~November 2010~
“You’ve got your hands full!”
These are words every larger-than-average family has heard at least once. Some people feel very offended by comments like this, but honestly, I DO have my hands full! And I’m loving every minute of it!
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Life in a large family is different than life in an average-sized family.
I used to be an average-sized family. I haven’t forgotten what it was like to feed lunch to two children or to bathe two children, or put two children to bed. We were a two child family for nearly 4 years, and yes, life is different now. Not a bad different…just different. In fact, I could make a good case for it actually being a GOOD DIFFERENT!
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Shortly after the birth of my second child, I adopted a large-family mentality. I gleaned all the wisdom I could from large families and put it into practice in my own small family. Things like a
It seemed large families had the market on efficiency, and transferring to a large family mindset made my small family run much smoother.
Now that we are a large family by the world’s standards (even though many days I don’t feel like a large family at all), I realize that many of the tools and skills I was toying around with as a small family are absolutely integral to the day-to-day life of a large family.
So, grab a cup of coffee, a cozy chair, and maybe even a pen and paper and let me share with you the lessons I’ve learned…
Why Do We Have So Many Children?
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
~Psalm 127:4
When I wrote the following series on Becoming Quiverfull, the word “quiverfull” had not yet been twisted into such an ugly concept. I do not wish to change the permalinks to my posts, but I do feel I must add a disclaimer here. Our family is not part of some strange religious cult that promotes hurting women and abusive husbands. We are simply followers of Christ, living in His Word, desiring to receive whatever blessings He may have in store for us. I pray that rings loud and clear amongst the posts here.
Becoming Quiverfull ~ 4 part series – Our Story: a conviction, not a movement
Enjoying YOUR Quiverfull – Find contentment with the number of children you are given
The Crossover Point – The moment you realize nothing will ever be the same
You’re Pregnant Again???
My Birthing Journey – VBAC and Back Again
Morning Sickness and getting everything done
Mind Over Belly
They Think Babies Are Cool
Top 10 Reasons to Have a Large Family
Worthy Reading
By, For, and About Large Families
“How to Exasperate Your Children” by Heather @ Sprittibee
“Does it Get Easier” my guest post at Raising Olives
15 Passenger Van Organization by Betty @ Peace Creek on the Prairie
Large Family Books
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What a beautiful website and family!! Thank you for touching my heart with the story of your daughter, Emily. May God continue to bless you. Love from our home in Thailand ; ).
I want to thank you for what you do. I pray for you and your family during your time of need. Thank you for being so transparent. The women you touch are so blessed by your willingness to share your loses and pain. I have been so encouraged here, been inspired here, laughed here and, of course, cried many tears. I have been coming to your blog to read a few times a day since I discovered it because of your wealth of wisdom and knowledge in large families, but also because your love for your family is contagious. I’m not sure, but it’s possible that I could have read nearly every post! Your posts have helped me with our daily, cleaning and homeschool routines which are a HUGE blessing! (I’ve tried scheduling for years and had no idea why they didn’t work for us) You’ve inspired our convictions. My husband and I have a larger than average size family of 4 children. I feel God has been leading us to add to our family. We have been waiting for the Lord’s timing because of certain circumstances. We’ve felt lead to be quiverfull and also to adopt. We’re currently praying about making a decison to move forward very soon. Your blog has been inspiring to me in this area, as well. I could go on and on…but, I just wanted to let you know how very grateful I am! Thank you for continuing in this work:)
Tracy
You have blessed my heart today, Tracy. Thank you.
I am one child out of 10. im the second oldest. I have been homeschooled my hole life untill second semster my sophomore high school year. I am now a senior in high school and am writing a paper on the “Pros and Cons of having a large family”.
my exsperience isnt enough for the paper. ( teach wants more than just information from my family) So im asking, what is your veiw on raiseing a large family? The money problems. and what is your idea on how families could deal with the money issue. if possible can you please reply back before Feb. 4. if not, then its alright i would still like your reply.
Thank you,
Crissy-Lynn Wilson 18 years old