observations about my family

by Rachel Marie Martin

Life with my family is rarely boring. I love the adventure that each of my children brings. And I love being their mother. And in being their mother I’ve made some interesting observations about our life.

Oranges, peaches, apples nectarines, grapefruit, blueberries, cherries, plums, bananas {well, maybe not bananas as much} do not last long in our family. At all. In fact, if you want to eat one of those precious commodities you must eat it fast, claim it, or hide it for later.

Vacation, especially our trip to Woodland, is valued. We’re missing it now. Even though we just got back. And we’re counting the days until we can return.

Each of the little boys has their own “theme” song that we tend to sing. Samuel either loves or hates it when we sing his song. Each song kind of fits their personalities.

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My family creates a large load {who am I kidding} loads of laundry. Sunday night I was placing load 8 of 11 in the washing machine. I think it’s only stopped when I slept and when I ran to Caribou for an iced vanilla latte. Anyone like to fold? Or put away?

You will hear the words gluten-frees uttered multiple times throughout the day. The other day I was listening as Elijah {yes, that 4 year old} was telling my uncle about the good gluten free pizza. 🙂

{Samuel at Pizza Hut with the gluten free pizza that my mother pre-ordered for him}

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For most of the year we homeschool. I’m what you’d call an eclectic homeschooler. Life is learning — and I love to encourage my kids to explore their interests and passions. And also finish their math.

A clean kitchen can be destroyed within five minutes. Just ask my older girls. Especially right after their younger brothers decide they’re going to come in and make iced tea.

My older daughters — Hannah, Chloe and Grace — and I love to watch Food Network. Sometimes I’ll fold laundry {see above point} while I watch. Make that most times.

I count my children. Constantly. Even when we were all on the pontoon at the lake. And yes, where I will add worms to a hook and remove fish from them later.

Laughter is normal in my home. The little ones — and that previously mentioned almost 4 year old — provide a great deal of laughs throughout the day.

You would be surprised to know that we all got along marvelously in our one bedroom cabin at the lake. It was tight, but we learned to make do. And we also learned to encourage the boys to go outside and explore. But, mainly it was about family and joy.

How about your family? What makes you unique?

Love my acrostic? Did any of you figure it out while you were reading?

Thanks to all who joined in on last week’s {friday} favorites — I’m just now getting around to commenting — and I’m totally blaming it on the laundry. And putting away of vacation stuff. 🙂

I’m linking up with Carissa for her very lovely miscellany monday.

Miscellany Monday @ lowercase letters

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24 comments

Cinnamon July 11, 2011 - 1:05 pm

*Love My Family* very cute!!!

Laughing with you over the fruit consumption. Bananas are gobbled up here but only after the other fruit has been picked through 🙂

So glad you all had a nice time away~

Happy folding ~Cinnamon

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Michele July 11, 2011 - 1:09 pm

I love the acrostic! I love how you captured the simple everyday moments in your family. I’m realizing as my little ones get older that those are the moments I’ll forget. I’m amazed at how you can manage laundry for that many people! You have a very sweet family!

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playdoughinmycarpet July 11, 2011 - 1:10 pm

LOVE your acrostic. You’re always so creative. I’m doing (well, it hasn’t begun yet) laundry today and it’s usually about 7-8 loads for our family of 5 and I barely get that done in a day. I can’t imagine adding 3 more.

Happy Monday!

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Näna July 11, 2011 - 1:45 pm

Same case with the fruit around here…an absolute battle to get it before it’s all gone. 🙂

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MamaTea July 11, 2011 - 1:52 pm

I love that you wrote you encourage your children to pursue their own interests and passions…and finish their math. That made me laugh outloud! Sounds exactly like our house!

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Jeanette July 11, 2011 - 3:18 pm

Love it! It’s a good reminder that some of the adventure in having kids is the more mundane things – like laundry! 🙂

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BARBIE July 11, 2011 - 3:30 pm

Love the acrostic! I always love your posts. They ponit me towads simplicity, except in the case of laundry. My family is not quite the size of yours (we are 6), but I still pray the laundry fairy will make a visit!

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Theresa July 11, 2011 - 3:36 pm

We are eclectic homeschoolers too. I feel the same way–explore your own interests and finish your math–math seems to be the area they need the most encouragement with.

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Amber Noella July 11, 2011 - 4:20 pm

I love your family too!

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Our Family for His Glory July 11, 2011 - 4:36 pm

So cute! I love the picture of all your kids! 🙂 I’m always counting my children too!
Jessica

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Krista July 11, 2011 - 5:49 pm

Cheers to your wonderful family and the irreplacable bond you all have! It is so precious.

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PVDela July 11, 2011 - 8:04 pm

Thanks for your wonderful post, I hear too often that being a SAHM is boring and all I can think is that they are missing out on a lot of amazing opportunities with their kids.

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Mrs. White July 11, 2011 - 8:37 pm

Your Children look so precious and happy!

I remember constantly counting my children when they were little! I had forgotten all about that. Thank you for the sweet reminder.

Blessings
Mrs. White
The Legacy of Home

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carissa July 11, 2011 - 8:45 pm

i love your family, too! : )

this is so sweet. i love that your 4 year old (!) talks about gluten free. and it’s awesome that the hut can make a gf pizza. wow! i’m impressed by them now.

i mean, 11, ELEVEN, loads of laundry?! that must take you days. and then once you finish i’m guessing you turn around and start all over. you are amazing.

samuel outside the cabin looks so cute. it’s impressive that you made do in one room. reminds me all the more that we don’t need what we think we do!

and food network star!? i was surprised by Orchid’s leaving. i mean, she started out so strong. but i guess everyone has improved except her. she has a restaurant in hilton head you know! you could visit her!

happy monday. hope your week is great even amidst the post-woodland blues.

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amber waves of grain July 11, 2011 - 9:55 pm

I caught on during “love” and smiled the rest of the way through your post. You have a beautiful family! And if you find someone who likes to put away laundry, send them over here. I could use a little help. 🙂

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musicalmary July 12, 2011 - 12:49 am

Your acrostic was great… it was a pleasure to read your post today!

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Kelli July 12, 2011 - 1:51 am

Your family is quite loveable. 🙂 As is this post. Thanks for always making me smile.

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Amanda July 12, 2011 - 2:24 am

You have a beautiful family! I love how you are all so unique. The pictures are great. I only have one daughter now, but I envision us having a big family. My daughter always makes me laugh and continually impresses me with how smart she is.

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lmworley416 July 12, 2011 - 4:55 am

Nope…didn’t see it until you pointed it out. But then I B tired so I wouldn’t notice much of anything!
Continuing to lift up prayers!
Psalms 91:1-2 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Prayer Bears
My email address

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Masto Mama July 12, 2011 - 4:57 am

LOVE the acrostic! I caught on right away–I might have to copy if you dont mind : ) Glad you had a great vacation!

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Kelli July 12, 2011 - 3:51 pm

I love your observations and the love for your children. Love!

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Rose West July 13, 2011 - 1:44 am

This was a really cool post! I loved the look into your family life – it seems filled with love and joy.

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The Miller's July 13, 2011 - 2:28 am

Love the hidden acrostic 😉 Thank you so much for stopping by my blog & sharing some sweet words. I enjoy reading your blog. It is so inspiring. & you are an amazing woman! Not just because you touch slimy worms & fish 😉

♥Jazmin

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myletterstoemily July 13, 2011 - 3:55 am

i homeschooled the same way, and
all of my children have done very
well in college and post college.
you will look back and cherish these
sweet days. your children will, too.

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