A week has just about passed, and I have been pulled and yet fulfilled in so many ways. Taking care of 4 energetic children this week plus balancing work and school was a lot for one week. And yet, I learned so much. Though it was exhausting at times, it had its rewarding moments too. Here are some things I learned this week:
The Deep Thoughts:
1. Pray always. This was huge. Every morning on the less than 5 minute drive to school, I had one of the kids pray. I don't know about them, but it sure started my day off great hearing them talk to Jesus, and it helped remind me to continually pray for those munchkins during the day. Then, a kid always prayed at dinner. Then, I'd pray for them at bed time too. What an amazing opportunity to pray with children and be an example of Christ to them.
2. Rearrange your life around your kids to meet their needs. In a way, parents have to be selfless. They have to put their priorities aside sometimes to tend to their children. However, spending time with kids is rewarding! Multiple times this week I would have loved to get some schoolwork or other chores done, but seeing the kids so excited to see me or want to talk to me or play with me reminded me that I need to pour into their lives. Even if it was just blow drying their hair for 5 minutes, I had the chance to bless them and see their warm smiles (and yes, I dried Cooper's hair twice, Hope's, and Faith's!). The best example of this that I can share was Wednesday. First of all, Eddie came home sick at 9:30 am. I had to leave work, though I got some stuff done with him at home. I had to go back to work, but I was able to get off a little early. My class started at 7, but I told Amy I would come home to help cook dinner and shower the kids. When I got home around 5:30, Faith was all excited about the art show fundraiser at school. I hadn't even heard of this, but it sounded important and so I said, well let's eat really fast and go. We can zip in and out, get back in time for showers, and then I can start my class. Man, we rushed dinner and booked it to the art show. The car ride alone was hilarious. Crazy laughter :) Then the art show was fantastic. The kids were so excited to see their art displayed and even more thrilled that we bought it. I especially liked that we were stand-in "Mrs. Harley" and could put Chalena's name on all their art! What talented kids she and Ed have, and what a joy to provide the support, encouragement, and accolades to the kids. Back home, shower time was silly and wet, but just another 15 minutes we could spend with the kids instead of doing things for myself.
3. Parenting is a full-time responsibility and it takes two! Having sick kids kept me on my toes and near my cell phone at all times praying I would not get a call that someone was sick or hurt. I wouldn't say I was worried, but I just wanted the best for the kids all week, and Amy and I worked hard that they always had food, support, and a friend to play with. And, it definitely takes two to raise kids. It was awesome having the support of another adult to reinforce rules, compare notes regarding children behavior or needs, some to relieve you for 5 minutes, and then someone to sit and talk with at the end of the day. I don't know how single-parents do it, but I definitely have a lot of respect and empathy for them. Actually, I now I have a ton of respect and empathy for ALL parents - what a huge job, especially when kids are sick!!
And now the fun stuff:
1. Stay on top of the dishes. Boy did that sink pile up with every meal! I got into a rhythm of doing the dishes regularly so that there were always clean cups and the kitchen was always clean and organized. At least one area of the Mommy-life could be calm!
2. Buy in bulk. Important reminder especially with so many kids. I think we went through two gallons of milk, two jugs of apple juice, almost two pitchers of Crystal Light, a ton of other food. But it's not just about the food and liquid - it's even the plastic bags!
3. Kids can talk and make tons of noises in their sleep and it does not mean that they are in trouble. So the first night, there were a lot of noises coming out of a room, and we were so paranoid or worried, but then by night 3 I realized that everything is okay, and the kids are safe and sleeping soundly. If something happens, I will definitely know immediately.
4. Finally, It's okay to be silly and goofy. We were strict at the beginning to show them whose boss, but then towards the end we sure had our moments of being totally crazy with the kids, and that only brought more joy, smiles, and laughter!
All in all, it was such a great week. I learned a lot about myself by serving others. I experienced parts of the world through the eyes of children, and best of all, I got to love of them like a parent would. I am so glad I am not a parent yet, but I definitely pray for the opportunity to be a mother one day because I look forward to blessing my family and raising my children in Christ.
