Okay, so we're nowhere near Duggar's super size, but I wouldn't want that. No matter how much I love kids I cannot imagine feeling like I get to give them the time they deserve. Working or not. But, we are still, in fact, larger than your average family. So, sometimes I think about these things as other people discuss family size.
Let's get through the 'bad'.
-Much harder to get a hotel room without separating your family or paying through the nose for a large suite. Most hotels will allow you to squeeze in 5 or so, but not so much on 7.
-We're on the line with vehicles. One more and we either have to trade to get an 8 passenger van or get one of those big vans. I'm definitely not driving one of those 15 passenger things and can't afford a trade right now on my van for an 8 passenger. Not to mention, it's hard to have carseats set up in an 8 because you still have to be able to get through to the back row. And I'm WAY too cheap to drive a suburban.
-There's only one empty chair left at the table and it's not really an empty chair since we bought two more chairs when we found out about little man. You have to straddle a leg, which little man or someone will be doing after he gets out of his booster. What the heck are we going to do when we get inlawed and grandkids?
-It's really hard to afford vacations. While others talk about their multiple trips to Disney, per year, we find other avenues every few years. And you have to get CREATIVE.
-Food is getting WAY expensive. And since we both work (me part time at the moment) we don't have much time for a good garden, so no great ways to save money other than old fashioned being careful.
-Diapers for 14 years!!!!!!!
-People still say 'are you done yet?' and if you actually think about another one (one day) you feel bad because you know people are going to treat you like you're crazy. We got that with #5....not that we plan on a 6th, trust me.
And now for the 'good'.
-Vacations are even more fun with kid at various ages and expectations. No matter where they are or how simple they are.
-Imagine the family table and tv trays and people standing at the counter to eat in just 15-20 more years when we have 5 more kids and grandkids. It will be loud and bustling and cool!
-There's always someone around, so you never ever get lonely. Boredom is another issue with any kid.
-We are reminded more than most other people how amazing God is and how blessed we are!
-Look how many do overs we've had.
-After you teach them to cook and clean, it's really not that bad....though they don't seem to do these things on par with my OCD expectations, so I do redo. Bad habit, I know.
-All the things, we as parents, are exposed to due to 5 very different personalities and interests. I learn new things all the time with new activities.
-There's a hug and a kiss somewhere. You can always find someone willing.
I won't go and say others who have smaller families don't know the true blessings in life, because each decision to his/her own. I will say we have realized money isn't everything and we're thrilled to have spent so much having and raising kids. Of course, there is a fine line on that issue too. Next post.
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