I couldn't say which speaker or which talk was my favorite. I loved them all. I have been thinking about one thing Sister Julie B. Beck said. She talked about a mother who has 8 kids. This woman had a friend who wrote her a note and said, "You are making an interesting life style choice." Referring of course to having 8 kids.
This Mother basically said she didn't know she was making a lifestyle choice, but thought she was following the gospel and doing what the Lord wanted her to do. Sister Beck said, "I didn't have 7 kids because they all said I was beautiful."
For the most part, people are supportive and very nice. I have heard a few comments from people. One lady voiced her opinion without pointing fingers at me, but I know she was saying what she did so I would be sure to hear and understand she doesn't agree with me. Others I catch off guard, and they just aren't ready to hear that I am pregnant with number 7!! One friend said, "Girl what in the world are you thinking?!" (I'll let you add the beeps, blanks and @$& before and after each word).
Others have said, "You do know how this happens?" or "Do we need to explain this to you?" or "You know this can be prevented?" I've never known what to say. Now I think I do!!!
I'm not having seven children because . . .
- I really want to drive a ginormous gas guzzling SUV.
- I love doing laundry and want an eternal pile of dirty clothes to sort and wash and somehow a even bigger pile of clean clothes (I think the clothes multiply in the dryer) to sort, fold, hang up and put away.
- I want to decorate my walls, furniture, floors, dogs and table with dried on food and dirty fingerprints.
- My life goal is to help with 14 science fair experiments (5 down 7 to go).
- I need as many little slaves who I can make do all the cleaning and cooking.
- I want to cook as many meals everyday as a fry cook at McDonald's. Then to top off my joy, I love it when they complain about the food I did make for them and they refuse to eat it.
- I love steping bare foot on small sharp pointy toys left on my floor.
- And, finally, I really hate peace and quite and want my house to be filled with the sweet sounds of children laughing (at each other), fighting, screaming, crying and complaining.
- I love my Savior and I owe Him my life.
- I want to follow Him and do His work, and this is what he wants ME to do!! (It may not be what he needs you to do.)
- I love each and every one of my kids, and I wouldn't trade my life or any of my 7 kids for anything.
- Believe it or not this is what I want to be doing.
- There is nothing more worthwhile and gratifing that I could be doing with my time.
- There is nothing more rewarding than being a mother.
Nicely put, JoLyn! And think of all the cute little grandkids you'll have later on! How fun! Plus, you'll have 7 kids to choose from to change you diapers when you're a little old lady! ;)
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said! I'm so glad you are having them for the RIGHT reasons. You are amazing. :)
ReplyDeleteOh JoLyn! You are awesome! I can't wait to hang out with you up at Bear Lake! Love your blog posts!
ReplyDeleteWell said. I don't think anyone has the right to judge a family for how many children they have or don't have. Every situation is different and every family is different. You're right when you say that the Lord may not need everyone to have a "large" family.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing you said was that the children are laughing (at each other)! Hilarious! You are an amazing mother!
ReplyDeletei liked this. sis. beck's talk stuck with me too. i loved how she said we should more be asking, "am i living in line with the Lord's vision for me?" i dislike that people judge on family size. i've been on the other end of it (assumptive comments about us not having kids yet) and it is also hurts. way to go for following His plan for you and your family. that's all that matters.
ReplyDeleteThis was really fun to read. Thanks for the invite on FB. We are expecting our #3 any day now. I'm surprise at how many comments & looks I get at only #3 too. Then they ask me if I'm going to have any more. Interesting how the world is today. I just respond by telling them I take my babies one at a time and they are the only thing I get to keep and take with me when I die. They usually are a bit taken back and then agree with me that it's a good reason to have them. I'm usually amazed at families like yours with seven because I'm so impressed with how you do it. It's not easy with one or two (now we get to experience 3 :.) ) and I can see the Lord bless families enormously with every new member. I don't know how many we'll have but I know it will be the right # for our family (#3 is not our last). Congrats with #7. I'm excited for your family.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I believe that I am living vicariously through you. Keep up the great job!
ReplyDeleteWell said, Jo. Well said. You are amazing!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post. I've been getting a lot of interesting comments myself. Like people think I totally planned on having twins or something...hahaha! It's always shocking to me what people think is appropriate to say to someone. You guys are awesome and you are an amazing mom!! Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your very kind comments. I don't feel worthy of them. I feel like I can always improve. I guess for me it depends on how you measure success. If it's measured in a clean house, healthy meals at all times, and never grumpy then I'm failing. lol!!! I do love my kids though and spend every second of my day making sure they are happy, healthy and taken care of. Ok so they aren't always happy but we are working on it!!
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