Friday, March 9, 2012

The way I see it...

There’s good and bad that goes with having not only a set of twins, but also four children. Something has been bothering me for a while and I’ve tried to hold it in even though it’s been driving me batty and irritating me. I decided that I’m going to share with you what’s been bothering me. Apparently, people don’t feel the need to filter what comes out of their mouths. Ever since the twins were born it’s been, um, interesting when we go out into public.

It seems that when people see twins they feel the need to make a comment. When people see you with all four kiddos, they really feel the need to make a comment. It never seems to make a difference if it’s a man, woman, older person or younger person, the one thing that people always say is, “Wow. You sure have your hands full.”

Am I being overly sensitive? Maybe. At first it didn’t bother me too much, but it’s seems like whenever I’m at the grocery store or wherever, people say those words. And that’s it. It upsets me I guess. I think people are being rude, even if they don’t see it that way.

I have to tell you that the twins are troopers and they have never been screaming at the top of their lungs or anything. They have actually been quite content every single time the “you have your hands full,” comments occur.

Why don’t people say things like, “Look at your blessings…” or “I bet there’s a lot of fun at your house…” or “Aren’t you lucky?” Because gosh darn it, that’s how I feel. Blessed. Lucky. And despite the chaos sometimes (or almost always), I really and truly feel like it is so much fun.

On the flip side, I love that when you have twins, everybody has a twin story to share with you. Everybody. Maybe it has to do with the job I have, where I love to talk to people and hear their stories, but I don’t mind listening to people at all.

I get things like, “I have twin granddaughters.” “Are they twins? I always wanted twins!” Or my favorites are things like, “My mom’s sister’s second cousin’s brother is a twin.” Truly. I hear some crazy stuff, but I love hearing those stories and how much they make me smile. It’s like people want to be part of it or connect with you.

I guess it’s like everything in life; you take the good with the bad. Some days in the Burdorf household are easier than others. But, if there’s one thing I know for sure, every single day, it is always, always, always worth it, but that’s just the way I see it.

5 comments:

Sadie Ussery said...

I totally know what you are saying! I get the "Hands full" comment all the time too! I have come to the place where I just ignore it. I love it though when I only have two of them and people still say it! I also get the "Don't you know how that happens" comment a ton! And sorry I don't have any great twin stories for you! :(

Brandy said...

Love your post! And, just so you know, my aunt is a twin and my husband's grandma was a twin! :)

Kimberly said...

I don't think you are being over sensitive at all. When Tyson and I were deciding to have a 3rd baby, people would say to me all the time, "Isn't two enough," or "You're crazy." I would get so irritated b/c like you said, babies are a blessing and it's nobody's business. I have always thought having twins would be fun and exciting, so like you said, you are lucky :) Keep your head up and start saying to those comments, "Actually, they are not a handful at all. They are perfect and well behaved."

Celiac Gardener said...

I must admit that I have said the "hands full" comment before. But I have never meant it in a bad way - quite the opposite. I have the utmost of respect for anybody with children, whether it is one or twenty. And you are right - children are a blessing. So please don't think everyone who says it are intending to hurt....some of us really do mean it as a compliment (wierd but true).

Bodie said...

I get what you are saying totally and I say the same thing you two is I have double the blessings and you, you have four times the blessings. My comeback is always they are busy but fun or busy but wouldn't change it or busy but such a blessings. I would agree they usually are not screaming or being crazy but if they are busy bodies I just think, they are kids and 90 percent of the people if not 100% of them have had kids and know they can be busy adn a handful but doesn't mean they are a burdon which I feel some people that comment think that. Hope all is well with you!! HAve a great day and give your four blessings a hug from the Bodammers!