Newsflash.......I Actually Like My Kids

Since Lillian's been born, getting out and about with all three has been, well, interesting to say the least. Sometimes it's smooth and sometimes I regret leaving the house. But most of the time it's not bad at all! Olivia usually walks with me - she knows not to stray. Landon is strapped into something - whether it's a shopping cart or stroller. And then I sling Lillian on my chest. Not too bad.

But, the thing I find the MOST interesting about going into public by myself with 3 kids 4 and under are the unsolicited insightful comments from strangers on "how full my hands are". These comments are usually accompanied with pity-filled faces and the tone of their voice is one of sympathy!! Do I look that horribly unhappy when I'm with my kids! I think NOT!! I would like to think that we're laughing and smiling the majority of the time we're out. Yes, I only have 2 arms and 3 kids. Yes, I look young for having 3 kids - but they're close together. It's not like I'm 25 with a 15 year old! And yes, they're ALL mine!

Someone asked me about a year ago where my kids went to school. I kindly replied, "Nowhere, I stay home with them." The response I got was, "Oh......." (voice falling as if to say, 'I feel so sorry for you'). I actually said back, "No, I like to, I want to, I choose to!" I view it as a privilege to stay home with my children.

Another day last week, I was packing up the car with a few groceries after putting the kids in the car. Olivia was whining, ok crying, about me not letting her get a coloring book from Publix. (that's another story in itself!) Then all of the sudden, an older woman getting out of her car yelled commented to me, "You're doing a great job, being a mother is tough!" Again, her voice was filled with pity for me. I just smiled and said, "Thanks."

Don't get me wrong, I think being a mother is tough. You have to give up a lot of things you want and give give give to your children. Being a mom is selfless. It's not about what you want anymore - it's about their needs and training their little hearts up the way God teaches us in the Bible.

Believe it or not, I actually LIKE my kids. I want to be around them. I choose not to pawn them off whenever I can. (I only do that when I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown!) :-) No, seriously...DO NOT pity my choice to be a stay at home mom. I think it's the greatest thing to be the number one influence in their lives! Like I said, most of our days are filled with LAUGHTER!!!

So, this topic came up at my Mom's Notes group the other day. We all laughed about it and started talking about all the comments we get from people. My usual response to these comments is, "It's crazy - but A LOT of fun!" One of my friends (her wonderful blog is MorningSong - check it out sometime, she's awesome!) told me about a similar blog post of a mommyblogger talking about what to say back to people when they give you those looks and comments!! She had some great responses!! Raising Oaks of Righteousness is her blog - she has 2 toddlers and infant twins!! WOW - I love it!! :-)

She came up with several responses to all of the comments she hears. Her favorite response to "My, you've got your hands full" is...."My hands are full.....but so is my heart!"

WOW....I cannot wait to use that with someone. I'll let you know how it goes!