Emily Elling
12 Awesome Reasons to Have a Large Family
Ever wonder why some people have so many kids? I have four (ages 8, 5, 3, and 1) and in my experience, after announcing the 4th pregnancy, you start to get third degree from friends and strangers alike.
Did you want all these kids? (Um, of course.) Do you know how to prevent that? (Sure do.) You must have your hands full (Yup, and it’s the way I like it.) Are you crazy? (Possibly!)
But honestly, raising a large family has always been a dream of mine. And while it does come with its own set of challenges, being a mom to these four little ones has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
A few reasons I absolutely adore being a mom to many:
Paul in an Instant: Spring Edition
Cell phone snapshots. Probably the most accurate way I can look back and reflect on my day. Even when I can’t remember what we did last Tuesday, all I have to do is simply scroll through the good ole’ phone photos and I’m instantly reminded. Oh yes, we went to the library, ran errands, and then headed out to dinner.
Since baby Paul and I are buddies while the big kids are in school, he’s become my little muse of sorts. And everyday I’m capturing sweet, simple, magical moments in his little toddler life. I watch him explore, I see him create, and put my clicker finger directly on the everyday moments of life that all too often pass us by in a blink of an eye.
A few everyday magical moments with Paul, caught on camera:
A Post-Mother's Day Letter to Baby Paul
Dear Baby Paul, (And yes you’re 16 months old and we still call you “baby Paul”. Get used to it, because I’m not stopping anytime soon. You’ll always be my baby.)
Anyway, just a quick little note regarding Mother’s Day 2013…
6 Lessons I've Learned Through Parenting
I never really enjoyed school. And one of the greatest days of my life was the day I graduated from college, because I knew I would never again step back into a classroom.
Less than two years after I received my college degree, I became a mother. I found out quickly that school was back in session, and the degree I had signed up for, Parenting, was going to be one of the single most difficult yet rewarding experiences of my life.
And almost nine years later, class is still in session for me. Some days I receive a gold star for my efforts, and other days I find myself shamefully writing lines on the chalkboard.
A few lessons I’ve learned through parenting little kids:
7 Super Simple Flower Crafts for Toddlers
Once or twice a week, I try to plan a fun and simple craft to do with the boys. Something we can do together, is appropriate for small hands, and includes an educational element. A craft that’s not too tough, doesn’t take too long, but produces big and beautiful results.
And while I’ll admit that with all the gluing, cutting, and finger painting, craft time sometimes leads to crazy time. But none of that mess matters when I see the beaming pride of accomplishment my boys have while showing off their masterpieces to anyone who will listen.
7 super simple flower crafts for toddlers:
