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Wow, you have your hands full!

You must be very busy!

How do you do it?

Do you know what causes that?!?!?

A couple of weeks ago the four kids and I went to a local diner for breakfast. It was a different diner then we normally go to so the owners don't know us. Not that we go often but when we do we usually go to the same place so the people do know us. So anyway, the cook, who I think is also the owner, came up to our table to tell me how well behaved the children are. I thanked him and away he walked. Next the waitress came back to our table and asked, "Are these all yours?" Well, yes, "these" are all mine. To which she then said in quite an exaggerated voice, "WOW, you have your hands full!" Now mind you, the kids were being well behaved, mostly, other then kicking each other under the table, but people not at the table wouldn't have known that.

This kind of comment doesn't even catch me by surprise any more. Quite honestly, I barely even put another thought into them after they are said. However, that day I realized that my children, especially Katelyn, put some thought into them. A few minutes later, long after I forgot the comment, Katelyn said to me, "Mommy, are we a handful?"

First my heart cracked a little. I wonder what my kids think of all these comments. I can't say that I ever really put much thought into that. I came up with "comebacks" to say but they make me feel better. I now realize that they are also very important for my children as well. So my answer to Katelyn was, "Well, sometimes yes, but you are always a heartful!" It just came out, without even a thought, and that was the perfect response for me to say and for her to hear. And, I meant it!
Sometimes the comments must make the children feel like we have done something wrong by having more then the average amount of children. What I say back to these comments is extremely important. Not only am I setting a good example for the kids but also to let them know that they were all very much wanted and loved.
So when people say I have my hands full I will let them know that my heart is also full!
When people say that I must be very busy I will let them know that I am very busy but it is a great busy and one I love!
When I am asked how I do it I will tell them that I do it with a smile on my face because I am doing what I love!
And, when people ask me if I know what causes "that" I will let them know that I do but enjoy it so much I just keep doing it! And just giggle inside at the shocked look on their faces!
BTW, I would like to add, most people just make these comments as small talk and don't mean anything negative by them, and that really doesn't bother me at all.