We had a roll off delivered to our new property today in order to begin clearing out all the old carpeting and drywall. As the driver backed into the drive, he couldn’t help but notice our many small children running about, anxiously absorbing all that was going on.
How many you got there, miss? Did I count four of ‘em?
He seemed to be counting them a second time, just to make sure.
Yes, sir. Well, five actually. The baby is sleeping.
He did another head count.
Why you got a whole troop of ‘em!
He seemed rather amused by the joke. I agreed with a nod and slightly strained smile.
Three girls and two boys?
Yes, sir.
You got your hands full!
He said in a “better you than me” kind of voice. Or at least that was how I interpreted his gruff, incredulous but still managing to be cordial tone. What is it about conflicting words and tone and experience that leaves me utterly speechless? I’m not really sure what the other person means, so I’m not really sure how to respond. I opted for a polite laugh.
Then he completely surprised me.
I oughtta know. I got four myself. Wouldn’t have it any other way.
And I decided I liked our trash man.
In a culture where small families are the norm, where large families are so rare that every where you go you feel like a novelty, it can sometimes be difficult not to jump to conclusions when the casual chit chat of strangers flows down familiar paths.
The last person to note I had my hands full turned out to have eight children herself. That’s the first time I really stepped back and thought about the whole conversation as an observer rather than someone who was tired of that particular comment. I thought, “You know, I do have my hands full.” But that isn’t a bad thing. My hands are full. My day is full. My heart is full.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Isn’t it great…having your hads full. If you look at it as a blessing you really understand how wonderful it can be. I was an only child. There were some lonely times. I think large families are wonderful. Houses don’t always have to be spotless,nor do all the clothes have to be picked up. I would much prefer that a home be filled with life, beautiful life. God Bless you and yours…
http://dailygraces.wordpress.com
“You should see my heart.” is what I’ve planned to respond to that comment but haven’t gotten up the nerve. One time at the grocery store when all the girls were acting like little ladies, we got the comment and Isabelle said, “Mommy! People always say that when they see your hands!!”
That gave me a permasmile for the rest of our outing. 
“You have your hands full” is a whollllle lot better than “Don’t you know what causes that?” in front of the kids!!
I had my first experience with this earlier in the week. I, as of yet, have 2 girls, 3 and 1. I was watching two of my friends kids, one 4 year old boy and one 1 1/2 year old girl when our new fridge was delivered. The look on those guys faces! I wish I had been watching out the window when the walked up to 4 little faces peering at them
But the smirk of sorts, kinda like, “what in the world? I’m not sure what to think” was enough to make me giggle inside! Turns out one of them has a 5 year old. “Only one,” he reassured. “Oh, I have two, so far, and two of them are a friends,” I replied back. You should have seen the look of relief hit him!
I personally like “I’m just preparing for world domination. These are my soldiers. Sure they’re small, but they’re wiry! Especially the little one.”
What you have is a piece of Heaven on earth, the kind of real happiness that doesn’t come in a box, borrowing a line from Dr. Suess.
Just wait until you’re out with your own children and some well-meaning cashier or bagboy calls you their grandma . . .
I’ll have to decide whether I prefer that or the time I was asked when I was due a week after giving birth. Never happens when you’re out with your baby, but somehow I escaped for something!
Nice post. Good job. I appreciate you.