on the floor laughing about aiming at the toilet. I eventually just taught my son how to wipe up his pee because it frustrated me so much. Thank you for the laugh.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the realness. I was beginning to think we were epic failures around here. Now I know we're just normal. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a good reminder to find joy and not sulk in the frustrations of parenting. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteLove to hear how things are going and love seeing the smiles on all the girls! Praying for your family!
ReplyDeleteLOVE your honesty, humor and optimism!!! You are amazing and you are so blessed!! I love the photo too :-)
ReplyDeleteOh man, I really want to be a fly on your wall. You completely crack me up. I WILL pray for you. I can't imagine getting 3 Hermons (my ET son) at once and 2 Hiyabs (ET daughter). I love them to death, but Good Lord, this first year has been Tough!!
ReplyDeletethestanleyschool.blogspot.com
I am Grandma Kucik....I do pray for your family. You have to be exhausted...I pray for supernatural strength for Mom and Dad, when you need it most. I loved the comment about the new addition singing praises to Jesus. You have a great responsibility as parents, much greater than most. This is what I hear God saying to you:
ReplyDelete'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few (things)CHILDREN; I will put you in charge of many(things)CHILDREN. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matthew 25:23