The other day I went grocery shopping after my kids went to school. It goes pretty quick now that my children are all in school and I just hop in my car, all by myself, and head to town. That particular morning as I shopped, I noticed many cute, young moms pushing carts adorned with preschoolers and babies. Some of them looked exhausted, others were full of energy! A few sounded frustrated and impatient with misbehaving kids, a few seemed to ignore their kids (though you never know - I used that tactic some myself when one "no" didn't suffice), and one sweet mom was singing to her baby as she walked down the aisles. Nostalgia hit for a moment as I missed my young mama days! I have 8 children with 23 years between the oldest and youngest. I've spent a LOT of time the past 30 years being a mom to preschoolers!
I finished my shopping and got in line at the checkout right behind a frazzled mom with 2 kids, maybe 2 and 4 years old, begging to help put groceries on the belt. She looked up with a tired smile. "Sorry!", she said, "Sometimes all the help slows me down." I laughed! I told her how much I understand that stage of helping... and that it sure is boring to shop all by yourself. You really don't feel the same sense of accomplishment getting through the store without someone knocking jars off the shelves, whining for a treat, hundreds of questions, and several potty breaks when you go all by yourself! I mean really, if I'm having those issues and I'm there by myself, I have a problem! (though I can totally see the problem of several potty breaks being an issue in a few years lol 8 pregnancies does a number on your bladder control!)
Hindsight is the BEST teacher ever! I learned with my last 4 children to enjoy them more. What annoyed and exasperated me with my older four often just makes me roll my eyes with the younger children. I have been blessed to have such awesome children! It has been fun to see them grow into terrific, responsible, adults. (and providing me with 8 beautiful grandchildren is so thoughtful of them!)
These beautiful people are who I have cooked, cleaned and cared for the past 33 years! (well, not all of them the whole time, but it started that long ago!). I love them with all of my energy! They are who bring the most JOY into my life.
The picture above is of my youngest son and my granddaughter a few years ago at the zoo. They are such good friends in this journey of life! I love the quote:
"Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling." - Margaret B. Runbeck
The picture below is my beautiful, busy family last time we were all together. We have welcomed 3 new grandchildren since this picture! Our family is growing!
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