Eight is (Probably) Enough
Going out in public with a large family is a big challenge, and full of both irritating and humorous moments. Not from the kids, you understand but from the adults that have a tendency to be rude.
I have a strong sense of boundaries and personal space, maybe because I was an only child. I have found that people don’t always share my idea of propriety and some cultures are worse than others in our area.
The funniest thing that people have said to me (in my opinion) is, “Wow! You look GREAT for having EIGHT kids!”
I always say thanks but I want to say, “What?I look crappy if I had only had two?”
The worst thing was when a woman came up to me and berated me in front of the kids for causing a drain on the tax system and messing up the environment.
As far as the environment went she should have done a quick breath check…I am pretty sure that a little mouthwash would have brought the local air quality index down several points..
and we are not on any social programs so I don’t know what was up with that.
People generally want to know how we ended up with eight kids. I am pretty sure they all ready know the method we used so I am guessing that they want to know why. Why did we want a big family? The quick version is that Marc and I are both overachievers.
You see, we were told that we would not ever be able to have kids. I had gotten a pretty serious infection in a military hospital that turned into Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Everytime I went in to a doctor complaining about pain and cramping they would give me a midol and tell me to go use a heating pad. This went on for almost a year.
One day I felt really lousy. Marc and I had been married about eight months and were living in San Angelo, Tx. while he attended classes at Goodfellow AFB. I was running fever but hey I was an adult, right? I continued through my day. Marc had CQ duties that night and would be gone all night.
I started to feel cold and could not stop shivering. I had the heat up as high as it would go and was shaking so hard my teeth rattled. All of a sudden I knew I had to call someone to take me into the hospital. It was a good thing. I almost died.
After 6 weeks in the hospital on IV antibitotics I got to come home and was given the news that my uterus and tubes were a mess of scar tissue and if I ever managed to get pregnant (unlikely) it would certainly be a tubal. There was no way I would carry until full term.
Well, several months later, much to the shock of the medical community I was pregnant with Erin, our first. She was followed by a baby that we lost, which was followed pretty quickly by Chris. By this time we had the idea that maybe there was something the doctors didn’t know.
After Chris was born in 1985 we had a 7 year period with no babies. I am not totally sure why, but I think it had something to do with God knowing that Chris was going ot be a handful and I would need a break before the next one. Matthew was born in 1992, followed by Ethan in 1993, Shiloh in 1996, Sean in 1998, Nick in 2000, a miscarriage in August of 2002, and Kyrie in July of 2003. It looks like we may be done, but who knows?
Now, why didn’t we use birth control? It really is not a religious conviction, we are not Catholic or Mormon. How do I explain this? Hmmm…
We wanted children. Not necessarily a small nation but some kids.
We were told we could not have any. That awful “I” word…infertility.
We did the next thing; prayer. You know, if you ask God for money you are not going to say, “WHOA! God, thanks for the thousand bucks..but no more for me!”
I guess it was the same thing. Because we had to get a “special dispensation” to have kids we didn’t feel right about taking the control back into our own hands.
Most of my friends are empty nesters or close to it. They have time to read books, go out to eat, and do things that adults do, and sometimes I am a little jealous..I will be honest. There are times that I think if we had stopped after Chris we would have the house to ourselves and I could wear the French Maid outfit all day long…
But just about the time I am thinking that Matt will start talking to me about something he found interesting at college or play the song he just wrote. Or Ethan will say something absolutely hilarious…or the aroma of cookies will waft from the kitchen and I will know Shiloh is baking…or I will hear Sean reading his Bible to Nick and Kyrie, or Nick will draw me a picture or Kyrie will give me a hug and tell me that she is my pet elephant today.
So, I think eight is probably enough…but we’ll see.
Did you read all the way to the bottom of this thing? WOW! You deserve some kind of reward…hmmm…let’s see…
Oh yeah!
The winner has been chosen for this prize and comments have been closed.
This is a blogtoberfest sponsored post. There is a secret prize attached! For a chance to win it leave a comment, that’s all you have to do. In a few days (maybe a week, it’s up to me) a name will be drawn from the comments and if it is yours…you win!!!
You can find more sponsored posts today at the following blogs:
You also have lots of chances to win great Blogtoberfest prizes! Today, October 9, your chances (and prizes) are hiding at the following blogs: blog fabulous, hankering for yarn, junk creation, unplugged living, my crime space, play library, she knows parties, suppernanny rules, the food bowl
.. Visit them all and leave a comment — you may win even more!
Image:Morguefile
Tags: big families, blogtoberfest, infertility, kids, moms of manyPOSTED IN: About Us
173 opinions for Eight is (Probably) Enough
Huguette E.
Oct 9, 2008 at 9:14 am
So glad that God answered your prayers :) Children really are a blessing!
Ginger
Oct 9, 2008 at 9:41 am
I’m in the same place Marye, Every so often I realize if we had stopped when everyone else wanted us to…when I had three live children and had lost three , one in each trimester of a pregnancy, I could be free to do whatever I want,
Then I realize I can’t imagine a world without the other 6 blessings.
Honestly I don’t know how people stop at one or two. They are all so diverse and enrich my life in so many ways!
Tiffany
Oct 9, 2008 at 10:30 am
Did my husband put you up to this post? :-) We’ve been talking a lot lately about what happens after this baby is born. I want to be done…I worry so much about my age and risks…and my health and sanity!! So I’ve been toying with the idea of getting my ole tubes tied up. My husband doesn’t like this idea at ALL and reminds me that if I make a move like that, I’m basically taking the steering wheel out of God’s hands. I agree with that….I’m just really struggling with giving this area up. So thanks for posting this and giving me more food for thought :-) and of course, for giving me a chance at yet another super sneaky secret prize :-)
Marye Audet
Oct 9, 2008 at 11:00 am
LOL! Tiffany…he did not..but I would encourage you to really check your motivations and your heart. :)
I was 43 when Kyrie was born…and she has been an absolute blessing.
Monica
Oct 9, 2008 at 11:06 am
Well, I’m not edging for any prize, but with #7 on the way, you know how close this post is to my heart. I hate feeling like an oddball, being stared at, fingerpointing, whispering, and even the outright nasty comments. Today is not a good day, but thanks for the reminder that good days come, and God is in control… I really need it today….
Terry
Oct 9, 2008 at 12:00 pm
You know, I am in a weird place right now. We should be very close to being empty nesters, and in some ways we are, but in lots of ways we are not. With 4 of our 5 children (ages 25, 21, 19 and 17) still home…. well, my 19 yo is moving to VA next week… prayers please :/ , my two nieces ages 3 and 9 here mon - fri. while my sister works, and my daughter, son in law and 2 grandbabies most likely arriving on my doorstep in about a month to stay for a while until they can find a place to live in NYC… I sometimes feel like my nest will most likely never be empty. I am glad in some ways, but I am actually starting to fantasize about what it would be like. I also have weird emotions because if we had continued having children… like I wanted to… I would most likely be where you are now, Marye. I thought as I approached menopause, I would feel great sorrow and depression at the thought of no more babies… even though that possiblity was gone after Dylan was born due to that stoopid vasectomy I agreed to… Instead, I am actually feeling okay about it and that makes me feel a bit guilty.
Sorry for the long comment… it’s a subject that has been on my mind for a long time now.
Andrea
Oct 9, 2008 at 12:49 pm
I’ve never understood why some people feel they have the right to judge people for being different from them. I know families with only one child and those parents have to listen to unkind remarks. There is beauty and blessings in all families built on love, no matter what size. God has special plans for all of us, and we’re not all supposed to follow the same plan. God bless you and your wonderful family!
Athlyn Green
Oct 9, 2008 at 1:46 pm
What a heartwarming account. I think you lead such interesting lives.
Andrea K
Oct 9, 2008 at 1:57 pm
I have just 2 children. But had I been in your position - I think I would have done exactly as you did - too many gifts from God is never a bad thing.
Lindley
Oct 9, 2008 at 2:05 pm
I have nothing but admiration for large families. My friend growing up had 11 brothers and sisters and I loved the “party” at their house. Also, the 15-passenger van was very convenient for crusing around with all our high school friends! Thanks!
Cami
Oct 9, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I am a young mother with one baby so far. My husband wants twelve kids! I think he says that half kidding because he knows it scares me and half because he really does want a dozen children. We’ll see where life takes us!
Heather
Oct 9, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Oh Marye. We have 3 living children, 3 waiting in heaven. I wouldn’t trade a one of them. And I know you wouldn’t either. God bless your family.
Kamber
Oct 9, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I really like your point about asking God for money and then just saying “thanks but no thanks to more”. It was a very interesting story. Prize or no prize I would have definitely read to the bottom and felt rewarded. That sounds cheesy. But true.
Audra
Oct 9, 2008 at 2:20 pm
I only have 2 kids at the moment. We are waiting to see if God blesses us with more. Once people found out we had a boy and a girl there was no end to the comments on how we should be finished with our family.
Ginger
Oct 9, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I know I already posted, but I want to comment that I have rarely had negative comments about the size of my family. Most people seem to get wistful, like they wish they had the courage to do so as well.
My only real negative was having a woman literally jump out of the trash can outside a 7-11 and yell “How dare you have all those kids and make us all pay for them!”
At the time I was pregnant with my 5th. We have never been on welfare or used medi-cal. I thought this was bizarre coming from a homeless woman. I really don’t think it was “her” speaking.
Kerri
Oct 9, 2008 at 3:21 pm
We have 5 children on earth and 1 in heaven and I thought we were done but as time goes by, I second guess my decision. Our youngest is almost 2 and I’m still under 40 (for a couple more years) so who knows what will happen. I do feel strongly that my children are a blessing!
Marci p
Oct 9, 2008 at 4:07 pm
We have 3, two are adopted, and would love to have more but can’t afford it.
I have a friend who is of 12 kids! He says he loved it and growing up with that many was a challange but it was great. His mother use to get nasty comments from women about how did she have so many and she would look at the persons kids and go ‘which one are you willing to kill to cut down your family too?’ Stopped women in their tracks.
i would love two more ;)
Veronica Jarvis
Oct 9, 2008 at 4:17 pm
I couldn’t imagine having a family that big….it must be tough to get around! Thanks for sponsoring the giveaway!
shannon Baas
Oct 9, 2008 at 4:35 pm
cool giveaway
Carol
Oct 9, 2008 at 5:02 pm
I have 4 living children, and one daughter in Heaven. Love your blog.
loralie
Oct 9, 2008 at 5:08 pm
God is so generous. Over & over in the Bible note is made of His abundance!
Jen
Oct 9, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Eight, wow!
And my sister went to college in San Angelo.
Rebecca Snodgrass
Oct 9, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Eight, i cant imagine. How wonderful though.
Sandra Brodeur
Oct 9, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I had six children and wouldn’t change it for anything. Great story and thanks for the giveaway.
Steve Scott
Oct 9, 2008 at 6:07 pm
I respect you tremendously.
chris swanson
Oct 9, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Keep up the good work. My ex-husbands mom had 16 kids so you have a long way to go to beat her record. And by the way she looks wonderful (so youthfull).
pamr
Oct 9, 2008 at 6:44 pm
I think it’s great that you stand up for your right and privilege to have more than the “2 1/2″ kids rule. I’m proud of you!
Erica C.
Oct 9, 2008 at 6:47 pm
too many!
reeva
Oct 9, 2008 at 7:02 pm
I’m having so much fun blog hopping during blogtoberfest :)
I come from a large family and hopefully this year i’ll be blessed with the beginning of my own :)
Marye Audet
Oct 9, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Erica- Just out of curiousity…why?
Where is the cut off and who decides what the proper amount is? is it 2, or 4 or what?
If someone tells me I have too many blogs..yeah, I can agree with that…but too many kids?
I can still remember all of their names..I think I am still o.k.
Kristen M.
Oct 9, 2008 at 7:06 pm
I came from a small family (was the only child in the household for several years after my older brother went to college) so I always loved to go visit my friend’s family of seven children. It was constantly a whirlwind of action at their house, lots of chatter and huge meals. Each sibling is so different from one another yet so much alike. They are all so close and are able to finish each other’s sentences (though that’s not always appreciated by each of them). :) I think that if you are a strong family unit with loving, caring parents and are able to support the children emotionally and financially — then have a happy noisy household where there is never a dull moment if that is your wish!
Debra B
Oct 9, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Wow 8 thats quite a number, very impressive and I believe that you must be a very patient person to deal with so many needs and wants and issues on a daily basis that I assume can be over whelming at times, All I can say is “congratulations” to you and your husband, I only have 2 and that is all we wanted and could deal with mentally, and monetarily, thanks for the great giveaway and love surprises, would love to win
susan varney
Oct 9, 2008 at 7:27 pm
how do you do it and stay sane
Marye Audet
Oct 9, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Susan- Noone ever said anything about me being sane. :)
Linda
Oct 9, 2008 at 7:52 pm
The blessing is from a higher power.I have no children.
karissa
Oct 9, 2008 at 8:19 pm
you ladies are all more woman then me. I am a furbaby mother. I love kids, babies and my nieces and nephews to pieces but kids for me personally has never been on the table. Never had that itch.
I truly don’t see how you do it. But I truly admire you all for it.
Susan Smith
Oct 9, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Two is enough for me.
Sonya Sparks
Oct 9, 2008 at 8:25 pm
My sister was also told she would probably not be able to have children. She has 2 and is now pregnant with twins. Drs. don’t know everything :)
Patty
Oct 9, 2008 at 8:37 pm
A lot of work - but a huge blessing!!
Tonya Froemel
Oct 9, 2008 at 8:38 pm
I have three daughters and one angel baby. The third one surprised us while I was on birth control AND nursing the second. A couple of months ago we were grocery shopping with our three girls and a woman exclaimed “Three children, how on earth can you afford to feed them!?” I didn’t know what to say, but by the time we got to the car my husband came up with a great comeback. We live in a very rural area and he said we should have told her “we let them graze out in the back forty!”
Gianna
Oct 9, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Please enter me :)
Lisa L.
Oct 9, 2008 at 9:07 pm
I know of a single ma next door to me with twenty kids or so it seems :o)
Shelby
Oct 9, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Well, I have no children and I’m not religious in the least, but I have to say… I really admire the reason you decided not to “stop” having children. I’m sure they’re turning out wonderfully. :)
Jenn S.
Oct 9, 2008 at 9:45 pm
What a great story. Sounds like you are a wonderful mom. It goes to show you that you just never know..anything is possible.
Kelly Ann T.
Oct 9, 2008 at 9:58 pm
I’m not a mom but I make a great aunt and I volunteer for many charities. Bikers for Babies is this week. I think everyone should mind their own business as far as other people’s kids.
Sandy
Oct 9, 2008 at 10:08 pm
I don’t hold back when people make any sort of comments, I guess I need to learn how to but really I am proud of you and God has blessed you!
Janet F
Oct 9, 2008 at 10:09 pm
My mother had eight children.
I loved having a large family.
AmandaK
Oct 9, 2008 at 10:33 pm
My grandma had a large family. She had 6 kids- which includes my father. I was just astonished that she had that much energy and was able to keep up with them!!
Shilo Beedy
Oct 9, 2008 at 10:55 pm
I have trouble taking care of two children but I need to learn patience. I think it’s great you have a wonder family plus I love your child’s name Shiloh since it’s mine minus the h.
Cori Westphal
Oct 9, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Hats off to you! I bow down to anyone who can handle more than one child! Thanks for the great contest!
Brianne
Oct 9, 2008 at 11:28 pm
8 is awesome! And I know what you mean about people and their “opinions”… my husband and I are only pregnant with #2 and people are already telling us that that’s enough! Are they telling me they don’t think I can handle more? Their jaws drop when we tell them we’re not done and that we’ll just have to see how many we end up with!
Cindi
Oct 9, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Eight children are a blessing. My two sons are a blessing to me! God knew that 2 children is what I could handle mentally and physically. Thanks, Cindi
ikkinlala
Oct 9, 2008 at 11:52 pm
I love that photo.
C. Clemens
Oct 10, 2008 at 12:04 am
blogs rock
Noreen
Oct 10, 2008 at 12:06 am
My Mom had two more kids after the doctors told she couldn’t have anymore, she almost died after my sister, they gave her her last rites. She safely had two more
Andrea Evans
Oct 10, 2008 at 12:50 am
A large family must be trying at times, but also a lot of fun.
Ann
Oct 10, 2008 at 1:14 am
Doctors don’t always know everything, I am living proof of that and so is my son. You say 8 is a handful, I think my son makes up for at least 3,…maybe 4!
My daughter arrived first, she was an angel baby and toddler, so wonderful.
Next was my baby in heaven.
Then came my 12 week baby that thought they needed to go back to heaven to.
Then came my 4th that had to watch over my 5th from heaven. It was a long rode, 8 years between my children born. Our son was unique from the get go and now 9 years later we are in awe that we have made it this far with him…and we have only had 4 ER visits!
So whether you have 2 or 8 each family is fun in its own right. I too have had strangers come up to me, I have had them even tell me that my son just needs a good whack on the butt…from strangers! I have learned to have so much patience and it is not from being a parent in teaching my children but the rude adults we encounter. Thank you for your story and good luck to everyone that is entering for the ’surprise’, I am sure it will be fun.
Lenora Garrett
Oct 10, 2008 at 2:21 am
Only 2 kids for me and sometimes with them I want to pull my hair out.
Carol Lawrence
Oct 10, 2008 at 3:20 am
I come from a family of 7 and I understand.
adrienne Gordon
Oct 10, 2008 at 6:11 am
happy for you
Kathy Scott
Oct 10, 2008 at 6:12 am
I do not know how you do it, but congrats.
Nora
Oct 10, 2008 at 7:11 am
Wow what a wonderful storey . I am the youngest of 7 so I know what it is like. and now with 5 and I am much oler than other parents. This warms my heart.
MARILOUISE
Oct 10, 2008 at 7:51 am
You have been so blessed. I always wanted a large family, but it was not to be.
Lori Williams
Oct 10, 2008 at 8:12 am
Bless you and your beautiful family! I only have one, my marriage didn’t last long, but since I was a kid I always wanted six. Guess I’ll have to wait for grandchildren!
Shannon Asbell
Oct 10, 2008 at 8:16 am
Wow eight. I have one and one on the way.
Melanie
Oct 10, 2008 at 8:20 am
Enjoyed your post. Children are a blessing. I couldn’t imagine life without my 4 boys….
Amy Tucker
Oct 10, 2008 at 8:35 am
I have four kids, so half way there. Now the grand-kids are coming so we will end up with a full house!
Susan C
Oct 10, 2008 at 8:38 am
My brother and his wife have been trying for thirteen years to have a baby. They just found out a few days ago that they are going to have one. I wonder if the same thing will happen to them and they end up with a big family.
Lan
Oct 10, 2008 at 8:50 am
thank you for sharing this story marye! i am indignant that that woman felt she had the right to speak to you in such a manner!
from the perspective of someone who’s either had a lot of cousins and siblings around, having a village for friends is wonderful. yes my 3 younger sisters annoyed the hell out of me, yes my cousins got me into more trouble than i needed to be in, yes, they ALL irritate me but i would’ve have it any other way. siblings are built in friends.for.life.
so glad everything has worked out for you!
Karen
Oct 10, 2008 at 9:02 am
Hope it’s a good gift!
Tracey Byram
Oct 10, 2008 at 9:06 am
As long as a person can afford so many children, I have no problem how many kids someone has. I love children myself and want them around. They give me great joy and a sense of purpose. I was born to be a mom.
Kirby McCauley
Oct 10, 2008 at 9:24 am
You have great taste in baby names!!! And hey, who cares what other people think. It’s your body & your family. I say, so long as all the kids get individual love & attention, & the parents can truly afford to take care of them, then people should have as many as they want!
G. L. PENROD
Oct 10, 2008 at 9:36 am
I DON’T THINK IT IS ANY ONES RIGHT TO TELL ANOTHER HOW MANY KIDS THEY SHOULD HAVE NOR COMMENT ON THOSE WHO HAVE NONE. PERSONALY MY HAT GOES OFF TO THOSE WITH MORE THAN THREE CHILDREN. RESPECT THEM FOR I DONT THINK I COULD CHEERFULY DO A GOOD JOB PARENTING THAT MANY.
Lauren
Oct 10, 2008 at 9:39 am
loveee kids\!
valerie mabrey
Oct 10, 2008 at 9:57 am
I always wanted a big family but have three. I was not meant to have more I guess, but I bet your home is so full of love and fun!
Casey H
Oct 10, 2008 at 10:20 am
I’d love to get in on the blogtoberfest festivities!! Thanks for the fun times!!
veronica sandberg
Oct 10, 2008 at 10:40 am
want to win this
Diana G
Oct 10, 2008 at 10:52 am
your children really are miracles.
Kate
Oct 10, 2008 at 10:58 am
Kids are the best part of life. I don’t blame anyone for wanting more. I want a few more.
Elena
Oct 10, 2008 at 11:04 am
WTG Mama! :) Thanks for the contest!
Vicky Boackle
Oct 10, 2008 at 11:09 am
i have 2 great kids and that has been plenty for me.
Theresa Shafer
Oct 10, 2008 at 11:14 am
People are getting more rude each say. You get question about eight, I get different just as rude about my weight. OK I am 40-50 pounds overweight, But I am OK with it. Why is so many of the people on the street think it is their duty to tell me I am over - weight?
Just my two cents.
Mia J.
Oct 10, 2008 at 12:28 pm
I only have 1 child and am unable to have any more. I have been blessed with a wonderful, happy healthy daughter. I think big families are wonderful. A lot of work but a lot of love too. Congrats on your wonderful family.
charline s
Oct 10, 2008 at 12:45 pm
I loved your story about your family. I am the oldest daughter of 8 kids. It sometimes was a big pain being the oldest daughter. But I asure you it has its advantages too. Thanks for sharing.
Lisa
Oct 10, 2008 at 1:29 pm
2 is enough for me! I really admire you and Marc, Marye for leaving it in God’s hands.
Tarah
Oct 10, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Aw, I’m so happy you were able to defy the doctors and have a family. If I could afford it - I would love a huge family but I think we’ll stop at three…
beth shepherd
Oct 10, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Children are a blessing. I treasure my 3 and wish for more but The Lord gave me 3 and I am thankful. Thank you for having this! I love surprises. Thank you!
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
Charity
Oct 10, 2008 at 2:46 pm
What an inspiration. Good luck to you and your family.
Anne
Oct 10, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Had I been able to afford more kids I would have loved to have at least 2 more! I’m happy with my 2 girls and my 2 step daughters!
Thanks; you are an inspiration!
Diana Corlett
Oct 10, 2008 at 7:41 pm
I grew up in a family of eight and I am a survivor. Why would I say that? Oh, because I was the oldest and I had to wade through six brothers before my little sister came along. And guess what?! By the time she was old enough to do the dishes, I was leaving home…
dlcwin[at]gmail[dot]com
Fern
Oct 10, 2008 at 7:55 pm
What a great story Marye! I had assumed you were a quiver full gal, but know how often large families are treated as some sort of bizarre curiosity, so I thought it would be rude to ask how you ended up with 8 kids. Never assume I guess.
I recently read an article written by a Rabbi that said that only G-d gets to make final determinations about someone’s medical condition. Doctors have medical training and G-d given intelligence, but they don’t have the authority to tell someone there is no hope.
You must have a special prayer hotline to have your prayers answered 8 times!
Marye Audet
Oct 10, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Better than that Fern, I only really prayed once..LOL!
Vergie
Oct 10, 2008 at 9:29 pm
let kids play
Michele @ Frugal Granola
Oct 10, 2008 at 10:03 pm
This was great to read. Thanks, Marye! :)
Blessings,
Michele
Monique Rizzo
Oct 11, 2008 at 1:06 am
Very inspirational! Thank you.
Terra Heck
Oct 11, 2008 at 1:59 am
I think it’s great that you have eight wonderful children. I have three children of my own and three step-daughters. We’re constantly being called The Brady Bunch or people are always saying they don’t know how we do it. I love being a mom to six wonderful children and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Cam
Oct 11, 2008 at 5:26 am
I come from a big family too. It’s awesome having tons of siblings.
Jessi a
Oct 11, 2008 at 7:47 am
You were blessed that is for sure. We only have 2 and we had wanted another one. However, 2 it shall remain. You have 8 very luck children.
Vickie Couturier
Oct 11, 2008 at 9:57 am
As a Mom of 6,(3 grown stepchildren)(2grown bio.children)my husband an I were empty nesters an adopted number 6!She was 14 an needed us an we needed her more than we needed an empty house,she is 16 now,an we may never have a empty nest,we have 4 grandchildren a another one on the way so the house is always filled,so people think we were nuts too to adopt a teenager but hey,we may be but we are happy nuts!thanks
lorene
Oct 11, 2008 at 10:53 am
loved your blog, thanks for the giveaway
Abby
Oct 11, 2008 at 11:47 am
Keep being the good mommy you are…some people are just irregular!
Hil'Lesha
Oct 11, 2008 at 12:24 pm
~smiles~
Liz.
Oct 11, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I hardly have the patience for our 5 month old puppy, haha, I can’t imagine have 8 children! Kudos to you!
Carolyn Nedrow
Oct 11, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Please enter me for the secret prize. Thanks!
cjnedrow@gmail.com
Deanne
Oct 11, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I watched a show on TLC about large families and I can’t stop watching them, they’re so intriguing. What I’ve learned the most from them is how beautiful and wonderful large families can be. I think about how my “2″ kids get on my nerves sometimes and how I just want a little time to myself and then I watch these families and it really has made me reevalute who I am as a parent. I have realized I need to let the little things go, be more patient and not worry about things so much! Congrats to you and your husband on your big family, I’m sure you will be blessed.
Jennifer Reda
Oct 11, 2008 at 9:54 pm
thanks for the contest
Linda Pinto
Oct 11, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Your family sounds like a lot of fun. Good for you and your husband.
Sarah Z
Oct 11, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Large families were the norm at one time and now that it’s not, I think most people are just curious… too bad there will always be the rude people too.
RHicks
Oct 12, 2008 at 12:20 am
I have a small family, but Dad had 12 siblings. Hard for me to imagine
Stacy
Oct 12, 2008 at 11:17 am
Love surprises!!
Donna
Oct 12, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Have 4 grown-up children, now with spouses and 5 grandchildren and 2 more on the way this year. Love ‘em all to pieces. Thanks for the contest.
Kari Follett
Oct 12, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Amazing story. I have three and with the economy, Im afraid to even have one more even though in my heart, I feel lacking. My baby just turned five and Im 33 and already feel “too old” (my oldest is 13) but long for a newborn in the house.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with your readers!
Janice Wright
Oct 12, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Hey if a large family works for you & your kids, by then by all means do it! It’s really no one else’s business as long as you take care of them.
Jennifer Hedden
Oct 12, 2008 at 9:04 pm
enter me
M.A.
Oct 12, 2008 at 9:53 pm
I’m the oldest of 10.
Our parents loved each of us!
jen gersch
Oct 13, 2008 at 4:43 am
i only have me my husband two dogs and a cat
Tabby
Oct 13, 2008 at 9:38 am
I only have 3 children, with 2 others lost to ectopic, I am so grateful for the ones I have. With the ectopics being in between each one (the 2nd ending in the tube being removed) I was always afraid I wouldn’t have that chance again.
Paula Harmon
Oct 13, 2008 at 11:51 am
When I was pregnant with my 4th baby (and last one, I pretty much decided) alot of people wanted to know if I was going to or that I should get my tubes tied. I thought that was incredibly rude.
Francine Anchondo
Oct 13, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Thanks for the great read. :)
Kimberly
Oct 13, 2008 at 2:29 pm
We come from large families and we love kids! And I love surprises! Count me in!
Julianne
Oct 13, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Oh how I can relate to your story. People do not understand WHY we have such a big family. First they scold me for injuring our environment and then they say they should not have to support people like me who choose to overpopulate the earth. Then when they find out we don’t use any social services, that we take personal responsibility for our family, they scold me for not giving our son with autism the best education by NOT putting him in government, tax-payer backed programs. I CANNOT WIN! Don’t bother with the fact that my son has far surpassed the prognosis of any of his doctors and they say he is doing much better than any child they have ever seen in a public program, etc.
So I just want to extend a HUG to you. A hug to you because of the times you could use a break and for the times people are ugly to big families.
Blessings to you, Julianne
Susan P
Oct 13, 2008 at 4:16 pm
please enter me thank you. I come from six kids and always wanted alot myself, but so far only have one…might have another. (just got a late start…)
Angie P
Oct 13, 2008 at 4:48 pm
I only have one child. I sometimes get comments from people about the fact that I don’t have more. People should just mind their own business. lol
God bless you and your family.
Amber S.
Oct 13, 2008 at 5:24 pm
I can only imagine the comments you get! I have 3 boys. On Saturday, we took one of their friends with us somewhere and some woman looked at me with her mouth hanging open and said, “Are ALL these yours!?” And I only had 4 kids with me. lol.
heather pfaff
Oct 13, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I completely understand I come from a large family my mom and dad had 5 kids and than many adoptive children curtesy of us each bringing home a child I couldnt imagine life without my brothers and sisters. I believe a big family is a happy family. we didnt have much money but if love could be exchanged for cash i would be a multi0billionair and i wouldnt change a minute of the chaos for a moment as an only child
Heather
jan koontz
Oct 13, 2008 at 7:36 pm
just to cool
Becky Grayson
Oct 13, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Since I only had two and one step son I can’t totally relate but my oldest son has four and he and my DIL get all types of comments. Their fourth child was a gift from God. DIL had her tubes tied and still got pregnant so when my son told us I told him that God really wanted this child on this earth for a reason. God truly has a humor because this little girl is the funniest most stubborn child ever! I told my son she is his payback for all of the hell he put me through. LOL
I do understand what you say when you could never imagine what you would do without even one. When Katie joined the bunch she rounded the family out. They are all very special.
I admire all mothers (including those of furbabies) of small and large families. I also admire the women who choose not to have any children. My youngest son wants no children and I am perfectly fine with his decision.
The next time someone feels the need to berate any of you just tell them “Why yes they are ALL mine. They are gifts from God should I tell him you disapprove?”
Carla Pullum
Oct 13, 2008 at 7:52 pm
My brother has 9 kids and they are all a blessing and tight family!
Debra F
Oct 13, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Thanks for hosting the suprise giveaway. Would love to win!
Kayce C
Oct 13, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Count me in.
kristi blackstone
Oct 13, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Enter me please! Love the blog
christal e
Oct 13, 2008 at 9:42 pm
This is totally amazing! Good luck to you and your family in the future.
Dolores Olsen
Oct 13, 2008 at 9:43 pm
i not only read to the bottom of yours I read all the comments. I have 2 kids.
I love your family as do most of us. The ones that don’t took a wrong turn somewhere and decided to be judgmental instead of enjoying someone else’s good fortune. i know it is not for everyone, myself included, but I like to look and smile.
Marilyn
Oct 13, 2008 at 11:00 pm
coming from a large family,I enjoyed reading that
Renee G
Oct 13, 2008 at 11:09 pm
I, too, was told that we likely wouldn’t be able to have children… or that we might have trouble getting pregnant. We were blessed with two boys. Although, it’s not eight… it’s a perfect size family for us. Thank you God.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo.com
Zoe Lee
Oct 14, 2008 at 12:01 am
I dont have any kids, and admire those with a brood..
Jill Myrick
Oct 14, 2008 at 1:04 am
I have two children but would have loved to have been able to have many more.
Thank you so very much for offering this wonderful giveaway.
I would LOVE to win !!
Samantha Pruitt
Oct 14, 2008 at 1:26 am
wow! great story, it’s true things happen for a reason.
Betty C
Oct 14, 2008 at 1:31 am
It almost sounds like my family. I had 5 children under 6 years old and I was only 24 when the last one was born. I think I grew up with my children. I think I made so many mistakes just because I was too young to know better (and I was in a foreign country with no family nearby).
Amy Lutz
Oct 14, 2008 at 5:02 am
How amazingly wonderful. And miraculous. I have one toddler - I’m 38 and I think I’d like to adopt some older kids who need homes - cry and pray for them each night, passed over for the babies. This always breaks my heart to think about.
I think its entirely possible to love eight or more children and give them attention. I think the more the heart gives, the more it has to give.
Have a lucky day whenever you read this and a relaxing week.
Alissa
Oct 14, 2008 at 7:40 am
I would love to have a large family someday!
Dorothy
Oct 14, 2008 at 8:14 am
To each there own, I try to not pass judgement. I just know that I could not handle 8 kids, 3 was enough.
kathy pease
Oct 14, 2008 at 8:35 am
PLEASE COUNT ME IN ON THIS AWESOME GIVEAWAY :)
Mandy
Oct 14, 2008 at 8:38 am
Just like the Word tells us, children are a blessing-their parents joy. The truth is the Lord knows what each of us can handle, for me it is two kids, my 3 and 5 year old. Bless you and thanks for the giveaway!
Renee Turner
Oct 14, 2008 at 9:43 am
You are so brave. I have difficulty with a 3 and 16 year old.
Holly
Oct 14, 2008 at 9:56 am
While married to my first husband and not geting pregnant we started some fertaility testing and found that I may not be able to have kids. After 3 years of marriage my husband and I divorced. I then met a wonderful man who was also divorced and we married. Within 9 days of our maarriage his five children came to live with us. Just a couple of weeks later I learned that I was pregnant. Our daughter is a true blessing to us, she has been the cement that has really made all of us a family. She is now 13, and the older kids have all left home, to get married, go to college, or working. We never did anything to not have any other children, but none ever came. Rachael is truly my miracle baby.
Veronica Garrett
Oct 14, 2008 at 10:19 am
You are an inspiration for others.
Talitha Lee
Oct 14, 2008 at 11:31 am
What a beautiful family! I hope that they grow to be happy and healthy people!
Jennifer Schroeder
Oct 14, 2008 at 11:50 am
I only have two children and I know that’s enough for me. I do have a lot of respect for women who raise large families. It takes a special kind of person to raise a large family.
Pat
Oct 14, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Just saw a movie, “cheaper by the dozen” about a family with 12 children, so nice to have a big family.
Jennifer C
Oct 14, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I don’t know how you do it! Congrats on your big family.
alice t
Oct 14, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Beautiful family! We’re both from large families, so I can relate.
Jennifer C.
Oct 14, 2008 at 2:49 pm
You have quite an awesome story to tell about your family and how it came to be.
Tammy
Oct 14, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Great post - we come from a community where there are a lot of large families. We only have one child, and honestly we receive the same kind of questions but on the opposite end — Why do you only have one? Can you not have any more? As if it were beyond our control. We are quite happy with only one child, and are happy and pleased for those to chose to have more also!
Deborah
Oct 14, 2008 at 4:08 pm
I love surprises!
Elizabeth Ray
Oct 14, 2008 at 4:43 pm
I used to get a lot of questions about why we waited 8 years after our first to have a second. (He’s autistic - we wanted to see how it wsa going with him before we had another.) We then decided that our two kids were plenty. (I was one of four, and my husband was one of five.)
Katie
Oct 14, 2008 at 4:51 pm
oooh a surprise?! how exxxciting!
Jeanine Price
Oct 14, 2008 at 5:18 pm
I love surprises! I would love to win! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Tamara Bennington
Oct 14, 2008 at 5:41 pm
My mother was one of twelve children 11 girls and one boy. I have four children and that is enough for me.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com
Linda Moeller
Oct 14, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Hey, I’ll bet you all have a great time together. That’s what counts.
Karen Gonyea
Oct 14, 2008 at 6:06 pm
I love suprises :)
Janet
Oct 14, 2008 at 6:58 pm
I love surprizes!:)
A Casson
Oct 14, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Best wishes .. Look up!
Rosanne Morrison
Oct 14, 2008 at 10:07 pm
What oh what can it be?
kathleen
Oct 14, 2008 at 10:21 pm
I have three children and always wanted more. Good for you for doing what God wanted for you. I am hoping for lots of grandchildren.
Heather C
Oct 14, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Hey, big families, as long as you can afford them and love them, are awesome. People and their questions (and sometimes comments) are funny.
Donna K
Oct 14, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Great story.
Christina Almond
Oct 14, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Great story! Thanks for the chance at a giveaway! :)
Amy G.
Oct 14, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Thanks for the uplifting blog :).
Lily Kwan
Oct 14, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
Timothy Sternberg
Oct 15, 2008 at 12:07 am
I’ve never understood why some people feel they have the right to judge people for being different from them.
tiffany pettey
Oct 16, 2008 at 3:00 pm
only have one child but want 3 more
Peggy Gorman
Oct 16, 2008 at 3:16 pm
When I grew up there was a family that had 19 children . I always wished I was part of that wonderful family.