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.

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.

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.

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

Wholesale Beads
http://www.beadnshop.com

Peace in Christ,
Georgiann {momma of 6 on Earth 1 in heaven!}

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.

Tootles!

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.)

And just in case you were wondering about that, I’m younger than Lisa.

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.

Wear your skin with pride, ladies. Anyone can botox, there’s only one way to get laugh lines.