Monday, May 19, 2014

Big Families.....

Are not for the faint hearted.
It is a lot of work. There is  a lot of work to do.
My days start early and finish late.
Liddy and Tilly wearing the Oliver+S Music Class set
2-3 hours food prep and clean up.
2-3 hours with washing in/out, ironed and put away.
Most days.
Not to mention that general pick up of children's droppings.
Shoes, books and toys, all the trimmings.
After-school activities, pick ups and drop offs.
Working Bees and meetings for said activities.
The biggest job is also my favourite.
Parenting.
Listening, answering questions, giving advice but listening is so important.
 Last night was hard.
I was tired, so tired.
I had washed and ironed. I had cooked a hot lunch and a hot tea. There was a last minute request for baking for a meeting that night. There was pick up and a quick discussion about up and coming events.
I was shattered.
I served up tea, and said 'I want half an hour of quiet, please don't talk to me unless it is very important'
And I went and lay down.
I got five minutes.
One by one, children wandered through my room.
'Excuse me Mummy.....'
Obviously, each child saw their sibling go so felt they could too.

 I dealt with the first three, and then I lost it.
They got told to rack off and let me rest.
Rapid exodus.
I feel asleep within minutes.

 Fast forward 1/2 hour. I awake refreshed..... but feeling very guilty.

 I came out to a spotless kitchen, the Littles were bathed and reading books.
The Biggies were doing their homework.

 Before I could say anything they chorused 'Sorry Mummy'

 That was what I was going to say.

 'No Mum, you asked for a break, we should have waited'

 Tears from me, hugs from them.

 Big families are bloody hard work.

 Best job in the world.

 xx N

 PS Details about the Little outfits here
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32 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 19, 2014 at 6:01 PM

    What a wonderful mother and beautiful family xx

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    Replies
    1. motherof5May 20, 2014 at 5:28 AM

      Thank you Peta, I felt like such a grumpy moo but I was so tired!
      It was wonderful to come out to a clean kitchen and kiddywinks.
      xx N

      Delete
  2. MashaMay 19, 2014 at 9:03 PM

    What lovely children. I remember my mother doing this - serving dinner and then going to bed. She had five children too. The clothes are beautiful.

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    1. motherof5May 20, 2014 at 5:30 AM

      I so needed to hear that today Masha, thank you. I love them dearly and they are a great bunch but sometimes you just need to sleep.

      Thank you for your compliments, I was pleased with the pattern.
      xx N

      PS My special thoughts are with you.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousMay 19, 2014 at 11:14 PM

    You are the best mum, Nicole.

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  4. AnonymousMay 20, 2014 at 12:25 AM

    I couldn't have said it better (and I only have 3 kids) :)
    Indeed, it's so hard to find a quiet moment, but then again that's what make this such a wonderful job!

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    1. motherof5May 20, 2014 at 5:34 AM

      I felt guilty for demanding that 'quiet moment' Ana Sofia, but once I had a rest, I was fine to cope with the rest of the evenings work.

      I truly appreciated the children thinking about it and getting on with the routine whilst I rested.
      And it is a wonderful job.
      xx N

      Delete
  5. sarahMay 20, 2014 at 4:58 AM

    Lovely post. I have tears in my eyes!

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  6. motherof5May 20, 2014 at 5:36 AM

    I am very lucky Sarah and feel very privileged to be a mother to these wonderful children.
    But sometimes you just lose it, I think saying sorry and showing you are human too (hopefully) teaches some small lesson.
    xx N

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  7. nest full of eggsMay 20, 2014 at 8:06 AM

    You never cease to amaze me with all that you do, plus you are also pregnant right now!!! You're super mother.

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    1. motherof5May 22, 2014 at 1:07 AM

      Thank you Rachel, I feel guilty when I get cross at them for just wanting me, but I guess it is all part of learning patience.
      It certainly didn't have any long term effects, in fact they suggested I lie down the next night.

      xx N

      Delete
  8. Kristin at SunnySewing.comMay 20, 2014 at 9:48 AM

    Thanks for such a beautiful post to remind me how lovely children are - and that we all need a small break here and there :D

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    Replies
    1. motherof5May 22, 2014 at 1:08 AM

      We do, don't we Kristin and I honestly think we are better parents for it.
      Thank you for your support.
      xx N

      Delete
  9. ChristineMay 21, 2014 at 9:18 AM

    What beautiful clothes and a beautiful post.

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  10. RebeccaMay 21, 2014 at 12:00 PM

    You have brought tears to my eyes.

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  11. UnknownMay 21, 2014 at 6:50 PM

    This here is one of my most favorite things about you. You're real. Mothering many isn't all roses and perfection, but it's so filled with love. The uniforms are lovely, the girls are gorgeous.

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    Replies
    1. motherof5May 22, 2014 at 1:09 AM

      That is such a lovely thing to say, thank you Karen, you are a dear friend.
      xx N

      Delete
  12. OckduspockMay 21, 2014 at 7:19 PM

    Sleep is so underated these days. You deserve a break my dear. Don't be hard on yourself. Looking after children (whilst growing another one) isn't easy work. It is rewarding though. You are doing such an important and wonderful job. x

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    Replies
    1. motherof5May 22, 2014 at 1:12 AM

      Sleep is so important, for Mummies and children.
      I know if my lot are a bit cranky they need some attention, some food or some sleep!
      Thank you V, I know you know how demanding it can be, being pregnant and still trying to do it all.
      xx N

      Delete
  13. TamaraMay 21, 2014 at 11:42 PM

    Hard work but the best job in the world and you wouldn't change it for anything right? I am so glad they stepped up and actually took the initiative to help out. What great kids they are.

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  14. motherof5May 22, 2014 at 1:12 AM

    Best job in the world Tamara.
    xx N

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  15. mcMay 23, 2014 at 7:04 AM

    Your honesty is refreshing! Children should always know how much they are loved and cared for. But, knowing they are part of a bigger picture and that the world does not revolve around them is also so very important for their success as adults. You should be proud of your sweet crew and yourself.

    Their outfits are perfection. Even better to have one little and one big right there together.

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  16. motherof5May 25, 2014 at 3:21 AM

    Thank you MC.
    I do love my big family and they are an awesome bunch but sometimes it all gets so full on I need a break.
    I try my best but I lose it too, but I do try to say sorry.
    xx N

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  17. CindyMay 28, 2014 at 9:20 AM

    Certainly not for the faint hearted! But having a big family is still pretty wonderful.:) The girls look fab in their new uniforms.

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  18. motherof5May 28, 2014 at 8:13 PM

    You would know too well Cindy.
    Thank you.
    xx N

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  19. rachelJune 1, 2014 at 7:39 PM

    Oh, I can so relate to this. I have had the very same thing happen here - except for without the cleaned kitchen! I must learn your tricks. ;) I loved this post!

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    1. motherof5June 3, 2014 at 11:59 PM

      I think mine are a bit older then yours Rachel.
      Thank you, they are a good bunch.
      xx N

      Delete
  20. JoyJune 3, 2014 at 8:53 PM

    Oof, I needed to read that right now (:

    I awoke this morning to the smell of pancakes. My 13yo boy was making a triple batch of pancakes. There's lots of good mixed in with all the hard.

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  21. motherof5June 4, 2014 at 12:03 AM

    Absolutely Joy, much more good then bad, or I wouldn't be adding to the number!
    xx N

    ReplyDelete

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