There's a super bouncy ball in our bathtub drain...

     Most people don't know exactly what to say when they meet a mother of five. A few say nice things. Some think I'm "milking the system" and seem annoyed by our family size. Most, though, seem bewildered and a tad bit amused. They sputter out a phrase like, "You've really got your hands full", or "Wow! You must be really busy!" At which time, I usually smile politely and say, "Yes, I certainly do." but am really thinking (in the most loving, non-sarcastic tone my inner voice can have) "You have no idea." I always hoped to have a large family. 

      I grew up in the midst of a large extended family. I enjoy the action and excitement that accompanies a room full of loud, board game loving, comfort food sharing relatives. My grandma had nine children, so it didn't occur to me that having five would be an absolute oddity by today's standards. Apparently, to many people, it is and fortunately, I don't live my life based on the world's standards. Psalm 127:3 (TNIV) says, "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him." I believe that children are a blessing and a gift, not a burden. I'm learning to ignore the strange looks and odd comments from people who don't necessarily share my view. 

     You may be wondering why I'm here, jumping into the blogsphere with both feet...because clearly I don't have much time for this sort of thing. Most of my entries will be posted waaay too late at night, because in the quietness after the children are in bed and my dear husband has fallen asleep on the couch after a long day of work, I get to reflect on the blessing that is our life. Well, to be quite honest, the computer has become my window to the outside world during this season of my life. Having 5 children, age 6 and under, has somewhat altered my ability to travel outside the home much and has totally changed my idea of "social time." I often think of calling someone to chat and notice, it's after 10pm...so much for catching up with family and friends. I know that there will be a time when I don't need to utilize this form of "communication", but for now, I've come to the conclusion that I need an outlet of some kind (and I'm not talking about a shopping mall:) Although, some days that might be therapeutic, too. 

      I begin this blogging adventure for a few reasons...  My mother is always telling me that I ought to write a book. I think that would be oh, so fun but I can't for the life of me figure out who would possibly want to read it, other than her, which is also true of this blog perhaps. I do this in part to chronicle a little of our family history for my children, a virtual scrapbook of sorts.

I considered starting a blog months ago and realized it was almost a must, the day my husband came home from work and I had to explain to him that there was a super bouncy ball down our bathtub drain. It was time. Time to start writing some things down. Time to start sharing the crazy, wonderful chaos that occurs among the walls of our comfortable, yet not Better Homes and Gardens caliber, abode. We try to live a simple life, as simple as possible when raising five lively children. This blog is also for a few of you who often tell me, "I don't know how you do it". Here's how I do it... 

**As a side note--I am not an expert on anything, nor do I claim to be perfect. Any ideas, tips or hints anyone draws from this blog about parenting, large families or relationships in general are to be used "at your own risk". As a mom with a degree in Child Development, I know, both in theory and from experience, that no one thing works for every child or family. Please know that I am just a mother of five, who knows that the Lord is faithful, doing the best that I can and trusting Him to take care of the rest.