And while I'm being venty...

Parenting. It's hard sometimes. Kids don't have an off button, even when they are sleeping. They demand all you have some days and still need more. And that's their job. They rely on their parents because they aren't able to do it themselves, and it's the parents job to care for them, love them and nurture them. It is a great opportunity to model selfless, sacrifical love. You know, the kind Jesus had.

So why are so many people so selfish in their parenting? Children are a blessing, a gift from God....but yet so many children are treated like they are curses. That their presence is an inconvienence to their parents. Cramping their style. Making their lives hard. Today I was at a drop in playgroup and I overheard 2 moms talking. One mother was saying how hard it was with her 3 kids - age 8, 3 and newborn. How much she appreciated her mother being there to help her out as she transitioned to life with her new son. I understand that....then she started talking about how she wanted another baby. Great, I get that too, sure. THEN she went on to say how she wanted to hire a nanny for her kids....so she could get the nanny to deal with them and how she (the mom) could keep the house clean. WHAT? Why have kids if you want to hire someone to raise them so you can keep your house clean??? What's the point of that? (don't even get me started on how both these moms were all "$900 a month for a nanny, that's nothing. $900 is a lot of cash in my books! Heck for that price, I'll raise your kids for you!) Why have children if you would rather a clean house? If I had the money I would pay someone to clean my house so I could raise my kids! Now that makes sense. I would love to have a staff so I could spend way more time nurturing my kids instead of maintaining my house and preparing meals.

The people who spend more time and energy on their DOGS than they do on their children. Let their dogs sleep in their beds, but heaven forbid their child comes in for a snuggle. Dogs aren't children. They don't even come close. For goodness sakes, dogs like to roll in things that stink! Kids are bathed much more easily when they smell. ;)

While typing this, Norah woke up from her nap. I went into her room to get her and she immediately started jumping up and down in her crib, saying "mum, mum, mum" and she gave me a huge hug and kiss when I picked her up. How could I pass that up for housecleaning? A vaccuum will never love you back. A trip can be taken when your kids get older. Your dog may love you lots, but you will never get a meaningful conversation out of your dog while you bake cookies together.

Sure, parenting can be hard, but the rewards are amazing. There may be hard days, days harder than I can even imagine right now. But any day at home is better than a day without my kids. They have taught me so much about love, sacrifice and joy. I thank God for them daily.

So sorry your kids are an inconvienence.