Seven years ago today, our life was nothing but simple. Twins were coming that day, whether my doctor said so or not ( did you know that when my water broke in front of Dr. Gibson, I yelled, “Ha! Told you!” He and I were best buds.). Our house had a large hole in the bottom of it. With each day, more of the foundation was coming out along with all of the HVAC and plumbing were either rerouted, shut off, or put in the machine shed. Joe was teaching full time, advising FFA students in a growing and successful chapter. Our kids were all under 10, 50% self-sufficient, and we were about to add two more.
So, simple times, they were not.
However, as our twins have grown and our family has changed, simplicity is something that we crave. We strive for. Our schedules are hectic, but there are many conversations had about rest, stopping, cutting things out, and making time. Whether we do that in practice or not is another conversation. Nevertheless, simplicity we crave.
That’s what these bonus twins have highlighted in our lives: simplicity.
Seven years ago, I had no idea what I was in for, but I knew I would figure it out by keeping it simple at first: feedings, diapers, naps. As the girls have gotten older, their needs have obviously changed, but as long as I keep things as simple as possible: structure, happiness, and time spent together, all is seemingly well. While more kids means more bodies and laundry and logistics, these younger kids highlight the joy in the small, simple moments. These little ones paired up with big kids remind us that the simple joy of a new Barbie, a song hummed joyfully while coloring, or a big hug after a sweaty volleyball game is important and shouldn’t be dismissed as we hit bigger milestones along the way.
Our sweet girls, seven years old today, have given simplicity to our complex lives at a level that overshadows my color-coded calendar and ride schedules. While I may want to overcomplicate things with overthinking, worrying, and scheduling, my bonus twins reel me in with just simple happy reactions to the life around them.
Today, we celebrate these sweet little surprises, simply.
Mary Kathleen, your heart for all of those who you love is so immense that I cannot even begin to describe it. You feel all the feelings, express them well, and ask as many questions as your mind will allow you to. We love to watch you perform, sing, ride your bike, and care for all of us. Your memory and ability to keep us in check will serve me well as I get older. You are my favorite Mary, my favorite “Kid Mary.”
Caroline Suzanne, gosh. We didn’t know what to think when you entered this world. You were our delicate one. The one we worried about. Little did we know that you would prove us all wrong. You are our “Squiggly” one who makes everyone laugh with your silly mannerisms and crazy hair. We love you more than you can even imagine and continue to marvel us as you grow up right in front of our eyes. You’re my favorite #6 kid.
So today as we celebrate with our homemade cake, after a volleyball tournament, McDonald’s lunch, band competition, fieldwork, pumpkin picking, and bathroom cleaning, we will celebrate in the simple. We’re together. We’re healthy. We’re loved.
Just like you two.
Love,
Mom