Finishing Off Love Week

To finish off love week, I wanted to share that I love you, all my family and friends! I am so grateful for the support and love I've felt from you recently. Everyone goes through ups and downs. Friends and family can be such a blessing during the hard times. To explain a little bit to those of you who don't know about this, I have had additional health concerns which have put our household on survival mode the past little while. But things are on the upswing.


You have fasted and prayed for me. You have sent notes, emails and called me to offer kind words. Far away friends have sent me instant messages to check up on me. And, one awesome friend even sent me a box of BROWNIES. My true food love.

Friends who are close by have brought me flowers and thoughtful cards. They have fed my family dinner, and sent us home with extras for the week. They have listened and offered support. They have watched my kids for the afternoon.

I am so blessed.

Over the past little while, there has been a post bouncing around in the back of my head. When I think about it, it is a little funny to me. It is meant to be a tutorial on "What NOT to Say" to young moms with a handful of kids. Well intentioned people can say things that are a little offensive. So, this post was my way of handling that.

But, I'm now going to put that post to rest. It would have been kind of negative, anyway.
Instead, I'm going to share with you the most kind and gracious things you could say to someone who is going through the challenge of mothering. Consider this a "What TO Say" post.

Just a quick note here. It is puzzling to me why people are so quick to judge other people's families. Even strangers make it their business when they think a family is too chaotic, too big, too small, or perceived to be too easy. It's so common for others to opine on whether young couples are having kids too soon, or if they aren't having kids quickly enough. Sometimes, it's hard for others to hide their exuberance that they are not in your shoes. I don't know why it's so easy to place this judgement on others. But it happens all the time. Be more kind. Because you never know what people are really facing.

I didn't think of these things on my own. These words of encouragement have been said to me by all of you. I don't think any of you realize just how much I needed to hear these things. So, Thank you. I love all of you more than my luggage. And if you ever run into a busy mom who is surrounded by chaos, with more on the way, just use one of these lines and you can never go wrong. I promise.

*It is so fitting. What lucky, lucky kids.
*You are such good parents. This baby couldn't ask for a better home.
*Your kids are so cute. I am happy for you.
*I'll do whatever I can to help you.
*I am so proud of you.
*You are a teacher, the way you mother.
*I love big families!
*If anyone can do it, you can.
*You're managing four so well, you will rise to the challenge.
*I look at your family and I envy you! What a rich life!

And that concludes love week.