It gets old, but watch out!

It gets a little old that sometimes our family members & friends shake their heads at the energy, volume, and determination of our kids.  I know that they are stubborn, cranky, loud & messy sometimes.  And I hear that most 'reasonable' people only have a couple of kids these days.  So sometimes we get asked 'how will you ever manage with 5 kids?'

Who cares?

The same way that we manage with 4?  It's not a death sentence.  Sure, there are times that I feel like hiding in the quiet pantry for a minute and eat the kids' halloween candy - but bedtime always comes each day.... maybe it's the junk food I want more than the quiet if I'm honest.

However....

I am biased, but our kids are reasonably well behaved for their ages and are a tonne of fun.  Someone was amazed that we took our kids camping - in a tent.... To me it's just a matter of perspective & willingness.  Why wouldn't we keep doing things that we love & enjoy them altogether?  And I make sure to leave them with someone else once or twice a year so that I can take my bride away from all of this craziness!!!

So I just tell these people: 'you better watch out when my kids are older.  They are gonna be leaders that rock the world'.

With the hearts & passions they have now, they might just rock it while they are young too.  And even if they don't, I'll still be behind them. 

Adopting an older child is reminding me to be aware of my expectations and whether they are realistic or not (for all of our kids).  So I can hope for the best and plan for the worst - they may do incredible things or they may finally move out of our home at 40 yrs old.  They may be a doctor or clean a doctor's office.  Either way, they've rocked & impacted my world in an amazing way.

I saw a quote while traveling a few months ago that really struck me.  It said:

"a father is someone who lifts you up and holds you there forever."

That's what I want to be.
With however many kids are in our family.
And whoever they end up being.

I.B.