Are You Up to Your Elbows?
The other day my nephew Levi gave me a video tape that I had recorded ten years ago. I brought it home and watched it with my kids. It was amazing. I was a mere 23 years old. Coie was seven, Ryann and Emmiko were in diapers, I was pregnant and at the time we were also raising my eleven year old younger sister (our mom had just died; our step father died shortly after). It was a real mix of emotions. I forgot how squeaky coie’s voice was. My babies were SO cute. But boy howdy, it was a mad house. Utter chaos! I had forgotten how hard/ loud/ chaotic those years had been! My kids were bouncing all over the place, everybody competing for mama’s attentions at the same time. I generally swung between being completely overwhelmed to being totally bored. It was hard not having adult interaction for long stretches of time. I remember one day an older friend was visiting and I told her how overwhelmed I felt. She told me, “I remember being up to my elbows everyday in poopy diapers, and I thought the rest of my life would be like that” she went on to assure me that it was a short chapter in my life – one that I would look back fondly on and even miss! And she was right. Now that most of my kids are hitting (or are in) the pre-teen / teenage years, life has been completely different… easier, sweeter and I think the best thing has been the satisfaction of seeing the results of those exhausting/ hard/ loud/ chaotic/ boring years. But those years paid off big time in more ways than I could have ever dreamed. If you have big kids, you know what I’m talking about! And if you have little kids, be encouraged! It *is* a short time, believe it or not, this chapter does come to an end. And it is such an important time! and so very very worthwhile. Remember to take lots of pictures and video! You will want to look back and remember these years. |
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March 7th, 2007 - Posted in Uncategorized | | 0 Comments No Responses to ' Are You Up to Your Elbows? 'Leave a reply |
on March 7th, 2007 at 9:25 am
Home videos…
We've been watching some home videos lately too and I just love listening to the voices of the kids it's so remarkable how they've changed. One of my children had a severe speech problem that I had forgotten about, it completely corrected itself though public school teachers that were friends of mine kept telling me I needed to get him into speech right away. I have little ones and big ones and I know how it has paid off while at the same time still being able to enjoy the preschool years.
on March 7th, 2007 at 9:43 am
Up to my elbows…
but encouraged! We've had company this week and the normal loud bouncing around of kids always seems magnified 10 times when there is company. This was refreshing, thanks!
on March 7th, 2007 at 9:58 am
Thanks!
Hey,
Thank you so much for that encouragement. I only have two little ones right now, less than a year apart, and it's chaotic. I have some photos of my girls posted on my blog. I do that pendulum thing between overwhelmed and bored too. My husband worries about me sometimes. But reading encouraging posts like this really help! God bless you.
Mama J.
on March 7th, 2007 at 10:33 am
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Since becoming grandmother yesterday and watching my baby have her first baby I can say I agree with everything you said. It all goes by so quickly.
on March 7th, 2007 at 11:23 am
Poopy Diapers
I don't miss Poopy Diapers but maybe that is because I had to deal with them a second time as the trash bags would burst open on the way to the trash bins.
on March 7th, 2007 at 11:32 am
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I remember when my kids were littler I heard from many women who said that children grow up so fast. I didn't have the experience to relate, but I remember consciously deciding to believe them. And boy were they right! We recently watched a video of my oldest showing her little brother around the back yard. She was explaining things to him and not pronouncing any "r's." I had forgotten that she used to talk like that (like he does NOW)! But I also remember the feeling of being overwhelmed, and yes, bored! Then I read an article by this somewhat warped, but talented columnist that made me cry, and reminded me to enjoy every day. I think the article was entitled, "The Day I Died." The author's name eludes me…Ü
on March 7th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
I agree!
They grow just so quickly, and time isn't really standing still even when you feel like it is. I just took our oldest to the pediatrician today and he couldn't believe how much D had grown (5'11", 180lbs.). Far cry from the days when he was running around driving us crazy! Of course, as I type this there are 2 little monkeys who are only 8 months apart running around me screaming happily at each other. I guess I'm preaching to myself – enjoy these crazy moments because they will be gone in a blink!
on March 7th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
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I agree with everything Jen said! THEY GROW UP SO FAST. MY BABY JUST LOST HER SECOND TOOTH!
I am also thankful for the video footage we have because it gives my bigger kids a chance to see that they too were doted on and "babied" when they were little. My middle child (daughter) gets jealous sometimes of the extra time I spend with the youngest (I still bathe her… because she doesn't rinse the shampoo out of her hair if I don't , read to her…she can't read yet, give her longer tuck-ins…because that is a special, sweet time of sharing and praying ). So, I get out the videos or photos and remind the bigger kids that there is a season for everything… and that they had their turn being little ones, now it's time to learn to be more independant.
It is so fun to look back at how adorable they were! One of my favorite clips is when I had them reinact the story of Noah and his ark…hilarious!! Just picture it…Little Tikes tools, plastic animals as well as animal costumes, a fake beard on a 6 year old Noah! Priceless!
on March 7th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
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What, you're little angels? I have trouble believing they have the power of speech, let alone being chaotic.
Believe me, as a dad, I have vivid memories of the lunacy of little kids, and the lost sleep and all. The cuteness of little kids is the only thing that maintains their survival! I am so glad to have big kids and am in no way nostalgic for the baby and toddler years. (Our current baby doesnt count because the older kids are getting their payback by doing all dad's share of the work while he does his own thing! We should have started out with big kids years ago, and then had our babies!)
on March 7th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
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What a sweet post. Thanks for the reminder.
on March 7th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
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I had my first three in 3-1/2 years. Boy, was I tired, and that's an understatement. I wish I'd enjoyed them more, but was dealing with fibromyalgia (undiagnosed at the time), anemia, family stress and postpartum depression, so it was a difficult time. All this to say, I am so glad I made myself take pictures and what videos we do have. They are nice to look back on, and the kiddos enjoy it, too.
Now, we're there again with our 1 year-old. I'm older and somewhat wiser, and I think it's the old part that has me worn out this time around (though I'm only a few years older than you!). 😉 I'm so glad for the older ones. They're a huge help with her — whether they want to be or not!
on March 7th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE!!
This is so well-expressed and such a wonderful picture of different seasons in a Mom's life.
Enjoy it— every moment!
God gives us each moment to make into a time to capture our children's hearts. It can be done in joyful times, sad times, boring times and even stressful times!
Give Him the glory and credit, and He will give you the mindset to capture the hearts of those He has blessed you with.
Thank you Jenefer… this was wonderful!!!
-Jacque
on March 7th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
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The Lord has blessed us with 10 children in 10 years…yes, I have felt that I will be pregnant, nursing, and changing diapers forever! Now that my older ones are becoming so independent, I treasure these moments with my many babies. They are going by soooo fast!! When I think about it, I start to cry….I really do….and my family thinks I'm nuts!!! I love it!
on March 7th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
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Well…I read your post, and was JUST about to post something sweet and sappy about how fast they do indeed grow up. Then…my three year old (who is in training panties) tee-teed (urinated) all over the floor right beside me. So I'll lhave to come back later if I am to post something sweet and sappy. The mood kind of left me (ha-ha)!
Shay
on March 7th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
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Thanks. 🙂
on March 7th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
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i am, i am! i do enjoy this time so much. i'm just glad there are people like you out there telling us that there is much to enjoy in the teen years too. i get frustrated by all the bad news coming from the teen years.
loving ishmael!
on March 8th, 2007 at 1:27 am
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yep, you sure forget about those crazy days. I just visited with my dear friend w/ 6 kids under 6 and I wondered how she did it. But I guess it's just a matter of doing what you have to do! No secret formula.
on March 8th, 2007 at 8:29 am
Looking back with longing
I know what you mean. I still have a baby, but the dynamics change when your oldest children pass…oh, say 10 yo. I visit friends whose children are all still little and I recognize the frustration and fatigue on their faces, and I want to say "just cherish this". I enjoy my older children very much, but I would love to go back to those early days and do it all over again.
on March 8th, 2007 at 9:36 am
thanks so much!
Thanks so much for this post. It made me cry. That doesn't say much I guess, considering the other day I cried while reading the story of Miriam and Moses to my 3yo Corynn. And to a song on the radio just a few hours later.
Yep-I am one big bawl bag. But this post did me good. 🙂
Rebecca from http://www.zeahrenaissance.blogspot.com
on March 8th, 2007 at 11:12 am
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My children love to watch those old videos. We have one of Tracy dressed up like a bride when she was around 4. She was wearing a white dress and a veil (which was really a curtain) and held a boquet. It is cute. Now I get to see thsi for real this June. My…. will I be bawling!
Maria
on March 8th, 2007 at 11:25 am
The others
Having had a home day care for 17 years now, off and on, I have always felt sorry for the new moms who stayed up with a sick, cranky, or teething baby all night and then had to be at their jobs the next day. I'm thankful that I didn't have to hold down an outside job when mine were little. I had 3 in 3 1/2 years. When I had a sick baby, there was always the chance of a nap during the day or at the very least, a declaration of "Movie Day" to occupy the toddlers while Mom zoned on the couch!
Today's American children have every luxury except the one they want most – Mommy. My oldest daughter works in after school care. One of her little kindergarden girls had to pass her home while being bussed from school to after care. All she wanted was to go home after school, but there was no one there. I guess what I'm saying is we should enjoy every minute with our little ones and be thankful our husbands support us in being home with them. No one else can take our place!
Joanna
on March 8th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
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We've been watching videos this week of Briana at 5 months, and Ashley at three. Ashley was THE most country/southern sounding little girl you've ever heard! I LOVE my little ones, but I AM SO loving the teen years. I love crawling into the bed with my teens and chatting and laughing, sharing and loving. Sometimes I miss the "little times" and wonder if I was sleeping during several years, but I don't dread them growing up, because each new phase God has brought wonderful experiences.
I just posted about some ideas about "courtship". If you get a chance, come by and let me know what you think.
Letitia
on March 8th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
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Oh my… how true. At one time I remember crying to my mom… I had three in diapers and a puppy and I told her all I ever did was clean up pee, poop and puke.
Now, that is a distant memory and somehow even a fond one.
At this point, I long for more babies. I pray that God will bless us again… even if I had 3 babies in 3 years again, I'd have my older children to help too!
on March 8th, 2007 at 9:54 pm
Oh!
How I needed to hear this today, thank you so much! Its just one of those discouraging days where I feel overwhelmed! I have heard similar messages before but I know the Lord wanted me to read yours tonight, something my heart needed to hear and it came at the right time. Thanks again!
on March 8th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
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I loved what Joanna said above (or below – how does my post, post?) I worked for years until the oldest daughter was 11 and I have regrets that I did not do the most important thing with her – be a mom. My husband never wanted me to work out of the home, but he did not want to argue with me so let me. I am VERY thankful for a husband who wanted the stay at home wife and mother and very thankful for God's provision. I am now at home with all of our children and my oldest daughter committed to being at home with her family.
Edited by chatkat576 on Mar. 8, 2007 at 7:58 PM
on March 9th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
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For the first time in 14 years I do not have anyone in diapers. I must confess that the other day I realized I really miss going down the baby aisle in the grocery store. But I am loving tackling the store with 3 buggies manned by my teens, we can get groceries in the van in record speed!
on March 19th, 2007 at 8:54 am
Thanks for the encouragement today!
It IS nice to hear that constant supply of diapers, multiple kids clammoring for mom's attention, endless laundry and dishes where mom is still doing most of the work…one day calms down. I need to hear that from other moms! And amidst all that chaos, I am trying really hard to enjoy it too! =0)
on March 21st, 2007 at 10:41 am
I needed that!
Thanks so much for the encouragement! That is exactly what I needed to hear today.