A "four piles" momma

It occurred to me one day after Henry was born that now when I folded the kids' laundry I had four piles. That realization tickled me. Four different individuals. Four different sizes, preferences, and of course the literal meaning of it all...LOTS of laundry. Since that laundry day I've folded a lot more clothes and experienced being a mom of four in many more ways.

I know the biggest challenge is spreading myself amongst them. They all desire and demand my attention. Most of the time I actually like the challenge of finding special moments for each of them. Sometimes, like when they are all sick or tired, it feels like I should have been designed like an octopus and I fall short. But over-all I know we are bumbling along pretty well. A big family is what Mike and I wanted and God blessed that desire with four great kids.

One way I was creative recently was to have a candlelight dinner with Ruby. I made enchiladas and got everyone set up downstairs. I arranged a special table for two in my bedroom upstairs while Daphne got her little sister all ready for her special date. It was really sweet how Daphne did her hair and make-up and how Maisie helped me get the table just right. The girls weren't jealous but took ownership of Ruby's special night.

It was one of those moments where a good idea turned out better than I thought. Ruby and I dined on our food over candlelight and special music. Then when Daphne and Maisie served us dessert, we crawled under my covers and ate our ice cream in bed.

The whole family thought it was such a great idea that we are going to attempt to do it more often rotating turns with "just mom", "just dad" and even a night once in awhile for "just mom and dad