Question of the Month....

August is almost over..... It seems that this month, more than months past, I have been asked that question over and over again....What question, you might ask... THE question:

"How do you do it, having three kids so young?"

Usually that question is asked with the hint of, "oh my gosh, I can't believe they're not twins" undertone, or the "are you crazy?!" body language. My favorite was when I was in WalMart and a little old lady stopped me while I was in the baby section with the girls. Jason had Joshie over in the pets department. She started out with saying how adorable my kids were. I thanked her and told her that I have a little boy somewhere around here with my husband and that he was two and a half. She then lost all "cuteness" in her voice and stated matter-of-factly - "Do you want me to tell you about birth control?" What?!?!

I didn't say anything, but I wanted to tell her that I was having twins, just to spite her. Then I thought to myself, I'd better not - you'd better be careful for what you ask for. Instead I told her the truth - "I love having my little ones so close together. They are so close relationally and the best of friends."

I started thinking though - why haven't I gone crazy? I have been married just over four years and have three kids. I live 1700 miles away from home and family and my oldest child is not three yet. I teach and tutor so that I can stay home on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I cook, clean, do laundry, give baths, and change poopy diapers. But that's nothing.

I can't do it on my own. My job is only 1/3 of the job description. Less actually. I do my share, yes; but I have been blessed with a wonderful husband who is always on the same page and is also set on raising our kid's God's way. That means that we have a short leash and high expectations. We discipline our children when they do misbehave and explain to them why they were in trouble. We read bible stories and sing VeggieTales together. We praise and encourage them to always seek the Truth. We haven't read a parenting book - traditionally speaking. We read THE parenting book. God's word has all our instructions in it. That's why we're so blessed to have three kids under three. To us, its not hard work. Sure it has its moments, but the rewards FAR ourweigh the tough spots.

We expect our kids to behave in public AND in private. We teach manners and respect. We also have lots of fun times together. There haven't been the "terrible two's".... just the "terrific two's" and I am looking forward to the "tremendous three's" next month. By on a practical note - God has equipped me with the ability to take care of three under three. I lay out their clothes and have backpacks packed the night before. The last thing we do is get the kids ready and then we're off!! It's team-work and you can't do it without the three of us - me, Jason and Christ in the middle holding it all together.