Sometimes it's all I can do to smile and be polite when people say certain things.
"Are they ALL yours?!"
"Wow, you have your hands full."
I really never know how to answer or reply to these. Usually, I just say yes, smile politely, and move on; gritting my teeth.
The other day I couldn't help it.
We had stopped by Wal-Mart for a couple of things and we all went in. (BTW - the only time I get the "hands full" comment is when I'm alone with the children. For some reason people just don't say that when my husband is with me). So anyway, I took 3 of the smaller ones to the bathroom - the 2, 3, & 4 year olds - while the others stayed with my husband. I was waiting for them to finish washing their hands when a lady came out of the stall and said (yes, you guessed it) "Wow, you have your hands full."
Sorry - I couldn't resist - I saw her jaw drop when I said sweetly, "Oh this is just one third of them." I'll give her points for her quick recovery, "You have NINE?!"
Then the inevitable: "I have one 22 month old and I just don't see how you do it..." blah, blah, blah.
Yes, I'm mean, but at least I don't say what I sometimes WANT to say. I won't even write it here.
So, now you know. I'm not a saint, I'm not perfect, I don't possess tons of patience. I am simply a woman trying to do what Christ would want me to do. (And that includes repenting of the evil thoughts I sometimes have).
If you see me out in public, please don't say that I have my hands full. And if you read this blog you know very well how many children I have. :)
Until next time...
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6 comments:
LOL Jen that is hillarious! I get that all the time and I only have 5! LOL I always say nope just one handful....1,2,3,4,5 one hand:)
I always say something like yeah, they're a lot of fun. One time I had an older man tell me how blessed I was, that he and his wife had raised 5 children and they were the best days of their lives. I would've liked to see that lady's jaw drop when you told her you only had a third of them with you, though. That would have been funny!
Plain and simple, some people don't think before they open their mouth. I've had to do my share of teeth gritting already too.
You had the perfect answer for that woman. LOL
LOL...everyone tells me I have my hands full with the three. LOL and some days they are totally right. But they are mine and i love them all:)
Hi Jen
Oh yes - I can relate to that comment even with just 4. It's the rude comments that get me the most - "don't you watch TV/ you know what causes that" etc. etc. I try & smile & say " Yes I am blessed - we love children & want more" - that always keeps them quiet.
Want to add I just love this picture of you - the blue suits you so much & great earrings!!
Hope you have a nice day & enjoy your beautiful family
God bless
Renata :)
Oh Jen, that was funny. I came from a large family, and so did my hubby. We both wanted lots of kiddos, but God decided that I'd only have one son. Who am I to question Him?...I have, on several occassions, but I'm not saying I shoulda, LOL. My point is, I always try to make a point complimenting a mother of many children. You are truly blessed!
P.S. Your valentines apron went out in the mail yesterday! :)
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