altruistic1

I remember when my children were little, by the time my oldest son was ten years old, my family was complete with the birth of my youngest daughter.  So, I had a ten year old, five year old, four year old, two year old and a newborn.  My second son, the five year old had the middle child syndrome, he really gave his all when it come to getting his way, punishment and reward systems were always changing because none of them seemed to work for him. 

I would get up in the morning and of course there were a million things going on at one time and to figure out which was more important was a task.  My oldest had kindergarten, the four year old was in preschool and the three year old was in preschool.  That is great, only thing is that I had a newborn and sometimes I did not get enough rest the night before, and had to get up early enough to get them all ready. 

Having all of this on my plate, when I woke up, I just grabbed whatever was clean and brushed my hair.  Other tasks were more important to me than to my looks.  I wanted the kids to look proper for school.

Laundry was always an issue with that many, especially since I used cloth diapers.  Dishes came a close 2nd. and then there was the toys to clean up before you could sweep the floors.  I breastfed so the bottle washing, sterilizing nipples and fixing formula was not an issue with me.  We lived in a two-story house that had an attic and a basement.  The bathroom was upstairs, so I made plenty of trips up two flights of stairs. The washer and dryer were in the basement down two flights of stairs. 

I took all of my kids with me whenever I needed to go anywhere, shopping, doctors office, etc..  When we went to a store to buy clothes or household supplies, the kids always needed something more than I did.  So I never really purchased much for myself.  Once in awhile we would go to a yard sale and I may have picked up a piece of clothing or two from it. 

There is not a minute during the day that someone did not need or want something and when you finally get them all in bed, that was when you could actually get something done.  Cleaning and preparing for the next day.  I am not complaining just stating how it was for me.  Yeah, I must have looked like a reject and  probably had a little B.O.(lol) but there is just never enough hours in a day for a mother to complete all of the work that it takes to keep a family going.

I just want to say, even if it is a 5 minute break, hiding in the bathroom, or letting the dishes go so you can sit in the tub, do it for yourself.  I had a hard time with that lesson , but can tell you from experience, those few precious moments will mean alot to you and the rest of your family. 

I love my kids and yes it was difficult and trying to raise them but I would not take one day back.  I have five grown children that I love more than anything in the world who have given me eight wonderful grandchildren.   We are a close family and they have made me proud.

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