"You must have your hands full..."

That was one of my most dreaded sayings that, I think, is said too often in this world. It is usually said in a patronizing tone with an unknowingly depleting focus on the family. I realized this about 5 years ago when I walked into Walmart with my then, three children all tucked safely in a cart. The Walmart Greeter lady welcomed me with this phrase. It had been said a few times before since I had recently made the "huge" jump from having two children to three. I stopped and smiled. I had been thinking about this for some time. I asked her politely, "How many children did you have?" She replied that she had "six children, but that was back then." So, I ask myself and even others, "What has changed?" Just because society is telling us it is harder, does that make it true?

Five years after that I now have five children. Five amazingly, wonderful children! Yes, I have my "quiet time" right after lunch where I replenish my body and mind. Yes, I have a lot more laundry now. Yes, I cringe when we get into the car or walk in a store and my three year old states she has to go to the bathroom, again. But yes, I love it! Wait... I LOVE IT! I love each of their differing personalities. Miss Creative Bianca adding extra notes to her violin song or extra toe twirls to her goal saving soccer leaps. Helping Cannon focus on the task at hand because if I don't he is all over the place, but when I do he completes that task before him with such thoroughness and perfectness. Christian, who was so excited for Kindergarten to start and asked for days when he could finally go to school, but upon arrival at his classroom reached up and grasped my hand... hard. Annmarie who pleaded to go to preschool over and over and when we were told we had a spot open up was so excited. She confidently walked in by herself (after first day pictures, of course) and came home telling of delights of making a friend. Genevieve, who while writing this is cradled in my other arm, a burp cloth draped over an arm, and after feeding has fallen fast asleep.

The sand mountain creations outside
and sweeping up the sand that comes inside.

Giving thumbs up with a cross over the monkey bars,
Cleaning handprints off the windows as I give the thumbs up.

Singing "This Little Gospel Light" with fun and flair,
Bedtime always includes loves, scriptures and prayer.

Four times a week car rides to the soccer fields,
Mama's "pump-it-up" music in those car rides.

Socks on the floor, waves at the door...
oh, but there is so much more!

I ask again... What has changed? The beautiful feeling you get inside as you spend time with the ones you love? No, that is an eternal truth. I believe the answer is time and sacrifice. When Paul and I decided to be parents we knew that our own wants would have to be sacrificed. Luckily our parents taught us some important truths: to work hard and the importance of family. Also, I should add, I couldn't do it without an incredible and supportive spouse, a helpful older daughter, good neighbors and friends, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and one terrific mom!

I now think of that saying "You must have your hands full..." and add "and I sure love it!"