They're all yours?!?!?!

Today we did the Terry Fox run (more on that later). Chris and Aidan ran ahead, and I had Quinn and Shannon in the double jogger, and Marin on my chest in the Baby Bjorn. I can't tell you how many people went by and said things like:

"WOW! You must be busy"

"Boy, you've got your hands full!"

or the ever classic:

"Are they all yours?"

Now as a mother of four children, I have gotten used to these comments. Does it mean that I like them?

NO.

A bigger person probably wouldn't be bothered by the comments of Joe passerby. But I'm not that person. In fact, most of the times I grin and chuckle amicably when people say stuff to me, but usually I'm ready to bust a gasket because I am so... unbelievably.... TIRED of these statements.

Yes, I am busy. Am I busier than someone with one or two children? Maybe, but probably not. Am I a better parent than someone with one or two children? Definitely not. And yet for some reason, because I have four children people feel the need to constantly comment on the state of my life.

Guess what? I (gasp!) grocery shop with all four of my kids. Yep - I do! And do you know what? It is NEVER a problem. In fact, my six year old is often more helpful then the bloody cashiers! Do you know what else? Chris and I even do things like the Terry Fox run with ALL FOUR kids. I know - it's a miracle!!

Maybe I'm just crabby, but seriously people. There are bigger and more unbelievable things in the world then a mother (or father) out with four kids.

There are certainly times when I'm ready to tear my hair out with the kids, but more often than not I'm laughing right along with them and thanking my stars that I have four beautiful, healthy children. And call me crazy, maybe even a little bit biased, but I think my FOUR children are freakin' fantastic!

The best comment I ever received was when I was at Home Depot with three kids and was noticeably pregnant with Marin. The cashier said: "Oh, you're expecting your fourth?" Groan. But I smiled and said: "Yep". The cashier's face lit up and she said: "You GO girl!"

I have to say, I was smiling for the rest of the day after that one!