Maple Grove Farm

Good Things About Being Sick

I am a look on the bright side kind of person, so here is my top five list of good things about being sick:

1. I have gotten lots of sleep, which I don't always get enough of;

2. I have gotten four dresses sewn for my niece;

3. I have got to spend lots of one on one time with each of my children as they have climbed in bed and snuggled with me;

4. I have gotten to think up lots of spring cleaning chores for my older girls to do and then I have got to watch them do them; and

5. I got to watch a Presidential candidate on television make their pitch and I got to discuss it with my older kids.  It was a great learning tool.  They got to hear about all the lovely promises and then we got to talk about how the government does or does not accomplish those things.  It was a great instructional opportunity.  It was great to hear them be able to discern the truth about socialized medicine, scholarships for college, and a host of other programs that will only raise taxes.  My 8 year old said, "they are trying to make us poor!"

On a different note, I have had some sad moments lately as I have realized that some people close to us will never accept our large family.  They have a perception that it is chaos and out of control and they just can't see it differently.  Yes my kids are sometimes challenging, but it is frustrating to find people avoiding us or not wanting to have us over because there are "just so many."  I'm not making much sense, but I just want our family and friends to be as happy as we are that our home is full and that we are so blessed.  Instead, it seems that we are treated differently and that makes me sad.

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09:13, 2008-Mar-22 .. Posted by smmagers

I am in the same boat as you. Having my girls take care of our house and doing my spring cleaning. I broke my leg 12 weeks ago and still am on bed rest.
What a blessing we have in our children , to help out when needed. A large family is a blessing. People who do not see that are missing out. I pray you feel better soon. May God Bless you and yours. mj

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03:49, 2008-Mar-23 .. Posted by a1health

I hope you feel better real soon, April. Your family choice, though correct, is different from the rest of society. I pray that in time the rest of society will understand that you are only following God's Word. I am actually envious of those with large families because I cannot have anymore children, nor does my husband want any more. So, I consider you blessed!
Happy Resurection day!
~Farrah

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05:15, 2008-Mar-24 .. Posted by Cathy

I understand your comment about your family size too. We have seven adopted children and four bio. My family makes hurtful comments often, I think trying to accept this reality for me helps. I only wish it could be different. I live near my family and think of moving away to a place I could never hear their comments again, only a dream really. Keep smiling.