Everyone is always so concerned about our children…

• How do theyone on one get enough  time with you?
• Why do they have so much responsibility?
• Isn’t it unfair how you have to spread out your love?
• What about the kids privacy when they have to share so much?
• What about their personal identity?

What everyone is saying is why don’t you just have one child…like me!  Well, I think part of what’s wrong in our culture and country is that for too long we have had a lot of spoiled “only children”  running around!  I can say this, because I am a member of the club.  I am still learning how to share my toys.  Having a house full of children under 8 and homeschooling have been an awesome teacher!

Privacy is at stake in our home and we do feel like it is important for our older kiddos (say 5 and up) to have a secret place to put their special things, tucked away from the “littles” and a Momma who is quick to throw away things with intrinsic value.  So we have invented the SPECIAL BOX.

We make a big deal about their SPECIAL BOX when it’s their time to go looking for one.  We try to find old luggage that has straps or compartments inside or even something magnetic so they can tack things to their lid.  The little ones know just how special these boxes are and never bother them.  They too are looking forward to having a SPECIAL BOX one day and will not want others digging through their things.  Lee found a red piece of luggage at an Antique store a few years ago, red is his favorite color.  When it came Grady’s turn for a box…he requested a zebra one, try finding that.  With a little creativity we turned an old tool box from the 70′s into a zebra box with just a little spray paint.

It’s really no secret what’s in their box, they love showing us and their family what they deem SPECIAL, but the things inside are “hands off” unless they are showing them.  Its very interesting what they deem special, these boxes have become a window into their world that we are greatful to have.

Although Jo Anna won’t get her box for a few years, she has already requested a pink princess one!