We've got my wife's younger brothers and sister for the weekend. See her folks divorced, both remarried, but her Dad started a second family. So my wife, Amanda, is 27 and her brother is 23, then there's the boys at 11 and 9 and her little sister at 5. (Forgive the lack of names, but Amanda's a little shy about this blog thing. That's out of respect for her.) The boys think it's cool to say they have a brother-in-law.
This weekend I made dinner on Friday night (fish sticks, chicked nuggets and tater tots) then we played video games and watched The Muppets Wizard of Oz. Saterday's breakfast was oatmeal cookie pancakes, which they didn't like so they ended up with Cookie Crisp. Following that, Amanda and her sister went with the other women in her family to a formal tea, and I took the boys bowling. Then it was watching Cats & Dogs, pizza out and ended with a couple games of Scene It Jr. Today it's church, followed by a baptism service and potluck. They get picked up around 4.
Now we always have a good time when they come over. We love the kids to death. But man, we're definately not used to having 3 kids in the house. So much energy! I never noticed how quiet and subdued our place is, but it's a low roar with them here. Always at least 2 conversations going on at once.
I feel bad, because it seems like my patience runs thin. It doesn't take to long for me to issue a blanket "Quiet" order. I don't scream, but I'm heard over the ruckus. I apologized and they didn't seem to notice and, in fact, really love coming over.
So what's that joke about other people's kids being the perfect birth control?
1 comments:
Having two and one on the way I know where you're coming from. Although I challenge the birth control statement a bit.
I don't really have the patience for other children but I do for my own...most of the time. :)
I think God gives us what we need when it comes to our own.
I'm not saying you need to have kids but don't let the spawn of others talk you out of it either.
There is true joy and love in having children that is nearly impossible to express. That love for your child is the most tangible and unexpected feeling you will ever have. You can feel it, taste it, and grab onto it in ways you can never imagine.
That love makes me a better father than I could ever be on my own. It makes me want to better than I am. Its a truly selfless love.
I feel closer to God because of the feelings I have as a father. I can understand something on a certain level, a father to a son, that someone else might have trouble understanding.
Not to say I'm better than anyone or that you can't achieve that level on oneness with God without children, but its been my connection amplification in tough times.
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