Lucky

Usually when I am out with all three kids I get disapproving stares--as though I am a menace to society by having three children, at least so close together. Others, will look on sympathetically and say, "My, you have your hands full."

However, the other day I was lugging the three to a doctor's appointment where a lady passing by commented, "You're lucky."

Yes, yes I am.

I have three beautiful, energetic (maybe too energetic) children. And they love me.

And even though their juice pouring skills are still developing; their sense of time management has yet to be mastered; and cleaning, well, cleaning is more of a "how much less messy can we make this room?"; their hearts are in the right place and they are trying to be the best they can.

Of course it helps when moments of progress break through on occassion. Like when I was really sick the other day and Jayden brought me a glass of water to "check on me" and see how I was doing.

Or when I always have to spend about 10 minutes putting Jackson's pants on his wiggly, jumping body . . . only to have him hug me and say, "I love you too!"

And then there is Avery who is such a ray of sunshine and smiles, even after keeping me up all night with teething spells.

The fact is, I am lucky to have such great kids. But I am especially lucky to have an exceptional husband. He works hard day in and day out so he can provide for his family and so I don't have to go to work.

Yesterday we went down town to pick Brad up and drove around some areas to find a park for the kids to play on. At first, I kind of longed to live the city life for bit. It really does appear glamourous. Living in old houses/town houses, close to fresh produce markets and some fabulous, authentic international restaurants. Being within walking distance to pretty much any big, exciting events.

But then I looked at the yards of these houses, which wasn't much at all. And the run-down houses themselves were probably double what we pay out in the 'burbs so I would most likely have had to work. At the park, we found several kids, all being looked after by a few "babysitters" because their parents wouldn't be off work for a few hours still. (It was already 5pm.)

Never had I realized that childhood obesity was a problem until I went to that park with glass on the ground and rusting equipment. These kids who live in appartments or places without a yard whose parents don't have time to walk them several blocks to a park are probably sitting in front of a TV or video game all evening.

I am lucky to live in Canada, a beautiful country with free health care. Iam lucky to be in a place that cares about the environment, even when I find it hard to trim my garbage as much as they would like. We are lucky for the opportunities that await us at graduation.

Yes, I am really lucky for a fabulous life and a husband who does everything he can to make my life one of envy.

Even if I have to lug three (sometimes unwilling) children to a doctor's office . . . only to find out I am so sleep-deprived I came one day too early.