A Time to Remember 9/11

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, 

neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with 

thee whithersoever thou goest. ~Joshua 1:9

Where were you? This is a question that always comes up on this day, as we remember what happened. Anyone old enough to have been aware of what was going on 12 years ago on this day knows where they were and what they were doing. We don't have to write it down to remember because it is ingrained in our minds forever. I was working for a non-profit at the time. Our office happened to be in a federal building. We heard about the first tower on the radio, then shortly after the second plane hit. We were stunned. It didn't seem real. Our building was evacuated for precautionary reasons and I remember spending the rest of the day at home, glued to the tv, watching events unfold. 

The events of that day changed things in our country forever. A terrorist attack on our own soil is something we need to never forget. We need to remember that there are individuals and groups out there that hate America, hate Americans. This is not some conspiracy theory, its the truth. As we read the headlines in the news the past couple of weeks it would seem as though some have forgotten what happened to America that day and who did it to us. Our country and our leaders need so much prayer for wisdom as they make decisions that affect us all, but more importantly affect our military.

What would our country be like without a military? What would happen if we did not have individuals willing to serve? I don't even want to know what it would be like. We are blessed to have the military we do, we are so fortunate to have the many who are willing to serve sacrificially. Imagine if parents refused to support their child joining the military or if our children refused to serve? I am truly so thankful for our service men and woman and their families who have given their lives for my freedom and the freedom of my children. I don't know what my kids are going to grow up to be or do with their lives. The only hope I have for them is that they are faithful to God in whatever they feel he is leading them to do. If that is to join the military then I will support them in that choice and be so proud of them. The Bible gives us many examples of honorable men who served God as military men. We needed men of courage and honor then and we need them now. 

Our prayers today are with those who lost loved ones on September 11 and they are also with those who give of themselves to keep us safe every day whether it be in the military or as a first responder. The Cyr family thanks you and we will not forget your sacrifice!

A Time to Feel Like a Vending Machine

I'm convinced whoever coined the phrase, "after 3 it's just one more", never had more than 3 kids! Because let me tell you, it may seem to everyone else that it is "just one more", but to the parents raising, "just one more", one more is a lot! People say this to me all the time. And it's not usually woman of families with 5 or more kids saying it to me. It's just about always from moms or 2 or 3. So because I am asked this a lot, and I so don't feel that statement is accurate, I ponder on it quite a bit.I'm trying to find the accuracy in the statement as it relates to my life and I just can't. Let me tell you why...

First of all. If you have 1 child think about all the work, time, energy, effort that goes into raising that 1 child. Okay now multiply it by 2. I remember thinking how tough it was to juggle everything when I had my second. Figuring out schedules and nap times, etc. All my work was suddenly doubled. Okay, now put yourself in my shoes. All the work of raising 1 child and multiply that by 7. See how when you look at it from my perspective, it's not "just one more". It is the needs, wants, desires of one child multiplied 7 times. Seven behaviors to train and mold. The demands are never ending...and I seriously mean that. Don't misunderstand me. These are demands I cherish (most of the time) and that I consider to be blessings. This is not me complaining that there are so many needs to meet. While the needs are overwhelming and do get the best of me at times, I feel incredibly blessed that God has allowed me 7 little persons needs to meet. That being said...it's a lot and it definitely does not feel like, "just one more". A whole new person brings with it a whole new life of needs and wants that you have to meet. And with only one mom and one dad we are slightly outnumbered. A friend who has 5 teenagers once said to me a few years ago, "don't you feel like a vending machine". She went on to explain to me that is how she felt when her kids were younger. At the time I honestly didn't understand what she meant and could not relate to the analogy. Most likely because at the time the 4 I had were very young, most non-verbal. Now I completely understand and it's the most accurate analogy I can think of. Little people are constantly asking for something...I mean ALWAYS. My kids can attest to me saying at least once a day, "stop asking me for things!". 
Those of you with 3 or less children, think of the times when you have to switch over closets and what a daunting task that is to do with even 1 child. Multiply it by 7. Think of school shopping. Supplies get expensive when you are buying for 1 or 2. Multiply that by 7. If you have 3 little mouths to feed and know your budget takes a hit due to the amount of food you have to buy...multiply that by 7. Don't even get me started on clothes shopping! You can

understand maybe why second-hand stores are our best friends! Think to the future...1 or 2 to put through college...multiply that by 7. I think I've made my point. None of this is to say that we are worried in any way about providing for these kids. We know God will provide and we also in no way ever complain that we have to feed, clothe and educate 7 kids. Truly if given the chance to do things differently we certainly would not. This is all to try and prove my point that the phrase, "its just one more", is not really that accurate.I'm not saying that raising 7 is harder than raising 3, I'm simply saying that it's not "just one more". Not to us anyway! And maybe that is because my kids are all still little. I'm sure once they are all teenagers I won't feel like a vending machine as much because they will be able to do most of these things on their own. 
How do I attempt to not let the demands of raising so many little ones get the better of me. Well I cannot say I do this consistently...especially in the last few months but for me it comes down to perspective. Putting things into perspective has a way of clearing the fog and allowing me to focus on the things that matter. It's not always going to be like this. Like so many have reminded me lately...it goes by so quickly. Before you know it they are grown up! I already have a 9 year old and I can't tell you how it happened. It went by so fast! Taking the time to see the blessings in the demands helps me to not drown in the many tasks before me right now. This is a season and its a season God wants me to find joy in, which I do majority of the time. And my times of greatest clarity, perspective, and joy come when I've been faithful in spending time in Gods word. There is no denying the power it has to bring peace to my soul. 
So there it is, my perspective on a phrase that has irked me lately! You may find a mom with a lot of kids who disagrees, actually I'm sure you can, but for us, "just one more" sounds more like, "ONE MORE!". But we always rejoice in our "ONE MORE!".