Oh my goodness I couldn't help but share the experience Eric and I had last week. About a month ago we received a text from our friends asking for help. They wanted to go hunting together and they wanted to know if we would be willing to watch their kids for them while they went. It was potentially going to be for 10 days, but could be less depending on their luck. Eric and I didn't even hesitate when we got the text and agreed to it.
The days leading up to it I will admit I was nervous. I am not very good at keeping my house clean, or cooking... how was I suppose to go from a family of 3 to a family of 7 and still keep things tidy. But we gave it our best shot. Eric's work scheduled him perfectly that I could still go to work in the mornings.
Every day I felt like I was needed for something more than just food. Aria was spoiled rotten. At one point the sweet 12 year old sat aria on his lap while he played Halo (this happened more than once) and it melted my heart. Multiple times I would find the other kids playing with Aria, she had so much attention it was amazing!
Eric and I worked great as a team, we made sure the sink was empty, the dishwasher was either loaded and running or empty. Each night before I went to bed I made sure the toys were cleaned up and the house was cleaned up.
I was able to drive their minivan for the week while they were gone, and I've officially decided that will be our next car! Getting Aria in and out of her seat was so much easier!
Since we've been home I've implemented a few things.
1. I took the time to tidy up my kitchen/ house. Each night after putting Aria to bed I clean up, I feel so much better coming into my house and not having it be a mess! Maintaining the cleaning is a lot easier than deep cleaning all the time.
2. Making dinner - I could cook for all of us...Yet when I have to cook for just 3 I don't. Even if its chicken nuggets or a corn dog it is still better than eating out.
3. Enjoy the messes - It means we've had fun!
4. Enjoy Aria more - Aria is only this small once and sometimes I think I forget that. Some days are hard when all she wants to do is scream and pull my hair. But no matte what I can make her smile.
5. When you think you've got life figured out the Lord has a different idea.
I am so thankful for the opportunity we had to learn this. However; I am looking forward to growing into a bigger family vs going from 1 kid to 5. Now excuse me while I go catch up on my sleep!
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