Birthdays birthdays, birthdays!

This month we have 5 birthdays! You would think with this many kids we would have a birthday every month but we don't. Ours are very grouped together. March is our biggest month. Our oldest turned 29. The next one down 27. The twins were 11 this month and we have one more who will be 9 in another week. Thank goodness they all don't want the same type of cake!!It really makes you stop and think though- how really fast the time goes. I can remember all those "firsts" and they are so very long ago now. All the things I used to worry about are long gone. We had a lot of trouble in the beginning with the twin pregnancy. I get so very sick each time, but that was the worst. I ended up in the hospital with them for eight days. I ended up taking meds to keep the vomiting slowed down- it never did stop- for the whole pregnancy. We had to wonder if it would affect them. Then we got blood test that showed downs with them. Our doc did not even bother to tell us until the next visit- a month later, since he knew we would not terminate a pregnancy. All was fine though in reality and they had no problems. Now they are these big tall kids.And how the heck do I have kids 29 and 27?? I don't feel old enough for that! Life just keeps flowing past. I have not minded the kids growing up, it just seems it could take a little longer. Those baby days were so sweet and I am glad I took the time to enjoy them, because once they are gone they are gone. You can not go back and do them over. My house was often not perfect- aw heck, it was-is never perfect, but I have sweet memories that have lasted.The older kids, who are out on their own, do not care if the house was perfect or not. They call a lot though because over the years we really got to know each other. We are friends. I did not manage that well with my 27 year old. We went through some deep waters with her, and it shows. I learned my lesson though- the hard way, and I see such a difference in the other kids.If you wonder how anyone can have 14 kids, I will tell you the secret. PLAY. LAUGH. RELAX. If you are a normal human you will not mess them up too much, so you might as well enjoy them!! Stop worrying about the little stuff- it will mean nothing in 20 years. They will not remember the 2 year old birthday party but they will remember long walks, and fishing, and movie nights with popcorn. Enjoy your life. You only get one shot at it. Make it a good one. Hugs, Barbara