You can probably see (or more likely hear) us coming from a mile away. You might think my partner and I are engaged in an elaborate game of charades as we exchange hand signals, gritting our teeth while delivering a silent ultimatum to one of our little ones: “This is it. Never again!” But let’s be real; it’s the 1,000th iteration of “never again” that we’re attempting.
We sprint to clean the house just 10 minutes before guests arrive. And within mere moments of achieving a semblance of order, everything returns to its usual state—chaotic normalcy.
When we stroll into church (and on a good Sunday, we’re only a few minutes tardy), it’s been noted more than once that the “entertainment” has arrived. Yep, that’s us!
We probably run the dryer an extra five times to “re” fluff the clothes that have been sitting untouched for, wait… what day is it again?
People at grocery stores, malls, amusement parks—they love to roll their eyes at us. We’re the family with two shopping carts and a double stroller (and trust me, no one appreciates the person hogging space with that stroller), while our kids zip around like they own the place.
Let’s just say we haven’t had a full night’s sleep in seven years, and likely won’t for at least another seven. Our vehicle is bursting at the seams, and whether it’s a day trip or an overnight stay, we haul around 12 bags just to feel somewhat prepared. But no worries: if something goes missing, we can probably dig out an extra sock, a couple of shoes, a stray sippy cup, or even a pacifier from the depths of our car.
As our family grows, our invitations to gatherings seem to dwindle. It appears people are less tolerant of our charming circus. We purchase enough groceries and toiletries to sustain a small army, yet somehow, within days of our big shopping spree, we find ourselves back at the store for paper towels, toilet paper, diapers, or wipes.
Meal times are a spectacle, often featuring someone crying, someone else screaming, and a few little ones busting a move right there in the kitchen. It’s a wild ride, and that’s just how we roll for 23 hours a day, 6 ½ days a week.
You can usually find me dashing around the house, nursing a baby in one arm while chasing two toddlers with my “free” hand, all while another child calls out from somewhere else. The dog is barking, someone’s knocking at the door, the phone is ringing, and the smoke alarm is blaring from my latest cooking attempt. You read about families like ours in books or see them in movies, but that’s us. We’re those people.
Our bed is way too small, and by “bed,” I mean the family bed, since no one seems to prefer their own space. Snack time? It’s basically continuous. When we visit someone’s home, you’d think we hadn’t fed our children in weeks. With them all under 6 years old, the thought of feeding them as teenagers is a little terrifying.
I’m not shy about confessing my excitement for pizza night every Friday, nor do I hesitate to admit that I prefer our paper plates over any fancy dishware we own.
We work hard, we play hard, we argue hard, but most importantly, we love even harder. Yep, we’re that family—the wonderfully chaotic one I envisioned for most of my life.
But honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. We’re a bit nuts. We lost our minds ages ago. We are utterly exhausted and deliriously in love—with the beautiful chaos that is our family.
So, the next time you catch that infamous eye roll or overhear whispers that seem purposely loud enough for you to hear, remember: your family might just be doing something right. For more insight into family dynamics and unique parenting challenges, you can check out one of our other blog posts at this link.
In summary, we embrace the beautiful chaos of family life, the challenges that come with it, and the love that makes it all worthwhile.