February 26, 2005 5:27 PM
A Day in the life of a megamom
Here's what life is like when you've got a lot of kids spread out over a lot of years:
Though you're up late at night with the teens, you're also up early the next morning with the little kids. There are always people coming and going, and so many things happening so fast, it's mindboggling.
Take today:
Up early with the Downzers (that's what we call the 4 boys with Down syndrome, which we can without being politically incorrect because they're ours and it's affectionate). Got the news via a comment on my blog that Daughter #2 Jasmine is expecting her #5 (and my Grandchild #10) next fall.
Called Daughter #1 to decide whether to celebrate grandchild #2's birthday tomorrow or next Sunday as his birthday is in the middle of the week, and we celebrate birthdays on Sunday with the entire family. We will wait 'til next week, but tomorrow get together at her house for tacos.
Son #1 dropped off Son #5 (Jonny) at noon for rehearsal, pizza, and then opening of Twelve Dancing Princesses, which is being performed by Very Special Arts, a group of performers with a wide range of abilities/disabilites. The last two days' rehearsals were cancelled for snow, hence the last-minute rehearsal.
Son #3 called to say he will be home next weekend (fits in well with the birthday plans) to sing at a competition at George Mason University. He is studying voice at Liberty U. and singing all this operatic stuff. I can't wait to hear him.
Son #4 is working out practically round the clock because he came up short in his physical aptitude exam for the Naval Academy. Which made me cry for two days last week -- it's what he's wanted since he was 8 years old, his SATs are 1520, he got a nomination, he was good to go until this. He has until Tuesday to retake the test and get a better score.
Son #1 is in the throes of negotiating a wedding date. Sometimes things are more difficult than they sound.
Daughter #3 came home from spending the night with a friend and now another friend is on her way over.
A friend of Daughter #4 was just dropped off to spend the night. They escaped downstairs to watch Clueless.
Someone who we went out to dinner with to celebrate a friend's birthday 10 years ago in California just tracked me down. She lives in Florida now and her friends yesterday had their 5th child -- a baby with Down syndrome. Amazing, considering I just posted so much on the subject. She'd spent the day finding out everything she could about the subject, which is the first thing I recommend. I told her not to act like it's a tragedy, but she'd already figured that out. As I write this, they're at the hospital visiting. What good friends!
Jesse, Daniel, and Justin (the other 3/4 of the Downzers) are enthralled because Son #4 just set up one of our computers here in my office for them to play computer games while I am working. Jesse is giggling madly.
Tonight we will all go to see Jonny's play, including the two extra friends, but minus Son #1 who's otherwise occupied.
In between, I'm reading the curious incident of the dog in the night-time and I so wish I could read it more quickly. It's a wonderful story told from the point of view of a boy with autism. Because two of my Downzers also have some autistic-like behaviors, I'm really enjoying it immensely. I think the author has captured the logic and intricacies of autism spot on.
I'm also in between writing books, as I shipped my last manuscript off last week: Dirty Dancing at the Prom and Other Challenges Your Teen Faces: How Parents Can Help. It's supposed to be out in May. But I have no book contracts right now and so am spending my free time cleaning out drawers, closets and pantries.
Oh, and I just started setting out the pieces to a 1500 piece jigsaw of The Proverbs by Peter Bruegel, in which he illustrates 118 figures of speech. I like jigsaw puzzles because they pull people together for unexpected conversations.
So that's my day. Hubby just got home and so we are getting everyone dressed for the big outing tonight. Life just keeps moving on.
Posted in Big families, Books, Down syndrome, Family, Mothering, Teens and Tweens, Toddlers | Permalink
Comments
Hello,
I'm glad I read at the Wittenberg Gate blog that NickQueen.com is featuring new Christian blogs. That's how I came to Mommy Life. I am very new in blogging.
You CAN serve up wisdom. "New" does not seem to apply to you but for blogs, I'll take it. You are to me a huge addition to the blogosphere.
I can identify with some of the causes you pursued earlier on in your life. I was once a political activist myself. I was clueless about and rebellious against God at the time.
I marvel at your ability to multitask. I have adult ADHD and am touched by your selfless love for your "Downzers."
I praise the LORD for your presence in the blogging world. I so love to write. I am very eager to pick up everything I could from the works of those that have more than proven themselves already in the field.
God bless you,
Soldado De Oracion
Posted by: Soldado De Oracion | February 27, 2005 10:47 PM
Good luck to son #4, regarding the Naval Academy. However, if thing not work out, please for he to remember that Merchant Seaman also very respectable, also my husband quit Naval Academy after spend whole life get ready for it, didn't like it after all, hope that comfort you son he not get in, maybe his path going to be different and even BETTER than the plans. Husband mariitime lawyer now after Merchant Seaman, says best life.
Posted by: LatteBug | February 28, 2005 2:05 PM
Barbara,
I am overjoyed to have come across your web site. Thgere's so much great re-inforcement for the life and family values that are most important to me. I'm a 27 year old mother of two and who wants many more. I truly believe that I am a supreme mother. I give all and everything to my boys; I home-school them, which my parents didn't approve of. They didn't approve, I guess, because I'm still living with them. And my internet jobs don't completely support my family. I know your writings sort of say otherwise, but I know my having my second beautiful boy by artificial means is no sin. Abortion is evil. I love God and he's a good enough spouse for me; I feel that I don't need no boyfriend. What do you think? I highly value your wisdom. Shouldn't I have more kids?
Sincerely and thanks and God bless you,
Malah
Posted by: Malah Pirte | January 3, 2006 3:16 AM
