How many kids???

When people find out I have 7 kids I generally get one of two responses:

#1) "OH, I know a lady with 12 kids. She home schools, works full time and runs marathons every weekend!"


In which case I feel like a slacker and think I had better get started making more babies right away!

OR

#2) "How in the world do you manage 7 kids??"

In which case I just say rather proudly, "It's nothing really, it's all in what you get used to."


Of course my two oldest offspring have somewhat left the nest. The oldest lives in a nearby apartment and we never know when we will be blessed with her drama company, and the next daughter is attending college so she only visits when she can. That leaves only 5 children at home full time (I am already starting to feel like a slacker!)

So on Saturday night, as my two teenagers boarded the Chartered Buses to head to the beach with their church youth group, I was suddenly overcome with a feeling of freedom I can't ever remember feeling before. Like a huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders.

My husband and I left the parking lot of the church with 3 little kids, and because there were half as many mouths to feed we headed out to dinner. We requested a table for 5, not the usual table for 9 that requires a 2 hour wait. We were able to enjoy adult conversation while the children colored on their place mats and giggled amongst themselves. YES! 3 is so doable!

Sunday was a day of leisurely watching the kids' sporting activities. After dinner Quin and I read for awhile in the hammock while John took the girls to the pool. Everyone was settled in by a reasonable hour and the house was quiet!

Monday was a day of organization. I filled 3 large trash bags in my teenage son's room. I cleaned the closets, changed the bedding, sprayed Fabreze and did more than 12 loads of laundry. There is not a sock in this house that is dirty!

Tuesday was a day of getting haircuts and having a birthday sleepover.

The plan for Wednesday is to go to the movies with Grandma, which translates into "a free afternoon for mom!"

Over the past few days I have discovered I am actually hearing myself think (I have heard of this phenomenon but can't remember the last time it actually happened to me!) Yes, this is the life. I can manage 3 kids. I can stay on top of them and clean up after them. We may even be able to afford them!?

Today as I was basking in my "mom of 3 coolness" I got a call from my college daughter. She is coming home this afternoon and bringing her boyfriend and his dog. By Saturday the teens will return from the beach and it will be a full house once again. Blaring stereos, TV's and raised voices will replace the peace and quiet that has been my life this week.

So as I was looking at my reflection in the mirror this morning, a conversation played out in my mind:

"How in the world do you manage 7 kids?"

"Only by the grace of God!"