5, 3, 2, 1.

These numbers denote each of my children’s ages. Interestingly, someone commented that it sounds like a lift-off, but we’re just missing the number four. Because we have four little ones, many have asked and wondered how I take care of four high maintenance kids, and here’s my answer: do things in assembly lines as much as possible. To offer you a glimpse of what I mean, here are some of the things we do in assembly line fashion:

1. Baths: Hose everyone down with water, then shampoo all the hair, next wash all their bodies, and finally, hose everyone down again. Thank the Lord for six-foot long bathtubs.

1. Potty: No, we’re not trying to save water by all going to the potty at the same time. But since we’re potty training two of them right now, it’s just easier to get both of them up to the bathroom at the same time. Naturally, the other two feel left out so they want to join in too. So, there you have it, four at a time, in an assembly line fashion.
2. Brushing Teeth: Our children still need much training in the personal hygiene area so once again we have to use our assembly line method of brushing each of their teeth. Each child has a color-coded toothbrush and I still haven’t learned which belongs to whom.
3. Hair: I spray their hairs with water, then comb, and style. With the girls, I tie a pony tail or a whale spout.
4. Vitamins: Eating a vitamin is like eating a candy for my children. Whenever I take out the vitamin bottle, the kids line up to get their treat.
5. Medication: There was a time when all three of the older ones had colds / runny noses. So they all had to take some cold meds, one of which they really liked the taste of. We made it a chance for a toast:

Life with four lil’ ones can be dizzying at times. Maybe much of the time. But there’s also potential for a lot of fun when we do it together!