The Barren Blog...or Because I'm Not, This Blog Is
Mar. 2, 2006
If Only
My house is clean and tidy, my children involved in quiet, educational pursuits, our supper simmering on the stove, every baby book and all scrapbooks up to date, and no one is ill or cranky. In the midst of this peaceful oasis, and since I've so little else to do, I have decided to start this blog--the first of many, I'm sure, since I have it so together. Those homes you visit where each step is a risk--toys, books, papers, and who knows what else combining in the ultimate obstacle course--would never be mine. Oh, no. With eight children, how could it be anything less than pristine? I mean, all of them have two eyes to see anything they or a younger sibling might drop, and two hands to clean up, so of course they do that automatically now. All of the older ones (ages 6 and up) are completely capable of fixing meals for the entire family, and since they practically fight (though of course they would never *actually* fight, you understand) for the privilege of preparing another stunning, gourmet meal, they each take turns. The baby and the four year old take care of all the laundry--gathering, sorting, switching to the dryer, and then sorting by person and making sure it all gets put away. I don't think any of them is especially precocious; particularly the baby, who *still* doesn't know how to read. The others, though, willingly do their schoolwork every day, without ever being nagged or scolded. The sixteen year old, of course, has her master's and is working toward a doctorate, but she still pitches in whenever she sees a need, whether with housework or child training. She would never (no, never!) antagonize or annoy a younger brother or sister. Oh! I must finish. My husband will be home soon, and I always shower, wear perfume and my nicest dress, do my hair just so, and try to look and feel my best for him. Toodles!
If only life were that neat and orderly. Why the baby I'm carrying (due in 7 weeks) will be a musical genius because of all the music I get to listen to all day; the dog will let herself outside when she needs to, and, oh yeah, she'll feed herself as well.
Leaky dishwasher, what's that? Bill collectors calling, Never heard of it. If only.
I was reading your post and felt I had slipped into a bath of Calgon...or maybe an episode of Fantasy Island:) I only have two little angels and my house most often resembles the aftermath of a cyclone. Looking forward to reading more of your posts!
BTW, I love western Colorado and hope to move there someday! Have visted Estes Park, Boulder, Durango, Denver, Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs...
Oh my goodness! Stephanie, you are too much. You have painted THE picture of how I perceive families like yours operate. I read of all these homeschooling families with 6, 8, 10, 12 kids that seem like they are a well oiled perfect machine, but deep down I suspected otherwise.
In spite...you always strike me as poised, patient, soft spoken and kind. Your kids are beautiful and ARE examples of how molding your child's character with example and faith can make them stand out.
It's nice to see another "perfect" mom with a sagging cheek from sticking her tongue in it. LOL
I'm *really* enjoying your blog. I'm so glad you joined my friends list so that I could find you. I will be looking forward to reading all that you've written.
I'm Stephanie, thrilled to be Gary's wife since May '85 and mom to six girls (9/89, 7/91, 5/93, 4/96, 11/04, 1/07) and three boys (2/98, 1/00, 11/01). We live with Gary's parents (ages 89 and 87) on an acre of land in western CO.
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Mar. 2, 2006 - If Only
Leaky dishwasher, what's that? Bill collectors calling, Never heard of it. If only.