Wednesday, February 18, 2009

We're good....

Well I just wanted to change the top post on my blog. Ashlyn isn't sick anymore! She's one healthy, chubby, adorable baby. And I couldn't be happier. She is pure joy.
We are doing good here. Trugging along and trying to enjoy the journey, not just endure it!
I just have one question for you all:
"How do I give all my attention to all 4 kids at the same time?And continue to do it all day?

10 comments:

Tiffany said...

I'm happy to hear you are doing well!!!

Leah said...

Hey Sarah, that is a very good question. When my first 4 kids were about your kids ages and I remember feeling overwhelmed on a regular basis. I would lay in bed and feel bad about how one or another child had gotten very little of my attention that day. I finally made the choice to stop feeling guilty about it and set the standard at -did this child feel loved today? Did I do something that made that child feel loved today? Love can be expressed in so many ways. Reading a book together, made their favorite lunch, put bubbles in the bath, sometimes just a SUPER HUG (we made one up with like 8 steps). Because in the end Love is all that really matters isn't it? when they grow up they never have to go into therapy because they wore their pajamas all day! That gave me something to focus on. And there were days where I would see that one child was getting less attention then the others and so we would have a "special time". That could be anything that child wants to do (within reason). Most of the time it is play a board game. Sometimes it is they pick a movie for us to watch and I actually sit next to them for the whole time to watch it. It depends on the child. I have also played army guys, tag, made up a dance, played at the park, you get the idea. Focus on that part. Eat cereal for lunch and skip baths for the day. No one cares, mothers set such high standards for themselves. You are such a loving person Sarah, you are a great mom. I say for at least the next 2 years PLAN on letting the little things go. That is how I survived my 5 babies at least. Heavenly Father will help you know what your child needs. He is the best Dad ever! And try, try, try to squeeze in some time for yourself. Early morning scripture study in the tub is my favorite. Well those are my thoughts on the subject, hope that helped some.

Unknown said...

You don't. But somehow everyone survives.

Jen said...

I appreciated the comment from your friend Leah. I am nervous for this baby to come. FOUR! That is a handful. I guess we just do the best we can!

Jen said...

I appreciated the comment from your friend Leah. I am nervous for this baby to come. FOUR! That is a handful. I guess we just do the best we can!

~LisaLou~ said...

Hi Sarah,
I think I have some shoes that may belong to one of your girls. They're white with little flower cutouts. Are they yours? They were left at the park last week. (Sorry it took so long to ask.) Oh, and if they aren't yours... do you want them?! :)
I have a suggestion: I found when Carly was little, that she needed me in spurts. If I sat her down and showed her how to play and played with her for five minutes, she would gain a little confidence and play on her own. I would let her know I was still near by and check up on her. All kids are different though. Now that my kids are older, when they need some attention sometimes I just start chasing them around the house for a few minutes. They LOVE it and when they get tired, I tell them it was fun and give them a hug and then I can usually find some time to do something else for a minute. I like Leah's suggestion. It works. And I agree. You have to take care of yourself too. You need a minute to think and be yourself! And it's important for our kids to see us take time for ourselves. (My sister gave me this suggestion.) She has some friends that go running nearly every day. That is their time and their family honors that. I thought that was cool. Maybe you can get some mommy running time and run that marathon this year!
My only other advice is to pray!
Hope you have a great day!
Lisa

Cory or Cari said...

Let me know when you figure it out. Four was a big step for me. But I too just try and make sure that each feels loved every day.

Carol said...

Laughing! Good luck! If anyone can do it, it's you. I know your a wonderful mother, so I'm not worried about ya. Man... four little ones. I don't think I could do one.

Bethany said...

Just wanted to say "hello" and that I really don't have any advice except...pray and follow the spirit. I haven't looked at your blog for awhile...your family is adorable and I can't believe how much they've grown! You're awesome! I'll always remember how kind you were to me. Bethany

AZ SMITHS said...

I think the hardest part of having a big family is when they all need your help at the same time. (aka my struggles with homework), but they also have siblings to play with. I agree with Leah, do they feel loved? In your home I know they do!! Sometimes just the fact that you are there, at home and nearby if they need you, gives them the security they need.