We get settled and Jacob begins to cry, like he usually does, and it is all I can do to not grab him out of my husbands hands and make it all better. I have this thing about my kids disturbing other peoples "public" so I always make sure they are well behaved and aware that this is not only our dinner time, but everyone around us is having dinner as well and we must respect that, and behave accordingly. So whenever Jacob starts to cry that is when I usually leave and go sit in the car with him so he doesn't ruin every one's dinner. (I know, I know, right or wrong that is how I roll so leave me alone) Then Ava starts to dance in the isle and Jaden starts to scream at his reflection in the window. (keep in mind these are all things I do NOT tolerate while in public. My kids know what I expect from them when we are out and about. However, tonight, I was officially off duty and it's like they knew it.) So everyone gets settled down to eat and Ava and Jaden have to go to the bathroom. My husband puts his fork down and takes them all to the bathroom. He comes back to a cold meal and a crying baby. I snicker a little and decided that I was done so I went to sit in the car. Next thing I know I am looking up and here comes my husband with our four blessings (two of which are screaming their heads off) and the woman, that was giving me the "stare"gets out of her car to offer her assistance to my husband by opening the door and helping him to the car with the children. My husband kindly said, "no, thank you though, but I have it."
Can you imagine what I must have looked like in her eyes??? But, let's back up here for a bit, shall we?? She got OUT OF HER CAR to help my husband!!! I don't know how many times I have been somewhere with four screaming children and people just stared at me. They just looked at me like I was crazy!!! No one ever said, "can I do something to help you?? " or "bless your heart, your a great mom don't get discouraged." But my husband goes out not once, but twice with the kids and both times someone has rolled a throne up to him, and he took a seat. The first time was when Anna was just 5 months old and he took her with him to go get something to eat and someone PAID FOR HIS MEAL. To add insult to injury, Jacobs fist sound was "dada" today.
Eleven years ago, I gave up my home, my friends and all that was comfortable to me when I said, "yes I will marry you." Eight years ago I gave up my waste when I gained 100 lbs ( yes 100 lbs, don't judge) to give birth to a 9lb 7 oz baby girl. Eight years ago I gave up the first three weeks of my daughters life as I went back into surgery to save mine. Three years ago I gave up my day's to home school the children. For the past 9 years I have given up sleep. I have given up my nap time to make sure everyone has clean underwear. I give up my Saturday nights to make sure everything is in order for Sunday morning so that we could all get to church on time. I have a degree in landscape horticulture, and I gave that up to grow children. Four times I have given up my body as a human being has taken over it. I have given up hope of ever slipping on a pair of size 7 pants again. I have given up my nights to pray for them and their health while they sleep. I have physical and emotional scars and stretch marks on me that says that I have given my all for my children. And each day that God gives me I would happily give up more for them.
Don't get me wrong, my husband is a wonderful father, and takes his role as "provider" very seriously. However, it would be nice if society could see the sacrifice of a mother as well. I took one night off in 8 years. ONE NIGHT!!! And because of the judgmental stares of one person, who has no idea who I am, I was unable to enjoy it. I am just glad that there is only one Judge who has the right to judge me, and only God knows how much I needed this night off.
Eleven years ago, I gave up my home, my friends and all that was comfortable to me when I said, "yes I will marry you." Eight years ago I gave up my waste when I gained 100 lbs ( yes 100 lbs, don't judge) to give birth to a 9lb 7 oz baby girl. Eight years ago I gave up the first three weeks of my daughters life as I went back into surgery to save mine. Three years ago I gave up my day's to home school the children. For the past 9 years I have given up sleep. I have given up my nap time to make sure everyone has clean underwear. I give up my Saturday nights to make sure everything is in order for Sunday morning so that we could all get to church on time. I have a degree in landscape horticulture, and I gave that up to grow children. Four times I have given up my body as a human being has taken over it. I have given up hope of ever slipping on a pair of size 7 pants again. I have given up my nights to pray for them and their health while they sleep. I have physical and emotional scars and stretch marks on me that says that I have given my all for my children. And each day that God gives me I would happily give up more for them.
Don't get me wrong, my husband is a wonderful father, and takes his role as "provider" very seriously. However, it would be nice if society could see the sacrifice of a mother as well. I took one night off in 8 years. ONE NIGHT!!! And because of the judgmental stares of one person, who has no idea who I am, I was unable to enjoy it. I am just glad that there is only one Judge who has the right to judge me, and only God knows how much I needed this night off.
