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About
You know that family with so many kids you can’t even count ‘em, with three carts at Target? That’s us. We’re a cashier’s dream, y’all. The family who pushes three tables together at SouperSalad, and needs an extra table just for the used plates and forks? Us again. Waiters love us, too.
Ever wondered how the mom did it all? (Dirty little secret: we don’t.)
Well, now’s your chance to rubberneck on the adventures (er, misadventures, more likely) of a megamom living right here in Houston.
You get to look forward to action packed posts about managing large groups of small people (like herding cats), cooking for an army (every day), and the logistics of every day life with lots of people. And about laundry. Because there is always, always laundry. And just when you think you’re caught up? It’s bedtime (the hap-hap-happiest time of day!) and everyone changes into jammies and goes to bed. BAM! There’s another load.
I’m the mother of nine children, including four proud Texans.
I don’t have any formal qualifications for writing about large family life, unless you count a lifetime of counting heads and sharing rooms. I grew up as one of eight kids, and here I am with my very own basketball team, except most of us are less than four feet tall so the NBA hasn’t come knocking. Yet.
I am not a supermom. I am not organized (where’s the fun in that?) I muddle my way through as best I can. We have four boys and four girls, plus one surprise package. My oldest is 12 years old, and my youngest is 1.
Did I mention we homeschool? Yeah, that too. Hey, I need something to do besides just sitting around and eating bon-bons all day, you know?
More about me, by the numbers:
32 birthdays I’ve celebrated.
26 months, the longest age span between children.
16 gallons of milk consumed per month
15 seatbelts in my vehicle, Moby Dick (it’s a big, white beast.)
14 dental visits each year (the baby doesn’t have to go.)
13 years I’ve been married. To the same man.
12 dozen eggs scrambled, boiled, or baked each month.
11 times I’ve been begged to keep a stray cat today. Today, folks.
10 people I cook for every single day.
9 birthday cakes a year
8 happy little faces around the dinner table each night.
7 loaves of bread eaten each week.
6 total number of months I have not been pregnant or nursing since I got married.
5 children in my homeschool, because the 4 year old can’t wait to start.
4 carseats or boosters that must be buckled before going anywhere.
3 hours minimum spent daily in the kitchen doing something to food.
2 loads of laundry. Per day.
1 disorganized, discombobulated, crazy-happy life.
Cast of Characters:
Me
Husband dear
Mr. R
Mr. P
Miss E
Mr. S
Miss V
Miss C
Mr. X
Baby A
Baby J
Our newest one, born February, 2011.
Firedup (2)
Aurora (1)
derpaderp (1)
Kaira (1)
Kathy (1)
Sarah (1)
Vickie (1)
{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
Just curious…..Do you know or are you related to a Joshua Stauber, Lee or Mary Stauber? They are old friends of mine and your name caught my eye on your Berkey post @ Kitchen Stewardship.
Terri,
No, I’m sorry I don’t know those Staubers.
Hi there! Just saw your comment from back in August on Sustainable Eats Blog regarding sustainability. . another commenter had written the first step to sustainability was to stop having kids and you set him straight, very gently, I may add. .
How can ANYTHING be sustainable if we, ourselves, become unsustainable? People like that defy logic (and faith. . )
God Bless,
Melinda in Houston
Hi – my first visit to one of your sites. Excellent!
Love your site. We have a lot in common. Your blog is basically a magazine, so cool. Can hardly wait to see your 9th.
Yes, you have totally lost your mind. Worrying about radiation from Japan while you drive van that gets 10-13 mpg? Do you know how much cancer causing pollution that causes? How about getting iodine from your diet, not painting yourself with iodine solution or self-prescribing tablets off the internet. Just because you know how to make money off a website and have been busy overpopulating the earth with your 9 kids does NOT mean you are qualified to give out medical or scientific advice! Anyone can post anything on the internet, and you are the perfect example of why everyone should check their sources carefully while doing web research. If people out there want medical advice, ask a MD, ND, herbalist or really anyone other than this f’ing nut job.
Hi B.A., thanks for visiting!
You’ll be thanking me for “overpopulating” when my kids are paying for your social security and Medicare. It’s okay, though! Happy to do my part.
I hadn’t seen anything about 15 passenger vans causing cancer- please send me a link to the study. I’d be interested to take a look at it.
Why would you choose to have 9 kids if you are unable to afford them? I read that you are using food stamps. Cute kids though!
Lisa,
I produce and co-host a radio show in Missouri called McCarthy & Friends. Can I interview you for 10-12 minutes on Wednesday 3/30/11 via telephone to talk about your quotes in the NY Times (smaller food packaging) and about your web site and being frugal with such a large family in such tough times?
Shoot me back an email and let me know if you are available tomorrow morning at 6:45 a.m., 7:10a.m., 7:35 a.m, 7:45 a.m. CST and at what phone number I can reach you? Or,, email me back, and I’ll give you a number to call so we can discuss scheduling.
Please let me know….I’d appreciate it. You have a fascinating web site and story to tell that I know would resonate with my listeners on 94.1 FM KPVR, the voice of the Westplex (just outside of St. Louis).
Thank you,
Fred Zielonko
Co-host McCarthy & Friends Radio Show
9 kids by 33?
Food stamps?
perhaps birth control is on order
i think you should stop while you are ahead. you state your age is 33, but you look 10 years your senior. my husband and i have 2 wonderful young boys ( 6 yr and 4 mos.), and i revel in the fact that we decided to take time before having more children. children are a blessing from God, and I personally feel that we as parents should strive to do the best for them. i have had a stint dealing with government assistance (medicaid and food stamps), so i dare not cast stones for you having to provide for your family. however, i have to question whether or not having so many children is actually the best thing for you to be doing?
Wow. Just … wow. I can’t imagine holding back on love and life just so I can look young. Beauty always fades. Always. Everyone looks about the same at age 80, whether they had children or not. The difference is, how lonely are you? Are you surrounded by abundance, an explosion of life, or are you alone?
Wear your skin with pride, ladies. Anyone can botox, there’s only one way to get laugh lines.
Oh, I’m Just Wondering,
I guess Lisa is just a better mom than you. Most people can’t handle more than one of two kids, but moms of many can handle one of two in our sleep. Probably best that you stopped while you were ahead, you couldn’t have handled it.
But Lisa, you should keep on going! You’re doing awesome.
And man, your kids are CUTE.
I’m Just Wondering, I have to wonder why you feel Lisa looks 10 years older than her age. Not only is that wrong, it’s also pretty rude. I have met Lisa, and there’s not a line on her face. She radiates happiness, nor does she have nearly as many gray hairs as I do.
And just in case you were wondering about that, I’m younger than Lisa.
You are wonder woman, except without any time off.
So glad to have learned about your blog – can’t wait to dive in!
PS – Don’t let the naysayers get you down. Sounds like you are a doing a FABULOUS job providing for all those precious people. I always pity people (sometimes this includes myself) who think that because God called them to make certain life decisions, He must be calling everyone to do the exact same thing. (And of course, when this is me, I sometimes feel like it’s my job to tell people they should do this because God is leading me to do it. Like keeping Lent. Not a hill to die on, sweetie.)
@Missy, Lauren J, and Kristin: FIRST, i was not trying to offend the author of this blog, I was merely suggesting that she take time for herself and rest her body since she has had multiple births. I do take appreciation for my looks, and I feel that every woman should. As far as the comment of me not being able to handle a large family, Lady I think you need to check yourself before saying such a foolish statement. We should appreciate and love our children no matter the number. Blessing to you all.
Tootles!
Really? You were telling someone they look 10 years older than they are, and expected it not to sound offensive?
You revealed your character in your comment, whether you realized it or not (shallow and self concerned).
Lisa looks pretty darn good, in my opinion. Inside, and out.
BTW, I have seen many, many childless people who actually do look 10- 20 years older than they are. I’ve also seen moms to 8-12 children who look young and fabulous, and frequently get the “you look too young to have children!” comments. It has nothing to do with how many children you have.
I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful site you’ve got going here! I’m a homeschooling mom of 8, 6 on earth, one in heaven, and one bun in the oven. I’m 31 and not at all organized either …
Reading your blog has given me many tips as I strive to improve our already wonderful lives, ESPECIALLY in the grocery dept. monthly, instead of weekly budgeting?? Who’d have thunk it!
People are always so quick to judge and make negative comments, I just wanted to let you know what a blessing you have been to me, and I’m sure there are mony more like me out there.
Now ladies, I’ve taken down your comments to give you a chance to step back and take a deep breath. Let’s play nice here, mkay?
why did you take down “im just wondering” posts? i sense that you don’t deal well with a little criticism huh?
@well,
She/he was off moderation at the end of April. I believe in second chances. Comments made after moderation are up.
You are amazing ( :
Very nice blog!
Its great to meet other fellow Catholics with much in common!
Beautiful Family!
Peace in Christ,
Georgiann {momma of 6 on Earth 1 in heaven!}
Wow that’s a lot of kids. Impressive. And you seem happy so I don’t think there are any issues so far. I’ve always wanted a big, happy family. As long as there are no food fights, that’s the way to go!
Wholesale Beads
http://www.beadnshop.com
Hi MM,
A word of encouragement (not that you seem to need it) and support for what you’re doing. I’ve just started a professional blog (won’t plug it here) and I’ve been warned about the vampires that come out as soon as something good, useful and positive appears. Perhaps they can’t stand others enjoying themselves. Poor souls.
Your picture reminds me of Saskia, Rembrandt’s wife and whom he uses as a model in many of his paintings.
From your appearance, writing and lifestyle I’d say that your affinity with the planet Jupiter – Jove – gives you fecundity, inclusiveness, a natural prolific generosity and the ability to take on many many projects with ease. I’m rather the opposite – my missus sometimes cannot believe how one-dimensional I can be at times (neither can I!!).
Keep blogging, living and loving.
xo
Charles
I’m curious–when did you know you wanted a big family? Did your husband need convincing, or was he the one doing the convincing? Thanks for sharing your advice and your journey!
Hi Aubrey,
We never decided to have a big family. Every one of our children was unplanned. I’ve never personally used NFP or contraception (and ecological breastfeeding doesn’t work for me, lol.) We are both open to God’s generosity. I’ve never tried to convince my husband that we should have more babies, aside from the occasional tongue in cheek remark such as “I can’t believe she’s walking already, we should have another one!” or some such. As we embrace our married vocations, we also embrace the fruit of marital love- babies!
I do think sometimes that my husband feels the responsibility of so many children in a different way than I do, he takes his role as a provider very seriously. He’s not Catholic, and once in a while he’ll joke with his guy friends about “getting snipped” but it’s always been a joke- never a serious consideration that I’ve seen (that is, he’s never actually explored it in any real way or brought it up in a real discussion.)
He loves and values all of our children just as much as I do, and he’s a very hands-on parent sharing equally in all of the child-rearing tasks when he is at home (he has no problem changing diapers, getting littles dressed, brushing little girl’s hair, tying shoes, etc.) The only thing that’s exclusively “mine” is nursing. (Sigh, and stomach bugs, because the thought of someone else’s throw up makes him green.)
So, in a way, though we never planned a big family, we never planned a small family or planned to be childless. We trust in Him, and welcome our blessings with open arms.
Love your site. As for your familly… we would have had a dozen if my body had complied. However, we were only able to have 3. Later, we adopted a beautiful little 2 yr old angel. She had a boatload of problems from her birth, mother and we struggled for 18 yrs to make her understand that our love was unconditional and her problems were never too big for us. However, her diseases, (fetal alcohol syndrome, being born addicted to alcohol, cocaine and nicotine 2 months early, borderline personality disorder, schitzophrenia, bipolarism… the list goes on) won the battle for her mind and in 2008, she took her own life. I now understand that I was meant to be her Mom and if I had been able to have a houseful, I may never have been able to give her a place in my heart. Drs told us that children with her problems very seldom make it past the age of 15. So we gave her five years, or rather we were blessed to have her for those five extra years. My heart will never stop aching, but, I know I did my part. do I wish I had been able to have more children YES!! Would I exchange that for the path God led me down? NEVER! I applaud you for your life.. and your honesty about being disorganized and discombobulated. I think that’s what makes a good Mom. All those things pass, but they are only children for such a short time. Bless you and your husband… his quiver is full!!
Patricia, your comment was beautifully written…wow.
I am the baby of 10 children…8 boys and 2 girls. I had a wonderful childhood and have a wonderful life in general…thanks to my mom, dad, and siblings. I am so thankful that my parents chose to have 10 of us.
I have to say, after reading this collection of comments, I can relate very much to your experience. My husband and I are Christian Catholics, we have 7 kids, and hope to have more, and we home school. That being said, today, for probably the second time ever- I got a positive comment about the number of children I have. A 45yr old man (security guard) at the the library said ” wow- are these all yours?” and of course I said “yeah,” bracing myself for the following comment….and he said,” What a tremendous blessing! I am the 9th of 15!” Imagine my shock! Every where I go it seems folks have to comment on the insanity/bravado it must take take to raise such a bunch. I always explain it is the joy of my life and I am so grateful for these precious children, but many rude people feel so shocked and amazed that such a YOUNG woman would choose to have so many they often say things that are just…..stupid: “how do you afford it?” “Didn’t you hear the earth is becoming overpopulated?” “Haven’t you figured out what causes pregnancy??” and one crazy stupid person even asked my husband if we were aware that there was a surgery to “fix” this problem! So…. I’m going to start using your “we’ll pay your social security & medicare” comment! What other good comebacks do you know? Please share & keep up this wonderful work you are doing- it has blessed me & many! xo
Hi, Jesus Rocks!
It can be annoying when people seem incredulous that you planned your family that way on purpose. But when someone like me asks someone like you, “How do you afford it?”, it’s in all humbleness and with an attitude of learning, not judging.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks you are brave, not crazy.
A little background so you know where I’m coming from: I have two babies one year apart on purpose. People assume all the time that it was an accident, grr. We don’t make very much money, and although my heart yearns for more children, it just doesn’t make very much sense right now. I’m the one that asked Milehimama how she decided to have so many kids. I wasn’t trying to be rude, but I know that before kids, I only ever imagined having two. And now that I have two, I’d love to have more. It’s like, what’s one more, ya know?
Blessings at the start of a new year.