I’ve got hate mail! Okay, not hate mail, really. More like an ignorant comment on my Food Stamp Challenge week 21 post from someone who has never previously visited my site accusing me of saying mean things about Kate Gosselin (the mother on the reality TV show, Jon and Kate Plus 8).
From “Susan”, who clearly feels very passionately about what my children eat, and left a comment on the Food Stamp Challenge post.
“Susan” says:
I read your comments on GWOP and came to your site. First, I’ll be as blunt to you as you GWOPers are to the Gosselins.
The food you feed your family is crap. Call TLC and request a show because you need the money to feed your children better. It is not a game to try and feed kids for the least amount of money. People need healthy food and your menu is sorely lacking.
And your comment about washing kids’ mouths out with soap?(It is posted on your profile.) Gross. I certainly hope you were joking, but I highly doubt it. No child deserves that, shame on you.
From your web site, I see that you must be jealous of the money the Gosselins have made. I hope your family finds a way to be more financially secure. I truly mean this.
By the way, posting on GWOP does not mix with the religious themes on your site. I have never read such hateful, nasty things written about a person (Kate) in my life. And that is besides the gossip and down right lies they post on GWOP. I don’t agree with everything that Kate does, but she certainly does not deserve the kind of abuse you people dish out to her. Search your soul, because GWOP is beyond anything that is good and decent.
Here are the comments on Gosselins Without Pity that I posted today, in the interest of full disclosure. I have been commenting occasionally over there, mostly out of concern that the Gosselin children are being exploited and having their childhood stolen from them. (Plus, I am paid to have an opinion on reality shows, actually, even if I am on leave right now.)
In re: an investigation by the PA Dept. of Labor on whether child labor laws were broken
Perhaps someone should file a complaint in CA, since they filmed there last year? They went to Legoland, or something, and Kate took Mady to SF last season, didn’t she?
*****
I wonder what will happen when the PDL discovers the children are not being paid, therefore, they are not employees…
*****
Here’s what CA law says:
Minors aged 15 days to 18 years employed in the entertainment industry must have a permit to work, and employers must have a permit to employ, both permits being issued by the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. These permits are also required for minors making phonographic recordings or who are employed as advertising or photographic models. Permits are required even when the entertainment is noncommercial in nature.
There is no fee to obtain an entertainment work permit. The application for permission to work in the entertainment industry must be filled out completely and mailed, along with any required documents and a pre-addressed, stamped envelope, to any office of the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. To find the nearest DLSE office, use the division’s office locator. Please note that the Van Nuys Office, located at 6150 Van Nuys Blvd., Room 100, (818-901-5484) is available for walk-in service from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Employers intending to employ minors in the entertainment industry must complete the application for permission to employ minors in the entertainment industry and submit it, along with proof of workers’ compensation insurance coverage, to any Division of Labor Standards Enforcement office. To find a DLSE office, use the division’s office locator.
http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/DLSE-CL.htmSo… wondering if they got a work permit?
I also posted this comment from May 21, 2009, regarding the TLC’s marketing ploy of “Kate’s Blog” that was so very obviously written by committee to drum up interest for the Season Premiere.
Sorry, but it’s hard to feel sorry for her. She had no help from the sitter so she had to handle the kids by herself?
Welcome to my world. And I homeschool, so all of them are here all the time! And yet, somehow, some way, miraculously, I manage.
Doesn’t the production crew help at all?
I think who ever is writing this isn’t actually a mother at all. “I instructed the kids to unbuckle, which they did very well”?
Be sure to watch the Premier! ::snark::
There is no voice, because so many people had a hand in chronicling the adventures of Kate + 8.
Frankly, it reads like one of those full page “articles” about miracle drugs, best tomato plants, etc. that are really advertisements.
From the blog:
So, once our cart was brimming with delightful things to make any child go wild Doesn’t that sound like ad copy to you?I wonder how much Party City paid TLC.
I also posted a comment noting that ratings were tabulated by Nielsen boxes. I agree that one of these comments is sarcastic.
In keeping with Mama’s Comment Policy (posted on the old site on July 31, 2008):
However, the official Mama Says comment policy is as follows:
It’s my blog. I delete what I want to.If you leave a nasty, ignorant, or comment full of libel and falsehoods, I may delete it.
But it’s more likely that you’ll be subjected to public humiliation.
I’d like to take the time to answer “Susan” (not to be confused with the Susan who regularly posts here.) I can’t actually respond to “Susan”, because she did not leave an email or URL or any way to contact her, hiding behind the anonymity of the internet. Typical troll.
We’ll put Susan in green and my comments in coral.
I read your comments on GWOP and came to your site. First, I’ll be as blunt to you as you GWOPers are to the Gosselins.
The food you feed your family is crap. Call TLC and request a show because you need the money to feed your children better. It is not a game to try and feed kids for the least amount of money. People need healthy food and your menu is sorely lacking.
It’s not a game, it’s called a budget. I am not trying to feed my family for the least amount of money possible (otherwise, I’d buy 200 packs of Ramen Noodles and call it good.) I am trying to feed healthy meals with lots of fiber, fruit, and vegetables to the family without spending a fortune, and encourage other parents who might be on tight budgets to do the same.
Susan, you didn’t really elaborate on what exactly your issue with our menu is. Not enough food? Too much? Too few organics for your tastes? Perhaps it’s because we eat vegetarian several nights a week (which, actually, most doctors consider healthy). I really can’t answer that charge without knowing what your objection is, specifically. I have gotten complaints from internet peeps that the kids eat too much oatmeal, but I don’t think serving too many whole grains for breakfast qualifies as “crap”.
Rest assured, the children are all healthy, active, and right on track for their weight and height. Their pediatrician has no concerns. In 11 years, we have had one cavity out of all of the children. They’re nice and healthy! (Thanks be to God!)
We did eat a bit of junk food last week. We had two birthdays and an anniversary occur over the holiday weekend. When we have an occasion to celebrate – we celebrate! And, again in the interest of disclosure, I totally ate the last piece of cheesecake for breakfast. With fully caffeinated coffee.
As for TLC, I find their conduct appalling. They have said that they will continue to air the show because the public wants it, and the ratings are up. They are supposed to be The Learning Channel, with a Family Hour. Yet, they are aiding and abetting the destruction of a family, and profiting from it.
***I just realized that “Susan” must need additional clarification. The meals I post are for ONE meal a day. That’s not all we eat for the entire day! I do post my purchases; we eat several pounds of fruit and vegetables per day as well as milk, breads, sandwiches, eggs, cheese, oatmeal, etc. The children help themselves to snacks whenever they like (although, I’m thinking I need to revisit this policy – a boy cannot live on apples and bananas alone, but Mr X sure would if he could!)
I’m sorry if my meal plan confused you. I just assumed that most normal people would understand that was the dinner menu only. And why do you assume that we would eat differently if I spent more money at the grocery store? My budget is actually more than I am currently spending.
And your comment about washing kids’ mouths out with soap?(It is posted on your profile.) Gross. I certainly hope you were joking, but I highly doubt it. No child deserves that, shame on you.
I think you are referring to the silly automatically generated question Blogger poses when you create your profile? Mine says:
If you were a pirate, how would you avoid laughing when saying “poop deck”?
Now see here, that kind of language will not be tolerated in this house! Do you need me to wash your mouth out with soap?
Let me try to clarify for those who take themselves too seriously and lack a sense of humor. It’s a joke.
From your web site, I see that you must be jealous of the money the Gosselins have made. I hope your family finds a way to be more financially secure. I truly mean this.
Again, I’m unclear as to what writings of mine you saw that indicated I was jealous of the Gosselin’s money. Frankly, I think they should kick out the cameras and give the money back, instead concentrating on their family. Children don’t need a$1.3 million dollar estate. They need a mommy and a daddy who care for them and love each other.
My children have parents who are available and love each other. They are fed, clothed, and loved. They are safe in their home, which has all of the modern amenities including several bathrooms, air conditioning, green grass for playing, friends nearby, a library of books on all manner of subjects, access to the internet, and cable TV. (Actually, my children are spoiled.)
Our family, along with most of America, is in the top 10% of the wealthiest people in the entire world. There is never a worry that the baby will starve, that someone will die of exposure, or whether we’ll have clean, potable water to drink.
We have the luxury of choosing which fruit – shipped from all over the world – we prefer to eat each day; which meat to cook (which we didn’t raise or butcher ourselves); we attend the church we want to when we want to and drive there in our own private vehicle; we eat out at restaurants and have an amazing array of entertainment at our fingertips, just a click away. My biggest aggravation is that there is only one computer for our family. (Well, that and fire ants in the yard.)
I have never once worried that a soldier will show up on my doorstep to pillage the house or rape my daughters. I have never wondered what necessary household item I would have to sell in order to secure rudimentary medical care for a sick child. I actually throw food and medicine away that has gone bad or expired, then just purchase new items! I have never given a thought to trying to keep mosquitoes, rats, or venomous snakes away from the sleeping family, lest a bite cause death. These are real concerns in many parts of the world.
Shame on you for your elitist view that says that even with abundant food, shelter, clothing, and stable employment we should want even more. Get a grip, and get some perspective.
By the way, posting on GWOP does not mix with the religious themes on your site. I have never read such hateful, nasty things written about a person (Kate) in my life. And that is besides the gossip and down right lies they post on GWOP. I don’t agree with everything that Kate does, but she certainly does not deserve the kind of abuse you people dish out to her. Search your soul, because GWOP is beyond anything that is good and decent.
Ah, there it is! “You people”. There is only one of me.
Ummm, again not sure which of my comments you are objecting to? I think looking out for the interests of children who are clearly unhappy, and possibly being exploited while being denied a healthy, normal childhood is perfectly in keeping with my site. I realize you are a new reader, and I’ve just changed websites so my archives aren’t available, but I do have a history of pointing out and advocating for people, especially children, who have no voice of their own.
It is interesting that you come to my personal blog with a lot of “you people” accusations. I do not know the other posters on GWOP, nor do I know you. I can only answer for my own words. I’m so sorry that you are so wrapped up in a television show that you feel the need to lash out and attack others. I hope you really do find some perspective and balance, especially on issues involving justice.
(Susan returned after I wrote this, but before posting, to criticize the number of people in my family and the care my special needs children receive. Doesn’t she know that love multiplies, it doesn’t divide?)
PS – “Susan” – I am expecting my 8th child. God is good and He is exceedingly generous. He knows what He is doing, and yes, we are having another baby even though one of my children has speech problems.
In our family, we don’t love or welcome children into our home based on how perfect the other children may or may not be; we love each of our children for who they are without hesitating because of disabilities or problems.
Please do not bring my children into the discussion again, or your comments will be deleted and banned from my site; you may email me at mommyjo2{at}yahoo.com to continue this conversation.
****UPDATED June 1, 2009****
Yesterday “Susan” was banned from commenting, as she was unable to refrain from commenting on my private marital relationship; she is now unable to respond to any comments directed towards her (unless she wants to apologize, add to the discussion, and use a real email address; in that case she’s more than welcome to return.) Feel free to continue discussions in the comments, but it’s not fair to ask her questions when she can’t respond, so let’s just move on.
It is quite clear that “Susan” didn’t actually object to *my* comments about JK8, but rather clicked through my site (I always sign my URL and e-mail when I am able) and decided she hated most things about my family.
She objects to the amount we spend on groceries, the number of children we have, what we serve on holidays, what we serve on regular days, the fact that I do not use antipsychotic medications on my child for unlabeled uses, the fact that we do not participate in standardized testing and post the results, the amount of income we bring in even though she doesn’t actually know what that number is, the fact that we don’t eat like Americans (?), and the fact that… **blush** not gonna post what else about my life she hates. Let’s just leave her alone for now, until she can get herself under control.
Karen (1)
Raso @ lasagnarec... (1)
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Karen, as a nutritionist, I would be interested in your opinion on how to improve the nutritional quality of the dinner meals. I see that you say we need to increase the protein content, but our protein consumption already greatly exceeds the governmental guidelines. What amount of protein do you recommend for children?
We don’t eat ground beef very often, but thank you for your input on fat contents. Usually, I make sloppy joes with bulghur and lentils (which probably won’t make you happy, but the kids like it, it’s low fat, full of fiber and protein, and does not contain weird chemicals).
We actually use Coromega as a supplement for both my older child and Mr X, because it’s easier to swallow than a pill. I tried Dr. Sear’s new formula, but found we had to eat too many and the Coromega was more efficient.
I am not sure why “Susan” believes that because we do not use a prescription for an antipsychotic with devastating long term side effects that has not been approved for use with our son’s condition means he is not being treated, but she seems to jump to conclusions.
As a nutritionist, you should know that weight gain in a pregnant woman is not a cut and dried thing. I had several issues to work around, including first trimester weight loss. My doctor, an OB/GYN, said my weight gain was “excellent” last week, and since he is familiar with my starting weight, medical history, and issues his opinion is the one I’ll trust.
And believe me, I know how much 9 and 10 year old boys eat!
I do have to wonder why the amount I spend is so controversial. Simply saying “it’s not enough” without any input about how the food we eat is nutritionally inadequate is not helpful.
When I was eating a diabetic diet (on the advice of a licensed physician), I plugged many of our meals into an Excel spreadsheet using government food values and was surprised at how much more healthy and nutrient dense the vegetarian meals were.
I could spend more, but that doesn’t mean our meals would be any healthier. If I paid $2.50 for a loaf of bread, instead of $1 (for the same exact brand), that’s not healthier. If I buy yogurt every week instead of making it, it would cost 5x as much – but it’s not any healthier. If I even bought cans of beans instead of using dried beans, I would spend more, but we’d get the same nutrients. I could leave the coupons at home and spend more, but why ignore “free money”?
More $ does not equal more nutrients.
Renee, my kids all have chores too. I’m sure that’s more proof “I don’t love them!” LOL!
OTOH, how loving is it to send an 18 year old out into the world unable to feed himself, care for his clothing, or keep the bathroom sanitary?
Hey MHM, I made you another LOLcat just for this conversation. =)
http://mine.icanhascheezburger.com/view.aspx?ciid=4321429
Also, have you considered setting your comments so an e-mail is required for anonymous commenters? That seems to be the norm on most WP blogs these days because it requires commenters to be accountable for their words. It’s possible to enter a fake e-mail, but I think most people just put in their real e-mail—at least I always have. (Then again, I don’t troll around comboxes trying to provoke people.)
I make vegetarian meals often. My kids don’t ever know because I use the frozen ‘like ground meat’ crumbles you can buy.
The taco’s I make are sooo good and very very nutritious.
I do spend about $150.00 a week on food. We have a family of 5 and as my girls get older they are eating more.
My lunches are very boring and normally consist of the hot dogs I spoke of, or sandwiches. My breakfasts are fruit, cereal or both. Occasionally we have a pop-tart(weekends only).
I think you have a great idea with the budgeting you have set forth and the meal idea’s you have posted. As long as kids get a good amount of food and take vitamins regularly then I think they will grow just fine.
You know what works for you, and no one should judge you for what you feed your family…unless it is nothing *wink*. You are doing great. xoxo
I have thought about it, but most people just fake them anyway (“Susan” used “notgivingitout@aol.com, for example) and I prefer to have my comments as open as possible.
Christi, really, hot dogs and poptarts? I can’t believe you’d admit to that…. LOL!
It is amusing that people are on me for eating beans (too healthy!) and eating hot dogs (toxic cancer sticks!)
Balance, people. Balance.
Then again, people have told me that *not* giving Mr R M&Ms with food colors is cruel; while others think that allowing him to buy a Hershey bar with his allowance is appalling. Can’t please everyone, so I’ll do what works for us!
…and on that note – AMEN!
Admitting is the first step right? LOL
Actually I don’t really think that others should judge based on what food choices we make. If I want to eat crap all day and feed it to my kids that is my business. As I said, you are doing a fine job!! xoxo
‘I am not against homeschooling. Some people with extensive educational backgrounds or with the means to hire their own teachers can do it well. But, the majority fail their children miserably at it, especially those that do it for religious reasons because they often lack the background. Milehimama is teaching for so many different grade levels that it is impossible for each child to learn all they need to know. ‘
Sorry, I just needed to respond to this comment. I am a SAHM with 2 daughters (15&13)who were homeschooled for 3 years. We homeschooled because we were unhappy with the way the school in our area was being ran. For example, if my daughter didn’t complete and turn in her homework there was no email or phone call from the teacher just a bad grade on a report card at the end of term. During the three years that we homeschooled we went from a child that HATED to read to one who hates to put down a book.
I have a college degree but not in education. I am capable of looking over the requirements for our state and making sure we follow those requirements. Keep in mind that those are minimum requirements. I expect more from my children.
A child that can’t read, write, or stay organized will not get far in life. When we decided to allow our children to return to public schools they had to take a placement test. Both of our daughters scored at grade level or better in EVERY subject. My oldest bypassed two years of math classes because we had spent so much time working with her.
I am sure there are some parents who homeschool and pay little to no attention to what their child is doing during school time. For the vast majority of homeschoolers, our children are better educated because we can give them unlimited one on one time when they need it.
As for the discussion about how many children they have, that is a subject that is between them and God, no one else.
Sorry if I have rambled on. I pray you have a safe and easy delivery.
“Susan”, you are what is known as a “buttinski”. ‘nough said.
“I have a background in nutrition and my concern about your meal plans is…”
LOL!
Karen.
I’m thinking that your “Background in nutrition” is the fact that you are a “Person Who Eats Food”.
Nice try at implying that you have a nutritional qualification of some sort to back up your concerns and ‘helpful’ suggestions though.
“You need to make sure your baby is getting all the things he/she needs to grow”
Now THAT is good professional sounding advice! Not many people know this top tip, it’s ‘inside knowledge’. Thanks for sharing.
But then this…
“A woman should gain 25-37 lbs”
And here Karen blows the gaffe on her implication that she is a nutritionist.
Because she’s wrong.
Those figures are meaningless.
I’m a midwife and here in the UK we stopped weighing women a long time ago.
I have known women whose weight has remained virtually STATIC throughout their pregnancy. And yes, they gave birth to healthy well grown babies.
It all depends on your starting BMI.
And in anycase, WHY do we weigh? Well the answer used to be that it gave us an idea of how well the baby was growing ( there was also a bit of a red herring about fluid retention that I never understood)
Modern ultrasound technology makes that a crude, outmoded and irrelevant measurement.
Weigh yourself for your own interest by all means. But when someone tell you that a pregnant womans weight gain “should be” x or y and mentions their ‘background in nutrition’ to lend gravitas to their instruction, please know that the ‘background’ that they are referring to is likely to be little more than their own digestive system.
And Karen, your comments about ground beef and protein. Actually a much better way of boosting the protein content and getting ‘more bang for you buck’ is by adding lentils to the meat. I find that I can stretch my meat to feed my older boys (19 and 15)much further that way. This was a tip from a real nutritionist. Just thought I’d pass it on.
I don’t think Karen is a nutritionist, either, but tried to give her the benefit of the doubt.
No doctor has ever told me I should gain 37 pounds, and I’ve been to quite a few different OBs!
Clare,
My goodness you are rude.
You don’t weigh pregnant women? And you think, under normal circumstances, gaining only 12 lbs. at 36 weeks is good? Do you want me to list all the horrible complications that can happen to children when women don’t gain enough weight during pregnancy? No doctor in the USA would treat a pregnant woman without weighing her. If he did, I’m sure it would be grounds for a lawsuit.
Can I tell you what I think of your government sponsered HORRIBLE healthcare system in the UK, that you are apart of?
BTW, adding lentils to meat does not give you more bang for your buck. Children need the nutrients and complete protein found in red meat. Your boys are probably not getting the nutrients and complete proteins they need. It would be better that they get a part-time job and contribute to the food bill than cut down on the meat.
I guess you get your kicks from attacking people that you don’t know on the net. How very sad for you.
And yes, I have a real degree from a real college (GO BLUE!), with many years of experience in healthcare and nutrition.
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Good luck, MileHiMama. I don’t know if I will be back. Life is too short to deal with people like Clare!
After I left my first reply, I then saw your message, MileHiMama. How sweet of you to give me the “benefit of the doubt” that I have a background in nutrition.
The range for a normal weight woman to gain during pregnancy is 25-37 lbs. Don’t believe me? Look it up. Most doctors say about 30 lbs. is good. Many women gain more. The biggest problem is when a woman doesn’t gain enough. I was shocked, frankly, that you had only gained 12 lbs. at 36 weeks. Much of your site is about nutrition, so I thought mentioning this was OK. You are obvouisly sharing it with everyone on the net.
By the way, the meals you have listed on the front of your site for a 9 year old boy are not acceptable. All the chick peas, brown rice, and spinach in the world are not a good, healthy dinner for a growing boy.
I will not be returning to your site. I will leave you all to your ignorance. After all, ignorance is bliss!
Oh, BTW, “Karen” and “Susan” are the same, but I let Karen’s through this time (even without apology) because she was civil and left an email. I didn’t catch it on Karen’s last email, but I think she is contributing somewhat to the discussion.
Really, it would be so helpful if you’d pick a name and stick to it.
Now, then.
3 oz. ground sirloin, (before cooking): 24.18 grams protein, 196 calories, 10 g. fat, 0 g. fiber.
1 c. lentils (cooked): 17.86 g. protein, 230 calories, >1 g. fat, 15.6 g. fiber.
I suppose it depends on how you define “healthy”.
Ground sirloin does have more protein – but comes with fat and without fiber.
Now, about the weight gain during pregnancy – let’s just lay it all out, then.
I started my pregnancy with a BMI of 27.1 and wore a size 12. Recommended weight gain over 40 weeks for that BMI is 15-25 pounds (not taking other medical issues, such as gestational diabetes, history of preeclampsia, etc.) 12 pounds @ 36 weeks is in keeping with a total weight gain of 15-20 pounds total.
At almost 39 weeks, I’ve gained a net total of 20 pounds and now weigh 188 pounds. Not exactly starving, KWIM? (Heh. Darn Hurricane Ike – I was doing great and down to a size 10 before he came to town! Or rather, darn my lack of self control during stressful times!)
I agree with Clare’s opinion that maternal weight gain is not necessarily the best measure of how well the baby is growing – that’s why they measure fundal height, and so on.
Again, Karen, for someone in the health/nutrition industry, you should know that not every patient is the same.
You’re more than welcome to come back – your sense of irony is priceless!
I guess you get your kicks from attacking people that you don’t know on the net. How very sad for you.
Oh yeah. “Karen/Susan” – you did not answer my question. If we are already exceeding the RDA for protein, why the insistence that we add more? Do you follow alternative nutritional guidelines, and if so, what are they?
Now I am really questioning your background in nutrition if you don’t think spinach and brown rice are healthy foods for growing boys.
By the way, the meals you have listed on the front of your site for a 9 year old boy are not acceptable.
Well, I got my info from the National Institutes of Health and the CDC. So I guess the guidelines for the whole country are unacceptable to you.
As I noted on my FSC week 22 post, that wasn’t the whole entire meal, just a note on how nutritional requirements could be met without even taking into account everything one eats in a day.
As I said:
All without meat, and that’s not even taking snacks into consideration! (Although my 9 year old boy eats far more than that! Two sandwiches are a more typical lunch, plus more fruit for snacks throughout the day and seconds for dinner, too!)
Really, why do such details escape you so often?
Here is the link to my reference for weight gain in pregnant women.
Pregnancy Weight Gain
However, “Karen/Susan”, you might not like the Mayo Clinic site, or their guidelines for healthy eating during pregnancy. They actually have the nerve to recommend that pregnant women eat brown rice, chickpeas, black beans, and whole wheat bread.
Clare is awesome and Karen stinks. So does her alter-ego Susan. Sorry, MHM, I couldn’t help myself.
I have never commented on your blog before (even though I am a frequent reader), but I just have to have to leave my two cents on this whole weight gain during pregnancy thing.
I am a mother of three. I never had a “net” gain of more than 23lbs in any of my pregnancies. My first child I gained 20 lbs for and then birthed a 10 lb 5 oz child.
My next two pregnancies I was a gestational diabetic. I had to eat a specific diet and give myself insulin shots. Once I started the diet, I lost over 10 lbs then slowly gained my weight back and ended 13 lbs above my pre-pregnancy weight.
Most women have some extra weight to spare when they get pregnant. It is not unusual for women to lose weight and then end their pregnancies only 15-20 lbs over their pre-pregnancy weight. That is HEALTHY! I used to work for 3 OBGYN’s, it happened all the time.
I also want to comment quickly on home schooling 7 children. I am not sure why Susan/Karen sees this as being a negative. My grandfather was a teacher in a one room school house. He would have 20 children of all different ages and grades. Most of our elderly generation grew up this way! It was NOT a problem then and it is not a problem now.
MHM…You are doing a wonderful job raising your beautiful family. You are using your resources wisely, something that God demands us all to do. You are LOVING your children by teaching them ( I know, I was part of the first generation of homeschool children, back in the day when parents could get thrown into jail for keep their children at home, and I NEVER doubted my parents love and selfLESSness). You are taking care of your family by feeding them with healthy food. Spinach and brown rice are a lot better for you than anything the kids are eating in the school cafeteria. You inspire many of us to be better Moms, keep us the good work!
Unfortunately, Susan has read a blog and jumped to a number of uninformed conclusions. I specifically refer to a paragraph in her 30 May posting:
“There is no way a mother can have two special needs children (bipolar and speech problems, six additional children, and properly home school all of them. Sorry, but no one is capable of doing that all well – there is not enough time in the day. Honestly, you should be ashamed of how you are raising your children.”
Susan, I have been to Milehimama’s house, and you’re flat wrong. I’ve seen and talked with the children and they are well-adjusted, healthy, respectful, fun-loving, curious, intelligent kids. Since you haven’t met MHM in person, you don’t know how special and capable she is Perhaps you’ve been around to many people who have pedestrian abilities, but MHM CAN run a home school and have two special-needs kids, plus handle the home, finances, husband and blog in exemplar syle.
Far from being ashamed of how she’s raising her children, it’s a great pity tha tmore people in this world don’t raise their children with as much love, selflessness and capabilities as MHM does.
Well, I finally finished all the comments, beena usy day I see.
And with Karen/Susan’s last posting:
“… After all, ignorance is bliss!”
She appears to be one of the most blissful people around …. 8^)
Milihi, I think your total weightgain is just fine. My first pregnancy I gained 40 pounds and was admonished by my OB. 2nd pregnancy I gained 25 pounds after losing 60 due to being sick the entire pregnancy. Even then my OB said I should have only gained back 15-20… My last baby I gained 8 pounds…. I have gained more weight in 7 years without being pregnant then I ever did while pregnant all 3 times combined. Karen/Susan is just blowing smoke.
“Oh, BTW, “Karen” and “Susan” are the same, but I let Karen’s through this time (even without apology) because she was civil and left an email. I didn’t catch it on Karen’s last email, but I think she is contributing
somewhat to the discussion”
*****************************************
My goodness, nasty, nasty, nasty. I had to laugh at your assertion that I’m someone I’m not. Nope, I’n not Susan. Sorry.
I read the whole day’s menu on the first page. It doesn’t have enough fats, let alone good fats for a growing boy. There is no high quality complete proteins, the list goes on…
Kids need meat, be it turkey, beef, chicken, or pork. High quality animal protein gives the body nutrients that plant proteins don’t. Growing children need this. Your son is not a 65 year old man with a bad heart, stop feeding him like he is.
By comparing lentils to ground sirlion, you miss the whole point, nutrition wise. Because lentils have only one gram of fat, you think that’s the best? Healthy kids, healthy people, need fat in their diets. Lentils are great, but they don’t replace high quality animal protein.
Did you know that plant protein is hard for the body to use and absorb? Plus, plant protein lacks many of the amino acids that are in high quality animal protein. Veggies are great, but are not enough alone as a protein source, especially for kids.
In your week 15 post you said, “I always wonder if the kids get enough protein.” Well, wonder no more – they don’t get enough protein.
I posted here again because I had to comment on you telling everyone that I’m someone I’m not. I won’t be back. Life is too short to deal with nasty blog people.
Oh, sorry, I just *assumed* that since you are commenting from the same town, same IP address, using the same internet provider and internet software on the same computer as “Susan” that you were, indeed, the same person. Especially since two OTHER comments, using that same exact information, came through (that I didn’t publish, but sounded just like “Susan”.)
I do apologize if you two are, in fact, two separate human beings who just happen to share the same computer.
Today’s menu:
ham, mashed potatoes, frozen veggies.
Too funny. Ham doesn’t have enough fat. LOL!
Starting to think Karen/Susan are a shill for the beef industry…
You know my town, my IP address, etc., etc.?
There is no possible way you could have that information.
Sorry, but you are just saying that for your other posters.
In full disclosure, I will say that you sent me an email inviting me back to comment on your blog. Weird behavior if you truly thought I was Susan.
It’s called Sitemeter, it’s free, and a lot of bloggers use it.
I did send you an email to verify the email address was valid. The email said:
You are more than welcome to continue commenting on the blog.
I was inviting you back, since your comment stayed within guidelines and you provided an email address.
What would be weird was sending the message to “Karen” when “Susan” (et al) was the one not allowed to comment on my blog.
Actually, I like Sitemeter. It tells you how people found your site, so you can see what Google searches bring people over.
Google Search “Bingo” is always fun!
Milehi,
I just want to lend you my support, and let you know how strong you are not to let this whole thing bother you too much. I enjoy reading this site, I enjoy reading about your family, but I disagree with the majority of your political views. So what! I wouldn’t dream of castigating you because that would be pointless, low class and bad manners to boot.
. (except during childbirth. No one can be classy during childbirth. Good luck, btw)
It’s important to be classy, don’t you think
Eva
I have used Sitemeter for over a year it is a wonderful way to catch Trolls in lies..oops looks like Karen/Susan is actually truly ignorant. Maybe she shouldn’t come back this time.
This woman/person sure is going to a lot of trouble to upset you Lisa. That is messed up. xoxo
WOW!!!!!!!
I would like to aplaud you MHM!! What restraint, what resolve!!!!
Got here just today by following a link. I am so glad I did!!!
” ..and her children will rise up and call her blessed.”
I am praying for your healthy birth, for those around you, and those who are ignorant/jealous/unloved/uncaredfor/unhealthy/unlikeable.
May the God of all mercy shower blessings down on all.
By the way, I have 1 great husband, 2 lovely daughters, 3 special diets, no pets other than wild birds, and my budget is much, much less than gov’mnt issue. We homeschool, have no learning disabilities other than rebellion and fits of giggles every few minutes. My chicks are healthy, happy, harmonious, and we eat even less meat than you do. We live in the great state of constant air conditioning! Never knew it as a child! We don’t watch tv as a rule(sucks a person dry!) only movies of our choosing-quite a library of movies out there. I have always said that If my kids cannot communicate with me, learn to take care of themselves, be productive with their time, they shouldn’t be OUT IN PUBLIC!! As it stands, my oldest, turning 18 in 18 days, is going to bible camp, National Right to Life convention, and has a job as a nanny all this summer. What public place could she learn everything she needed to for all of this?
Just wanted to encourage you and your Big Daddy. 8 is a small number in my neck of the woods. Friends have 9, 10, and 12 respectively. All are healthy, loved, and wonderful to be around.
Had a friend who gained 8 lbs. had an 8 lb. baby boy,NO complications!. My first, I lost 13 lbs in the first tri. Oh well, to each her own.
So much for my 2 cents. Have read some more and will be back on a regular basis, as I have bookmarked you!
Blessings!
have no learning disabilities other than rebellion
I hear ya! ROFL!
Thanks everyone for your kind words and prayers.
lol I guess Susan/Karen didn’t know how non-invisible she really is! Yay for Sitemeter! (and other site counters!)
OK, Karen, now I am annoyed, because you are perpetuating false information about health and nutrition. So I’m going to whip out my credentials.
I’m a professional science and health writer. I have a B.S in Zoology summa cum laude. I publish about 8000-10,000 words per month about health and nutrition. I use primary and secondary sources for my research (e.g. medical journal articles and university-sponsored reference sites) and know how to evaluate a source for reliability and bias.
A complete protein is one that contains all eight to ten (the number varies depending on age) essential amino acids in sufficient amounts. Animal protein, including meat, dairy, and egg protein, is complete. Soybeans and quinoa are vegetable sources of complete protein. Other vegetable proteins must be combined to make complete protein; a very common and basic combination, found in recipes around the world, is a grain (brown rice, whole-grain wheat, maize (corn), etc.) plus a pulse (lentils, peas, beans). Grains and pulses each make up for each others’ amino acid deficiencies. For more information, read these article I wrote on complete protein in the diet and how the human body uses protein.
MHM’s lentil and brown rice combination counts as a complete protein because it combines a pulse with a grain.
It is impossible to evaluate any diet, including MHM’s, for nutritional value unless you have a complete list (including quantities) of the food consumed in a day. Since all you have is a menu for a single meal — not even a list of how much is actually eaten at dinner, only of what is planned — it is impossible to evaluate MHM’s family diet and call it deficient.
Of course, a person with a background in nutritional science would know all of this. A person who reads nutritional supplement literature (which is heavily biased) and calls it a “nutritional background” might not know that.
Congratulations to you for responding to “Susan” in such a intelligent, graceful way. I wouldn’t have had to patience to do it. I would have just deleted her.
I like your site, and have gleened many great vegetarian recipes from it. Being vegetarian hasn’t affected the health of my family either!
Keep up the good work!
Hear, hear, ginko!
Thanks for setting our troll straight on food combining. The concept that vegetarians had to eat a specially prepared diet that combined grains and pulses in every fork full is out-dated as well.
I’m overweight, diabetic, and meat-addicted, and I wish my Mom had fed me like Milehi feeds her kids!
But being a depression baby, she bought into the hype that you should give the kid meat every day!
Karen
You’ve been thouroughly debunked and despatched already by the other commenters here, but i couldn’t resist one more riposte.
Clare,
My goodness you are rude.
You think? I’ve improved alot actually, but yes, I don’t quite have MHM’s grace and finesse yet. I admire her restraint.
You don’t weigh pregnant women?
We don’t. It’s called ‘Evidence Based Practice’.
And you think, under normal circumstances, gaining only 12 lbs. at 36 weeks is good?
As I said, it all depend on the starting BMI. You made yourr assumptions without knowing those details about MHM. Mighty strange for someone with your, ahem ‘background’ hm?
No doctor in the USA would treat a pregnant woman without weighing her. If he did, I’m sure it would be grounds for a lawsuit.
That’s right. It’s a practice that has more to do with the litigious habits of Americans than clinical evidence of value. I think it’s called ‘Defensive Medical Practice’
Can I tell you what I think of your government sponsered HORRIBLE healthcare system in the UK, that you are apart of?
Go right ahead, knock yourself out. You won’t hurt my feelings LOL!
I will say that the US medical system is often cited as being an example of the problems of a pluralistic hodge podge health care system where doctors make their living off unecessary procedures. Additionally, many clinical decisions are made simply as a defense against potential litigation.
You have the worlds most expensive healthcare system, yet much of what you do is costly and ineffective and non evidence based.
I simply say this to illustrate the truism that people in glass house shouldn’t throw stones.
Despite what you may think, the NHS is very far from being a ‘horrible’ healthcare system. And lest you be too proud, I hate to break it to you, but the US is not widely regarded as being a beacon of healthcare practice.
BTW, adding lentils to meat does not give you more bang for your buck. Children need the nutrients and complete protein found in red meat. Your boys are probably not getting the nutrients and complete proteins they need. It would be better that they get a part-time job and contribute to the food bill than cut down on the meat.
Yaaaawn. Debunked. despatched… Next!
I guess you get your kicks from attacking people that you don’t know on the net. How very sad for you.
Yes… that IS tragic isn’t it? ROFL
And yes, I have a real degree from a real college (GO BLUE!), with many years of experience in healthcare and nutrition.
If I believed for a minute that your nutritional expertise was aquired in a US ‘hall of academe’ ( No idea what ‘go blue’ means btw unless it means ‘talk nonsense till I’m blue in the face’) it would explain an awful lot about how America became the worlds fattest nation.
Life is too short to deal with people like Clare!
That made me puff my chest out a little. I thank you.
Doctors in the US weigh every person who comes into their office for any reason because of the US Insurance requirements. Three vitals are necessary for insurance paperwork. Most doctors do the “easy” things…weight, blood pressure, temperature. Sometimes pulse instead of BP.
It has nothing to do with the health of the patient; it is all about bureaucratic insurance hoops.
Weight is monitored only when it is really an issue or something to be concerned about; otherwise, it is nothing more or less than record keeping. And, while most if not all doctors follow the insurance company determined protocol, they do nothing with it other than record it so they can get paid.
So, no, there would not be litigation if weight was not taken or recorded – even in a pregnant woman. That is a wild exaggeration based on preconceived notions…among other things.
It is watched in pregnant women, but it is not the guiding factor in health or growth and development.
I cannot believe the venom spewed by Susan/Karen about the way you feed and home-school your children! If she only knew what a wonderful, intelligent, loving and caring mom and wife you are, she would know that she doesn’t have a leg to stand on. Your research of dietary requirements for your family and especially for the bi-polar Mr. R has been so extensive (and so successful, I might add) that it is obvious you have done your homework. Your healthy, happy children are proof positive.
And knowing what a terrific job you have done with home-schooling your children, I want everyone to realize that you are an expert at that, too! (I am a retired teacher who can vouch for the results you have achieved.)
As for the size of your family, I don’t see how that is anybody’s business but yours and your husband’s.
My admiration for the wonderful job you are doing with your children is vast. I don’t know that very many women could do as well as you have with a large family and special needs children. May the new baby bring you and your family much happiness.
Margie
This must be feed a troll week or something. Meredith is dealing with one, too. It wouldn’t be you, would it, Susan/Karen? Meredith’s troll is just as, ahem, well, I won’t even say it, but it starts with an “a”.
Hi, Milehimama. I found your blog a few weeks ago and I must say it is the most fantastic blog I’ve come across.
I have thirteen children and I homeschool all of them. My eldest, 19, just married and his lovly wife Reby is pregnant with their first. We expect an equally large brood from them and Reby plans to homeschool. We advise the Charlotte Mason method to everyone we know.
I cannot imagine why everye one is so angry with you feeding your babies hot dogs. It is a staple in our household and we eat at least five packs a week. Our food bill is $350 but I’m working diligently, Milehimama, to decrease it to $200.
With great thanks and may God be with you,
Mitzi Aldermatch
I read the whole day’s menu on the first page. It doesn’t have enough fats, let alone good fats for a growing boy. There is no high quality complete proteins, the list goes on…
…
By comparing lentils to ground sirlion, you miss the whole point, nutrition wise. Because lentils have only one gram of fat, you think that’s the best? Healthy kids, healthy people, need fat in their diets. Lentils are great, but they don’t replace high quality animal protein.
The fat in red meat is not “good fat,” though, is it? I confess it’s been a while since I looked into it seriously, but aren’t we advised to limit our intake of red meat because of the saturated fat content?
“I guess you get your kicks from attacking people that you don’t know on the net. How very sad for you.”
Yes… that IS tragic isn’t it? ROFL
*****
LOL…I have to admit I get a kick out of the irony of that statement….Pot / Kettle??
Thank you for clarifying that the troll “Susan” is not me.
Actually a couple of months ago I re-read through all your food posts to glean ideas on how to save more money on food.
It sounds to me like Karen/whats-her-name might be coming from a Nourishing Traditions angle. I think it’s a load, personally, but that’s just me.
Gah. Your menus are fine, MHM.
I don’t think so – NT encourages the use of whole grains and legumes. The NT book thinks oatmeal is a great breakfast! (Soaked overnight, of course.)
Here’s an article written by the author of NT:
http://www.westonaprice.org/traditional_diets/ancient_dietary_wisdom.html>Ancient Dietary Wisdom
She actually promotes African/indigenous tribal diets, unlike the other commenter who thought that Americans are special somehow and shouldn’t eat like the rest of the world.
Just read all of this through and have found the saga of Karen/Susan rather funny. I don’t watch TV but saw one episode of K&T+8 in a hotel room while at a home school conference and thought she was dreadful.
I look at what you feed your kids and I only wish I could get my kids to eat lentils and kale! I am always lamenting that we eat too much meat (we raise our own), and that there are only 3 or 4 vegetables the kids will touch. Your family eats better than most Americans, on or off food budgets.
If Karen/Susan thinks that your kids would be better off with a public school education, she should look at this comment from a teacher I read this morning: http://patricelewis.blogspot.com/2009/06/teacher-in-trenches.html
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