Lilly and the brothers: Just For Fun

"You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me the most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, or had ever been alive." James Baldwin

This is why I write.

I have been feeling that a number of my posts, as of late, have been a bit on the heavy side. I suppose my writing reflects whatever is in my heart and head at the moment. And that is where I've been. But really, no matter what the topic is, the reason I write at all is because it is so good to know, that somewhere out there is someone who knows just how I feel. And I hope that they like knowing that too.

The world is a big place. It is easy to feel disconnected and alone. Telling stories makes the world smaller. We know we are not alone. And that feels good.

I started this blog with the intention of it being a family scrapbook. It still is, but it has become so much more. It is a record of our days together, but also my thoughts on being a mother, a parent, a wife and a just a person who is on a journey. A journey with 3, well 4, little ones in tow. I look forward to some day sharing these musings with children. I hope they'll enjoy reading about their childhood and who their mommy back then. I hope they'll have their own babies and this will be of help or encouragement to them in some way.

In the meantime, I share all this with you. I want to thank all of you who faithfully read this blog. The comments you leave make me happier than you could know. I am very grateful that you want to share this little corner of the world with me and mine. I know this isn't a blog where you pop in for a minute and you're done. 1 picture, a few quick words and move onto the next thing on your list. I tend to be verbose. It's always been a problem for me. But if my thoughts in any way make you think, or smile, or laugh or just shake your head and think "I'm glad that's not me", well, then, I'm glad I wrote it.

This was not the original intent of this post AT ALL! I had planned to write something light and fun. See the title above. Oh well. I still will. It is Friday, after all. I'd like to send you into the weekend with a smile.

So, enjoy a few facts and figures from my life, right now and in the days to come.

Soon: 4 kids, no dishwasher. I think we better move "finish kitchen" back up on the list.

Far off (thank goodness): In 13 years I will have 4 teenagers in my house. 19, 17, 15 13. Yikes!

Right now: I have been pregnant and/or nursing continuously since 2003. Am I trying to qualify for my own reality show or what?

Soon: We will have 4 kids sharing a room. Double bunk beds here we come! We'll tell them we're pretending we live on a ship.

Soon: We will have 6 people sharing 1 bathroom. Maybe we better move "add on a bathroom" to the list.

Far off: I will make a dinner that 6 people will eat and like. And it won't be hamburgers.

Right Now: Speaking of hamburgers. I can eat 1 In and Out hamburger and an order of fries and still want another 1. Just thinking about it makes me want to eat 1, right now.

Far off: We will buy a giant, old bus and tour America. Will you still read my blog? (I can dream can't I?)

Right now: My boys are napping, which means they will stay up late, which means soon I will wish I didn't let them nap, but right now it is wonderful.

Soon (sadly) : My boys won't come into my room in the morning and say, "Mommy we like to sleep with you," while they climb under the covers with me.

Right Now: I have to put all those dishes away.