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Time to spend time with my mischievous child who insists on wearing sunglasses and being very independent. We get to play a little before I get ready to film with TLC for the day! The kids come home and we start our evening together. Depending on the day, they will have different activities and it can be a challenge to try to get them all across town to their classes. Everyone has to be on hand to supervise them. I usually try to find places that can accommodate a few of my kids at the same time. One of the perks of having kids so close in age is that they can often do the same activities.
We were with the kids for dinner, baths, and homework. We all cooked dinner, and Carmen loved to cook. Teaching the kids to help around the house is part of our parenting philosophy. As soon as they came in after school, we got into the routine of washing the dishes and eating. The kids lined up in birth order and took this picture to show them their school bags… I may or may not have bribed them with candy afterwards. I always feel that whatever school bag they choose each year says a lot about their personalities and ages, and I love capturing that moment. The baby isn’t in school, but this bag has been around since Romeo was a baby, and it’s so cute how each of them wants to wear it and pretend they’re in school with their siblings!
Everyone is bathed, in pajamas, and having dinner. My motto is: Try to stick to a routine, but always have a sense of humor and flexibility to embrace the wildness that seven kids bring. Being too strict and rigid will only lead to stress and frustration. We’ve done some homework… and a little distraction from the baby! The kids are playing. Carmen and Leo love Marvin’s art and magic markers! Screen time is a real struggle for parents these days, and I’m grateful for the activities that bring out their creativity. Watching them talk to each other warms my heart. Nurturing their closeness is one of my main goals as a mom. I hope they stay best friends for life.
