I have struggled a lot lately with the reaction that I get from people because we have 3 little ones so close together. I know I've read other blog posts about this same frustration. I have very few people say things like "Wow, what a blessing!", "You guys must be so thankful", etc...
I do hear this a lot "Don't you guys know what causes this?", "Another one already, how long have you guys been married?" "What are you going to do with three babies?", etc...
I have been encouraged by so many of my friends whether it's a phone call or a message left on our blog, and I am so thankful for those that constantly remind me of truth! Meaning that our children are a HUGE blessing, and we are very THANKFUL that the Lord has allowed us to have these three miracles in such a short time. Our lives are so enriched by them, and I would not trade them for anything in this world!!!
Having said all of that, and I really could say so much more, but it's late and I want to keep my blood pressure down. But, the real purpose of this blog post is to say that we had our first outing today just me and the kids. Not exactly sure why I chose a grocery shopping trip as our first, but I did. (Please keep in mind that I have not been to the grocery store since before we had Sam). We have been so blessed with so many families bringing us food, that I haven't really needed to. My husband has also been very gracious by letting us eat out more than we normally do.
Anyway, I put the kids in the car after I had a pep talk with Lydia, (things always go better for us if I prep her for what we're about to do). And of we went to Publix. I already love shopping at this store, but I just signed up for this really cool thing called EMealz, and I signed up for the Publix meal plan. That's not the point, but one of the main reasons I love this grocery store is the really fun "car" carts they have. Lydia and Thomas love them!
So, we got out of the car without anyone getting ran over and Thomas actually held my hand without throwing himself on the ground in protest. I think he knew I was a bit anxious. We got inside, got the big kids in the cart and off we went. Sam was in the sling, which is the best thing ever!!! I had a friend recently describe them as "baby Dramamine (sp?)" Sam loves it and just snoozes away while I am hands free and able to manage two kids as well as shop for groceries!
We went by the bakery and got the kids a cookie (yet another reason to love Publix). And, off we went. We were in the store for about an hour, and we only had one minor issue with biting, but other than that it was GREAT!!!
I left so encouraged! Other than the fact that people were looking at me like I was crazy, and one lady even sort of had an attitude apparently because I was moving more slowly than she would have liked, but the bottom line is that we are going to make it.
I LOVE my children, and I LOVE being their mommy. No , I am not perfect, and no I am not super mom, but I try my best to be real with my kids, and with those around me. I also try to let them know that I am desperately in need of a Savior, and Jesus is my only hope. I get frustrated and flustered, and having three kids under three has brought even more of my sin to the surface. Even though it is tough, I am thankful. Thankful for my family, thankful for my salvation, and today simply thankful for a successful trip to the grocery store!
5 comments:
i am proud of you!!! just remember you are storing up treasures that moth and rust can not destroy - those beautiful children. Your life will be crazy and different because you have chosen your treasures to be little ones and not things. The world doesn't get it but thankfully this is not our home. We love you and those little ones!!!
I am 10 months older than my brother and he is 11 months older than the TWINS. It was the best growing up with all 4 of us so close in age. We would play so much together and had a lot in common. Wouldn't trade it for anything!
When I stopped to think about it, I was the 3 yr old with 2 younger sisters (and another surprise came along 5 years later). It was very common "back then" and spacing your kids was an afterthought! And all of our little friends had siblings that matched up age-wise with my sisters. So thankful for your successful outing! We miss your kiddos - and you! I think of you every time I walk or drive by your old apt!
Yay!!! Thanks Nikki, what a great post and yes, very encouraging! I always get at least one "you've got your hands full" when we're out and my new response has become, "yes, and I love it!" And I'm so glad you had a great outing at Publix-the girls LOVE the car cart as well!
Nikki, you're amazing! My twin sister and I are only 15 months older than our brother. You can do it! And my brother and sister and I are so close. We love that we're so close and so do my parents. I love your hair cut, too! ~All God's Best! -Katie Hovey Rhoads :)
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