by *Carol ~Bronx Southern Belle D.
Member since:
January 16, 2007

I'm not crazy: Did you hear that?

August 27, 2007 11:47 AM EDT
views: 71 | comments: 36
I have seven grandchildren and four children.  One of my children is 13 years old, and she is younger than my oldest grandchild.  They love each other but being children they can fight over anything.  It's really funny, but can get on my nerves.  I want to do so much with them, but with five kids running around the house, I'm lucky to keep what sanity I have left.  My grandchildren are homeschooled and I have to teach them as well as feed them and entertain them.  The biggest problem is that I am 55 going on 89.  Throw in the 98 pound golden retriever who is 18 months old, and you know why I lost my mind years ago.  My favorite song is "I'm not Crazy; I'm just a Little Unwell."
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Comments: 36

*Carol ~Bronx Southern Belle D. Aug 27, 2007, 11:48am EDT
The girl in the photo is my daughter with my grandson.
Tiffany G. Aug 27, 2007, 11:50am EDT
I am only 23 and I have a 7 girl 2 1/2 year boy and 16 month old son.. and man I do not know how older woman do it! Theres no way I could do this if I was much older
Allana G. Aug 27, 2007, 11:53am EDT
As the mother of three: 17, 15 and 4 (!) I sympathize with you wholeheartedly.
Aubrey :) Aug 27, 2007, 11:55am EDT
It's fun but not fun to be with the kids all day. You got your hands full but it sounds like you are looking at the positive. That is a great way to be. Hang in there.
James B. Aug 27, 2007, 11:58am EDT
Wow, that has to be hectic.
Heather C. Aug 27, 2007, 12:00pm EDT
I had 4 but more spread out they are 33, 32, 25 and 13. I have two grandchildren, 7 and 5. I try to spend time without the 13 year old with the grandchildren because she gets jealous. Yesterday we were all in my older daughters pool and 13 year old held on to me with this you are MY MOTHER look on her face. :)

You sound like you have your hands full but you are making memories!
Larry H. Aug 27, 2007, 12:01pm EDT
thanks for sharing..
Wow....you are a better woman than I!
Christine P. Aug 27, 2007, 12:34pm EDT
I'm 45, with a 4 year old daughter...I can sympathize with you, Carol! Don't know how you deal with 5 kids running around...I sure learned that child raising is best done when you're younger!!
JoAnne D. Aug 27, 2007, 12:38pm EDT
Sounds more like tired to me Carol.
You certainly have a lot to keep you busy
You obviously have your hands full. I take "gather.com" must help restore your sanity?
Bonnie L. Aug 27, 2007, 12:51pm EDT
I was never blessed with children...what I wouldn't give to have your brand of "crazy"...cherish every minute of every day with them. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that!
Leah Christensen Aug 27, 2007, 12:54pm EDT
You think YOU'RE crazy? I'm 25 and about to become a GRANDMOTHER!!! Walker has 10 kids between the ages of 16 and 40, 9 of them are older than I am. He has grandchildren between 6 months and 13 years. So basically....

A 13 year old granddaughter
a 16 year old step-son
25 and about to be a grandma!!
Cecile V. Aug 27, 2007, 1:07pm EDT
I had one son who is grown now, and helped a friend raise his two, who are grown also. I now raise a plethora of animals - currently 1 95 pound lab/rott, 3 grown male cats, 1 3 month old kitten, 5 birds, and 2 aquariums, and a husband. It's nuts! I don't know how I ever raised kids! P.S. I'm 55, but I'm going on 30, so that probably helps...except for the menopausal moments ;-)
Heather W. Aug 27, 2007, 1:11pm EDT
wow sounds like a lot going on :) life is a circus sometimes lol
Debby O. Aug 27, 2007, 1:14pm EDT
hehehee you poor thing! My two grandsons are home schooled too, but their mom teachs them through a school over the internet, so I just enjoy seeing them when they are finished with their work each day.
Leah Christensen Aug 27, 2007, 1:17pm EDT
Wow Cecile!!! "and a husband!" WOW!!! I bet that's a lot of work. haha Sounds like even moe work than being a grandma at 25.
Marie L. Aug 27, 2007, 1:58pm EDT
I'd be a little unwell too :-) Most days I am anyway and I only have two to keep track of although they are certainly a handful!
you do certainly have your hands full Carol
Bonnie S. Aug 27, 2007, 2:23pm EDT
You certainly sound like you do a great job : )
Bonnie S. Aug 27, 2007, 2:24pm EDT
PS I can relate to the song also : ) I feel like that often. I wish you luck.
Lori F. Aug 27, 2007, 2:27pm EDT
What can I say Wow and do you want to babysit for my kids....sounds like they would have lots of fun at your house.
Jerri H. Aug 27, 2007, 2:39pm EDT
LOL!!! I am sorry....I hope things calm down :)
golds g. Aug 27, 2007, 3:05pm EDT
your not crazy however you may be exhausted!
Cristina S. Aug 27, 2007, 3:36pm EDT
Sounds like a nice nap in the middle of the day would suit you just fine!
Kimberly Ripley Aug 27, 2007, 10:28pm EDT
I'm right there with you! As a homeschooling mom of two teens, mom to three "adult" children in their 20's, wife of a business owner, and an entrepreneur of sorts, I can attest to being a bit unwell myself!!
Jo C. Aug 28, 2007, 12:08am EDT
I like to say our family puts the "fun" in dysfunctional. I say that a lot.
Stacey "Yeah, I Said It" H. Aug 28, 2007, 12:19am EDT
Hey, Jane, you stole my line! That's my family motto!

I can definitely relate, mine are 29, 23, 14, 10 and 7. But some people like the rollercoaster of life and some like the merry-go-round. I prefer the rollercoaster and having children will give you those moments. Just hang on, let it take your breath away and enjoy the ride!
Mary M. Aug 28, 2007, 7:37am EDT
I have to agree with Stacey. I used to think I was all organized and needed things that way. Then I had one kid after another (now 10, 9, 7 & 5 1/2) and realized I actually thrive in the chaos most of the time. Some days are very, very hard but a good cry and I'm back in business. If I am away from home for any length of time I start to get really antsy and uncomfortable!
Walker Bennett, SF Author Aug 28, 2007, 11:12am EDT
My youngest was born when I was 45. You want to talk about interesting?
Debra N. Aug 28, 2007, 11:56am EDT
Carol; you're a saint! But do yourself and your loved ones a big favor, and make certain you make time for yourself, too. I know that is completely counter to a mother/ grandmother's nature, but do try to force yourself. Sounds like you are having to be everything to everyone right now, and that can take its toll on your health. Sorry to sound preachy, but I've seen people burn out quickly with so much on their plate. At least you're sharing about it, and I hope you will continue to do so.
Debra N. Aug 28, 2007, 12:00pm EDT
I forgot to mention that your daughter is beautiful! I was unable to comment on the video you posted of her newly-designed bedroom as I was having a few technical difficulties, but she is obviously a beautiful, bright, delightful, and talented young woman (like her mother, I'm sure.) She did an excellent job with her room, and should be very proud of herself, as I'm sure you are of her.
Leah Christensen Aug 28, 2007, 1:19pm EDT
Walker!!!

I know some of your kids, You are a BRAVE man!!!
Sarah (I want points) Aug 28, 2007, 2:49pm EDT
Wow! Good luck to you as you deal with all that:)
Rhoda S. Aug 30, 2007, 1:16am EDT
Just don't pray for patience!
Missy Cline Aug 30, 2007, 8:13pm EDT
you do have your hands full !!!! But it's also obvious you know how blessed you are!
Cherish each day. kids grow too fast.

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