Thursday, March 5, 2009

it's easy

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Today I found a half eaten bagel on the side table smothered in apple butter. (Trust me, that’s not the only thing I’ve found today.) I know who the culprit is. There are crumbs on the counter and cheerios on the floor and laundry in various stages of done-ness on the couch. Upstairs, I can barely walk for lack of bare floor (toys and stuff) and under someone’s bed there are cheez-its complete with a tea party set up, all in pink and purple plastic (under the bed, seriously).

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Yesterday I took #1 & 2 to the dentist (along with #4 & 5 in tow) and you should have seen the reactions. The receptionist asked {after I was all settled into the waiting room seat with the older two at the games and the younger two by my feet}, “So, how many does this make?” “Five,” I said, smiling. All the heads attached to the nice mothers in the waiting room snapped up to look at me. Then the more bold mothers took their turns asking me questions. (Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Utah anymore.)

she likes stripes

The truth is I was petrified to have five children. But now I’m not. Now I know that having a big family is awesome! It is rewarding and full of love. It is a lot of work and I’m tired. But it does get a little easier. (You have to look at “easier” in an open-minded fashion.)

eas⋅y/ [ee-zee]
1. not hard or difficult; requiring no great labor or effort: It was easy to fall asleep.

2. free from pain, discomfort, worry, or care: It was easy to see her third child walking on the counter; she had seen children walking on the counter for years now.

3. not burdensome or oppressive: It was easy to do the laundry because after being on bed rest for close to three months, taking care of her family without relying on others was no longer considered a burden, but a blessing.

lessons from a 7 year old

So when I find hand written names on the walls and window sills from the Cheez-It miester, I give a sigh and get a little frustrated, but I don’t have time to dwell on it—I’m a mother of five, for heaven’s sake!

holding hands
taken by my 9 year old...because my hands were full. here's the self portrait with mommy:
her self portrait with mommy

How do I do it? (the most asked question) I do it just like people do it with one. Just like people live with any kind of trial. Just like people live with any kind of joy.

14 comments:

calibosmom said...

Way to go mama! I love the first picture-they all look guilty. Around these parts, being the mother of five is considered Sainthood. We bow down to you Saint Brittany!

My name is Lauren said...

What an absolutely wonderful post!! Brought a smile to my face on what has been a pretty yucky day. Thanks.

Oh, I LOVE the chore chart. Soooo cute.

Dini said...

Attitude is everything!!!

kristen said...

sister, you are my hero. xo

jenica said...

i loved every itty-bitty part of this post. such a charmed and wonderful life. what's funny is that even though you have FIVE kids in that picture... it doesn't even look like that many to me. and i (only) have four!

love love you.

Wendy said...

Britt, it makes me so happy that you're enjoying the craziness, messiness, tiredness, joyousness of your brood. That's what life is all about.

Aren't you proud to be a former pegger? I love that you didn't forget about my long johns. :) I couldn't live without those in the winter - in California!! Was I crazy?

Celia Fae said...

Lovely photos. What a great post. At the end of the day, it is nice to reflect on what is easy. Thanks for the reminder.

Emma Jo said...

Curse you a little for making me feel like I want a million more. What beautiful sentiments, and great perspective. Live is amazing, isn't it?

Emma Jo said...

And may I just add how beautifully straight and lovely your daughter's teeth are? I am a little terrified at what happens when children get those new ones. Nice indeedy.

Tamara said...

Hi friend, I am so glad to see you thriving and happy...way to rise up to what life throws at you!

Anonymous said...

So excited there are new posts! I look up to you so much, I am terrified of the thought of 3 and you do 5 so beautifully!

Dallas and Krista said...

Oooooooh I love this post with everything in me. One of my favorite bits from you to date. I agree with you from the depths of my heart and can't wait to grow my family in love and joy along with size. I think it will be invigorating, and challenging, and it will make me feel alive. And I adore how the twinsies are holding hands. They need each other, and they comfort each other... it is only natural for them. How cool is that?

Elizabeth MacCrellish said...

man oh man!

you are aMAZing and? loved this post (as the 4th of 5 kids-- i'm glad, but also astounded by you and my mom for being able to do it!)

bisous, Elizabeth

liz elayne lamoreux said...

this post is so beautiful...thank you for sharing every word.

blessings to you...