five!

Having five kids is a blessing. It means life is busy all the time but

it's a good kind of busy. Sometimes it's hard, sometimes it's exhausting.

But that's parenting in general isn't it?

There were times when four of our children were aged five and under, where I felt I wasn't coping. Theres been times throughout my time as a mum where I questioned whether I was up for the challenge of having a big family. But I've never regretted it, I wouldn't have it any other way.

One of the biggest challenges is making sure everyone gets what they need. With five different personalities and ages ranging from seven to twenty it's sometimes hard to get the balance right. But I do try to make sure everyone gets a go, and that everyone is heard. Our youngest one doesn't have any trouble being heard, thats for sure! I've got a theory about youngest kids, they are loud! I guess they have to be :)

One thing that works for us is breaking up the family gang and doing things separately sometimes. I"m all for us being together most of the time, but time out does wonders too. Mark has been taking Bill & Lucy to the footy, yay! We get some quieter girl time at home.  Soon I will take Lucy and her friends to Melbourne for an overnight trip for her birthday, such a treat for her to have some space with her friends. Rosie and I have special story time every night, Sunday & I like riding our bikes down to Hepburn. Sometimes Bill, Sunday & I go for a bush walk. Mark takes Rosie & Sunday to the playground. Lucy visits Charlotte for sister time. One of my favourite things to do is to visit Charlotte myself in Melbourne. We go out to dinner, mooch around in Readings, eat cake at Brunetti's and go home and chat. Bliss! I guess all these things are easier to do now the kids are a bit older. I'm looking forward to lots more time together as they grow up.

                                          Sometimes I can't believe I have four daughters!

                                      And they are all so different, and so special to me.

Yes they do drive me mad sometimes, but I'm so lucky to have them, and they are so lucky to have each other. I always wished I had a sister.

And what a bonus to have a son too. I love my Bill, he's one great kid.

He makes me laugh, he is kind, crazy and clever. We have a lot of fun together.

I've been reading a few posts about parenting lately. Seven Cherubs has a busy life with her gang and has many interesting thoughts on life in a big family. I don't always agree with her but that's ok, she has a big heart and is a great mum.  I really enjoyed reading her post about the reactions people have when they hear she has seven kids. Another space I've been enjoying is Reservoir Dad, he has four kids and is a SAHP (stay at home parent). It's refreshing to read a dad's perspective, I like his writing style & also I like reading the comments left by others. Having said that I'm still always amazed how judgmental people can be online. And how rude. (This seems to happen more on Facebook than on blogs but it's still not nice.) Sharing and listening to other peoples parenting experiences helps us to reflect on our own and we can learn so much from each other.

Anyway, whether you have five kids, one or maybe eight, parenting is a HUGE job. That's why Mark & I try to make time for each other too, which isn't always easy. We're hoping to sneak away for a night soon, boy do we need it :)

Do you struggle with your gang? Do you find it hard to get the balance right?

Hope you are finding some space for you too,

see you soon lovelies xo