Ever since I can remember, I wanted to get married and have kids. Never did I imagine 5 babies in 7 years! Never did I imagine the fatigue, the messes, the demands, the lack of sleep, the continual dying to myself, to my sinfulness. And just when I thought it was time to rest, the call to more selflessness. And more.
And more.
Drawing me closer and closer to Him through it all.
And yet, never did I imagine the Love.
The Laughter.
The Friendship.
The Innocence.
The Sacrifice.
The Beauty.
in caring for one of my own. In caring for five of His own.
A little glimpse into our everyday since becoming the 7 of Us…
From meeting friends at the coffee shop (with 6 kids in tow and we didn’t get kicked out? Imagine that!)…
These 2 (Creating their “business plan”)
To meeting friends at the park
And “Hi” to you, gorgeous!!!
To learning how to think of others
And being affirmed for thinking of others…
Squeezing in our studying whenever possible…
To learning new skills …
And observing how things work
Or just hanging out…
The 7 of us…
Working. Praying. Enjoying. Arguing. Reconciling. Listening. Laughing. Hugging. Helping. Learning.
And spending most of my days on my hands and knees wiping up messes, putting on shoes, and begging for His grace.
But feeling so blessed for the 7 of us.
After several intense, I mean, loving, discussions, Daddy is back to working 2 jobs which means long hours and we are all adjusting in our own ways. But God is good. And He always provides. From encouraging words and short visits from friends, to generous neighbors, to amazing grandparents, He always provides. And we’re still reflecting on the very unique and special time we had as a family during his 3 months off. With each new child and transition, He has stretched us as individuals and as a couple. He has tested our weaknesses to the fire, enlarged our hearts, strengthened our faith, perfected our love.
And as challenging as it can be, I wouldn’t have it any other way. His way, that is. And the 7 of Us 😉
I want to be you when I grow up.