Better full than empty...

So as the babies get bigger we aren't stopped as much, when I say as much I mean I can go two aisles instead of half of one without being asked "Are they twins?'. I am used to it and I really don't get as overwhelmed by all the questions like I use to but I also don't feel as obligated to answer them politely. I often just smile and keep walking or answer as I continue to walk keeping all my little duckies in a row. I have begun saying "duckies duckies" to Gianna lately and she quickly gets behind her brother or sister so we won't consume the entire walk-way. Sometimes I have very considerate people ask me questions and I don't mind at all because they often start by saying how amazing I am and after much consideration last week on the "super mom" talk, I now just say thank you... I enjoy talking about the kids and even though my pregnancy was less than picture perfect I have to admit it was amazing to feel two lives growing inside me, watching them move like the waves of the ocean and often taking my breath away simply out of astonishment. Some people and I want to say again SOME people are very encouraging and have only nice things to say like, "what a blessing" or "you are so lucky to have such a family" and I know that I am! Last week I went to visit some fellow mamas and wanted to bring a treat so I decided to stop for some bagels and our favorite tea. Through my entire thirty minute drive I contemplated how I was going to carry bagels, two iced teas and two babies, it actually stressed me a bit. I finally decided I was just going to ask for help which is SO SO SO hard for me. I'm simply terrible about asking for help but this time I was going to. I got the babies and struggled with the heavy glass door but managed to scurry over to the line where I waited to order. The nicest man in an obviously expensive business suit came right over and said " I saw you struggle with that door but had to say you are doing such a great job and these babies are beautiful! if you need any help I'm here." I said thank you and he walked away and out of the shop, DARN! He could have held the door or carried the tea I thought but oh well back to plan A, ask for help. I ordered and gathered my things to head to the tea when he popped back in quickly picking up the car seats and said, " are we getting drinks?" I laughed and said yes. He quickly walked over to the drink station setting the babies down to face me and waited patiently speaking of his three boys who are now nearly grown. As I moved about he would pick up the seats and turn them to face me as to tell me he just wanted to help, no danger here, I thought it was endearing. He ended up taking the babies to the car so I could carry my things, don't worry I was parked right in front of the door and I was ready to attack him if tried to run but I really felt he was a decent person just trying to help a mama out. I thanked him so many times and he simply smiled set the babies on the sidewalk and left. He was a nice man... 

I wish all my encounters were so pleasant, they aren't. We often get odd looks, even dirty looks when we're out and about and I often get the feeling of disapproval over our large family. Most of the time it doesn't bother me and my kids really are well behaved at least in public but still sometimes it kinda hurts my feelings when people are snotty and ask, "how will you pay for college for five kids?'. Frankly it's none of their business, my kids will work to go to school but I will do everything in my power to give them all the support I can to finish both financially and more importantly emotionally. I know I won't be able to pay for Harvard for five kids but I do know I can help them through Fresno state and then they can have student loans :-)...none of their business... I hear a lot of "you are really asking for punishment" or just the look, the one that lets me know you think we're totally crazy for having so many children. I certainly never thought I'd be the girl with FIVE kids but here I am and you know what? I LOVE IT! I have friends that really struggled to have children and would have loved to have five kids had they been able to, granted my pregnancies are tough but my results are perfection. Needless to say I don't feel it necessary to explain my life choices to strangers anymore so I stole a response I had read by a fellow mom last week when a snotty woman glared at me in the most judgmental way as I juggled changing the twins and helping Gi and Paris in a target bathroom, she said " OOHHH MYYYY don't you have your hands full?". I looked at her for a moment, kissed Miss. Charlie as I placed her now clean butt in her stroller and said, "Better full than empty." I left the restroom with my four girls to meet my son outside the doors with the woman's mouth wide open... Crazy or not my life is fulfilling and although I do in fact have my hands full I can't image wanting it any other way.

Some pictures from this weeks events

 Ty has had straight A's this year and tells me weekly he wants to be a neurosurgeon, he's eleven so I imagine he may change his mind ;-)

 Paris has struggled this year with math. Last quarter she had an A in every subject as normal but a D in math! She is so tender hearted so she required so much encouragement but her extra work we did at home paid off! Her report card revealed A's and one B, in math. I told her I never could be so proud of a B as I was right then, she really worked hard and received a Diligence award today for her vast improvement and obvious hard work. I'm so proud of her. 

 Peas were on the menu for the first time and they were a hit. Penelope is quite the eater and I am loving she is finally forming some "rolls" like her mama.

Charlotte looked like the Hulk after eating, this picture was taken after I had already saturated two wipes cleaning her. 

I really am asking for trouble! This is our latest addition, Molly. I was GUILTED into taking her, yes Brandee I'm talking to you, you guilted me! ( yes I know that saying "guilted" is not proper english)

This dogs feet rarely touch the ground. The girls are taking full responsibility for her, at least this week they are. Gianna is in love...

Do what makes you happy people and tell me about it, no judgment here...