Before I had children, I would think that some children were ugly. (I know, I know I am horrible--but you probably did it too.)
Before I had children , I would seriously get mad when I heard a crying child in a restaurant or at the mall. (Now, I am just happy that it is not mine that is crying.)
Before I had children I couldn't wait to take them to the grocery store--you know, to "show" them off. (Now, I beg them to not embarrass me when I have no choice but to take them with me.)
Before I had children I just knew my children would always look neat and clean, and match! (Now, I have learned,"ain't gonna happen," and I keep baby wipes and a tide pen in the truck.
Before I had children I couldn't wait to make nice balanced meals every night. (Now, I find myself making the same meals over and over again--chicken, chicken chicken.)
Before I had children I thought a housewife was a slob if she had a messy home. (Now I ask myself, "Am I a slob?")
Before I had children I thought people who had house cleaners were lazy. (Now, I would give anything for my house to be cleaned once a week by a cleaning lady--oh I forgot, I'm the cleaning lady.)
Before I had children I thought I would have "one of those homes in the magazine." (Now I don't want it until Danny and I are empty nester's, when it's all about us--apart from our Heavenly Father of course.)
Before I had children I thought, "Raising children? No biggie!" (Now, I pray to God for help and ask, "How did my parents do it?")
Before I had children I remember crying to my husband, telling him "what if we can't have any children?" (I'm sure God was laughing at that one.)
I smiled today as I mopped my kitchen floor and thought about my children and the above "before's." Who'd of thought that almost 11 years after my "before's" I would seriously be so happy to be in the "Now".
15 comments:
Bless your heart, Denise. Life "before" doesn't always turn out like we think it will, but maybe that's a good thing. I felt so bad for you after your email this morning when you were describing all the havoc that Margaux was wreaking. You DO have your hands full, and I really wish I could be there to help you. The Lord has given you a beautiful, wonderful family, though, and He has/will equip you to handle each situation....and yes, I think He does have a sense of humor. Take one day at a time. You're in my prayers every day. I love you.
I loved this post Denise! Good job! It made me laugh and was very creative. Now that I'm a mommy, I can relate. I'm glad you have 5 little ones!
Denise! THat was great! Seriously, I thought you copied that from some magazine, but YOU wrote it! Way to go:)
Someone told me the other day--and I told Roy last nigh--THESE are the best years of our lives and we don't even know it. As crazy and chaotic as it is sometimes, I know I'll look back in 10-15 years and wish I was here again. Enjoy your chaos and know that they are the best years!
I think these same things all the time!!! Why can't we just have nice things!! We must be sisters or something! You said all of this very well. Great post!! I too am so glad we are where we are now and not before. ILY
Oh my! I think the same things everyday! I was telling my husband just today that I think my hair is all gray under this fake blond hair I'm wearing. Just wait until all five are teenagers........all I can say is WOW! but i guess I shouldn't talk...i will have four...eeeek!
btw...that was me, Rose, my "teenager" must of had control of the computer last and was signed in under her name. teenagers!
That post made me smile!
I love the one about worrying about if you could have children or not!!
I feel the exact same way almost daily!
As I always say, I use to be a much better parent BEFORE I had children!
Wow - aren't all these things the truth! But, I have one vs. your five so I really have no excuse for my house not being clean or not cooking well-balanced meals.
But I agree with everyone...these are the days we will look back and miss so we have got to try and enjoy them.
Good post Denise!! :)
GREAT JOB DENISE!!! You did such a good job articulating what all of us moms feel. You dun good!
I had a day yesterday like that. The kids were home b/c of ice and school being cancelled, I was in my PJ's at 1:00 in the afternoon complete with hair that had not been combed, I had flour spilled all over my kitchen floor, 8 loads of laundry piled in my dining room waiting to be folded and homemade chicken and dumplings splattered all over the stove and counter. I asked myself, "Am I white trash or what?" (Please don't respond to that one, Jennifer)
Kristi, at least you had homemade dumplings. I would have used canned biscuits and pretended they were dumplings.
So true! #1 is pretty funny because you know you still see babies sometimes and think they are ugly. Admit it! I thought I had it all figured out before I had kids! I especially relate to the one about children screaming in public. Before I had Adam, I used to get so disgusted by it. Now I hardly notice it.
Denise - your kids alwyas look so cute and clean! And I assure you that you make better food for your family then I do. This is why I have yet to post a recipie on Whats for Din Din...because I dont have any! Everything I make comes from a can or a box! And like Jennifer said, I only have one child, so what is my excuse?
Great post, Denise! I agree 100% with them all!
You are doing the MOST important work a woman can do. There may be laundry piled up, dishes in the sink, toys laying around and dirty faces,and you are exhausted I am sure..5 is a lot!! But, nurturing the little souls entrusted to you is truly the Highest calling!
Hang in there (i am right there with you, and every now and then I feel a little sorry for myself that I will never be an empty nester, but I have a feeling I will be glad to have Lindsay Leigh around to keep us young and laughing!)
Tell Maddie her package went out today!!
Denise, I just love this post. You sure are getting deep on us w/ that 5th little arrow of yours. Thank you for the perspective today. You are a wonderful mom AND wifey!
BTW, random question but when is your bday?
Actually it is the funny truth, not so much being deep. And me bday is June 10.
I'm enjoying reading all your posts Denise. This one really made me chuckle. I have friend who swears every other sentence out of my mouth starts with "I used to think I'd never..." I can seriously relate to all your thoughts - except #1!! Before kids I thought all little ones were cute - now that I have my own beautiful babies I think that no one elses can come close!!! :)
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