This is not my normal post… but I wanted to share a bit of our heart.
We just announced that we are expecting our 7th baby!
To most (even us) 7 is a big number. We are so excited! I wanted to answer a few questions because I’m sure people are wondering.. 😊
1. YES we do know what “causes” babies. We do know “how it happens” ! And to tell you the truth, WE LOVE THAT PART (obviously)! 😉
2. We do have TV & cable.
3. Yes our hands are full (and we are out numbered) but our heart is full too!
4. No we are not Catholic.
5. They are all ours together!
6. No we are not on ANY government assistance. We have been very blessed with our business & God continues to provide for each child.
7. No we are not having babies for tax write offs. But that sure is a nice bonus! 😉
8. Yes we do homeschool. We feel that is the best choice for OUR family! Everyone is different. We wear pants & shorts, we watch tv, we are sinners forgiven by Grace!
9. I do have my babies at home. I’ve had three (our first) in a hospital & three at home. I have no problems with hospitals or medicated births. But we just enjoy being in our own bed after having our babies! I think a woman’s body is amazing to grow a baby & any way she chooses to have a baby is 1. Her choice & right 2. Just amazing & beautiful
10. No we don’t think EVERYONE should have tons of kids. 🙂 This is just our choice. Like I said, everyone is different & has different directions in life. And we absolutely do not look down on the people who only have one or two. That one or two is your treasure just like our seven is ours. Your love for them is just as strong as our love for ours!
So why do we have so many children? Well, to some 7 isn’t that many, to other’s it’s a whole lot. We love it! We actually do! It’s hard. There is never quiet or calm. There is always something going on. We have stomach bugs & diaper explosions, tantrums & teen drama, sibling fights & messy rooms (or house), lack of sleep & exhaustion. But we also have little people to hug, little hands to hold, long talks with our teen, joyful squeals, super fun parties, lots of kisses before bed, tons of laughter… each one of our kids is a different personality. Each one is amazing! I cannot imagine my life without one of these little people! And maybe they are all fine tuning my husband & my character! I know we wouldn’t be who we are with out them!
Something God spoke to us is that our children are our LEGACY… do you remember in Matthew 25: 14-30 where Jesus talked about the parable of the talents? How a master gave his servants talents to do something with while he was away… one buried his and nothing grew out of it & one invested in his & made the master even more wealthy & happy. Our children are our TALENTS… and my husband & I have a choice to invest into our talents for God, to grow them for Him & to raise them to be MIGHTY leaders… this is our heart. This is our mission field… ❤ Just wanted to share it with you…
I am a mother of 6 kids! They are ages 34-24! I was asked all of the questions you posted on your blog! The only difference is that I am Catholic (which had NOTHING to do with having 6 kids for me), I did not homeschool (that really was not an option or as popular an option back then) & I did not have my children at home. I totally agree with your description of your “talents”. I have always felt that way! Thank you for putting into words what has always been on my heart. May God continue to bless you richly.
Hugs! Thank you for your kind words!!! I was nervous about sharing such a big part of my heart… <3
We have 4 boys and one girl and wouldn’t trade it for for the world …I love our big family
Bless yours
Thank you so much!!! <3
Thank you for saying that not everyone has to have big families. My husband and I believe children are a blessing and a joy but we know that we don’t want a large amount. But we will treasure and enjoy what we have. It is so refreshing to hear a mom of a big family not look down her nose and judge as ‘unholy’ those who don’t have a big brood. Your family is beautiful and I am so happy for your wonderful news! Thank you for taking a moment not only to lighten mothers hearts of many but also mothers who won’t/don’t have as many!
Thank you! <3
What a gift each one is and sooo cute, too! You are blessed, to be envied and definitely rich! Grateful God crossed our paths and I can’t wait to meet each one personally someday soon…
May He fill you with grace and strength to run your race! Don’t let anyone tell you how many arrows to fill your quiver with, either!
Blessings.
Thank you, Daune!!! 🙂
Thanks for sharing. I can tell each of your children feel the love of their parents.
As one of eight I have to say that’s not always the case. So my first thought was why? But obviously other parents can do it right.
God bless.
Hugs! <3
Uh oh! Does this mean you won’t be working on any new, wonderful recipes?
OH I’ll be working on THM recipes for sure!! 🙂 Gotta get over this morning sickness… :-/
Thank you for sharing! You seem to have a very balanced view of child-having and child-rearing! Your heart shines through in this post! Many blessings for a safe and joyful pregnancy and delivery! P.S. Keep up the great THM recipes!! LOVE them!! ;).
Thank you so much for seeing exactly what I wanted to be seen in this post! <3
We are welcoming number 8. We do homeschool and we are Catholic. I’ve had all those questions and some. God is Good.
God is so very good!! 🙂 And congratulations!
Love your post! Am hoping you didn’t have odd comments made to you to elicit this post! Enjoy your babies!
Thank you! I do get all the comments and sometimes they bother… most of the time I just laugh and smile.. lol. People are curious!
I Love this and hope to have a large family someday! We “just” have 2 at the moment 🙂
I also had a home birth with my youngest and it was amazing!
Thank you!!! <3<3
Too true and so funny!! The newest (in the last few years) question I get is “so, are you going to have your own TV show?”. I just laugh! You have a beautiful family. Our #7 was my first born at home. #8 was a on the side of the road delivery. #9 was at home. #10 my longest labor at 28hrs :-0. #11 was my best labor ever! Thank you for sharing your heart. Cinnamon
Thank you Cinnamon!! I follow your beautiful family on Instagram (I believe)… <3
LOVE your heart! I have 4 children…one adopted. Also had over 300 foster children over a 30 year period. People always questioned my sanity, but I loved always having kids around. I’m retired now for health reasons but still in touch with many of my former foster kids…What a joy!! Also get to spend LOTS of time with my Sweet Granddaughter. Blessed for sure!!
Thank you, you made me smile! Lots of grandbabies are one more thing we have to look forward too!! Blessings to you!! 🙂
You are precious & so is your family. May God bless you and give you guidance & wisdom. Prayers for your “mission field”. I wish all parents took parenting so proactively!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I (we) fail so badly some days but in the end we love our kids fiercely!!! Thank the Lord His mercies are new every morning!
I will be happy having more Criddles in the world! More is not always better in every family, but I am glad it is in yours…
Haha, thank you! I think little Criddles are pretty cute! 😉 Yes true…
Congratulations to you and your family! I can’t imagine a family of 9…I’m an only child and we have faced infertility since we married 12 years ago. Thank you for sharing your talents wit the world. I’ve cried many tears over my infertility in the last 12 years, but have finally decided that one of my talents is loving other people’s children as my own.
I’m a secondary school teacher and love kids. They tell me things they don’t tell their parents, they ask for my advice (and sometimes follow it!), they share their thoughts and dreams with someone who just simply wants to see them be successful in life at whatever they choose to do. I’m a safe, nonjudgemental sounding board for kids who can’t get anyone else in life to listen or care about them.
There’s nothing wrong with your choice to keep expanding your family and God has truly blessed you. Many thoughts and prayers for your continued well-being!
What a beautiful comment… you brought tears to my eyes… I know your mama heart has touched many a child’s life!!! Bless you and I pray God gives you the desires of you heart!!! ((HUGS))
Our world needs more families like yours. With all the things happening in our country now, it is such a blessing to see sweet families like yours. Enjoy reading your blog so much!
Oh thank you thank you!! 🙂
I appreciated all your comments. We have 12 children and I love it when they ask my husband, “Are all your children from the same woman?” I had my last child when I was 44. We feel so blessed to have them. It is not easy, but we feel it was what God called us to do. There are challenges and blessings all along the road and God continues to teach us. No we are not perfect and I am not a saint as many people propose! Like you said, we are all sinners saved by grace!
LOL that’s funny and takes a lot of nerve for someone to say that… but I guess it takes a lot of nerve for some one to ask if we “know what causes babies..” LOL HUGS!!
So excited for you and your hubby! Folks don’t often understand that children are a treasure and a blessing straight from God…no matter if they are born of your tummy or through adoption. Love and miss you!
Exactly!!!!! Children are precious in His sight! Hugs to you Jen!! And I’m sure missing you! 🙂
Love this post. You sound a lot like my son and daughter-in-law’s family. They are expecting #7 in December. This will be our 18th grandchild. We are in love! And obviously you are too – that is awesome!
Thank you so much!! 🙂
Nailed it Sarah! We have 8 so far, but are asked weekly if there will be more. I always say ‘well not today…who knows what the Lord will send in the future?’ You’re writings encourage me both here and on the No cheats board. Thanks for being real.
Oh and CONGRATULATIONS Mama!
Thank you much for your encouraging comment!! I really appreciate it! 🙂 And thank you!! 🙂
awesome post!! My daughter has 9 blessing ranging in age from 1 to18. She home schools also and her oldest is in Montenegro right now on her very first mission trip! I love your comment …. Grow them for Him and raise them to be mighty … God only blessed us with 2 (one total care disabled who went to Heaven 8 years ago) so I’m am totally enjoying the love and fun of so many grandblessings!!!
Thank you so much!! Blessing you to and have fun enjoying your grandloves!! 🙂
Your post is lovely. What is astonishing to me are some of the questions that you answered. What odd questions to ask! I can’t even fathom why someone would even broach the subject of you having your precious children for a tax write off… or if you wear pants. Sheesh. More than one person must have thought to ask such weird questions, or you wouldn’t have given it a second thought. Well, more power to ya! I can’t even begin to imagine coming up with all these fabulous meals and sharing them with all of us. It’s difficult for me to even plan, shop for, and cook the meals that YOU came up with! lol Whatever you’re doing… it looks like you’re doing it right to me. By the way, I love your kitchen cabinets.
I think people mean well… sometimes it bothers me more than others (like when I’m very pregnant and get the comments). I usually just smile and chuckle and try to answer with a good attitude! People are mostly just curious! I was once asked if I went around “collecting kids”… that was an interesting comment for sure. lol
I had a lady at the health food store gush how wonderful that I was expecting ect ( 9 months big ) Then she asked if it was my first or second. I smiled and told her it was my 7th. She walked away and said ” well, I hope it’s the caboose”
WOW… (shaking my head)…
thank you so much for sharing !! This blessed me,, ,, may God continue to bless you and give you favor
You are so welcome! And thank you! <3
Sarah, I have seen “Mrs.Criddles” stuff all overTHM Facebook Posts. I have often wondered who the “old lady” behind that website is. It just sounded like a Mrs.Claus kind of name. Anyways, I hope that doesn’t offend you, it was meant to be funny. Well I finally went and did it…..I came to your site! Only to be pleasantly surprised! What an AMAZING story of your legacy and your love for your children! I recently had my 2nd child and both pregnancies were hard, not my ideal way to have kids. But the Lord blessed us with a boy and girl!!!! Yay! We as well own our own business and I keep getting caught up in how “hard” THM is to get started. There are so many different things to cut out and ideas to use. Ingredients to remember and new recipes to try. It feels overwhelming at times and so I have not started my journey. I am in desperate need to loose weight. I have put on about 50 pounds over the last 7 years of our marriage. I LOVE cooking and being in the kitchen I just need to take that time to cook correctly! Your post is EXACTLY what I needed to read today! I have to get started on my journey! And I will be exploring more of your website to pick up pointers! Thank you so much for sharing your heart and home to all of us THM’rs!!! It helps to know that it works for others and even others with way more going on than I have! God bless you and your family and your new addition!!!!!
Awhhh hugs! Thank you for this comment!! It made my day!!! You can do this! If I can you can!! I will be cheering for you!! <3
Congratulations! We are expecting #8 Feb, 2016. God is so faithful. We are on no assistance as well, even though we totally qualify. He has always taken care of us even when it seemed impossible! I always get so excited when families grow 🙂
Awh, thank you and congratulations!!! God IS so faithful!!! 🙂
I love that you are open to other points of view…we have two kids, our oldest goes to a private boarding school by choice, and we have a king size bed (because neither my husband nor I want to touch anyone else when we are sleeping, lol). I love my teens so much more than little ones.
So often people are so judgy mcjudgypants…God knows you can handle it, whereas He knows I would go out of my ever loving mind with more than two, lol. Congrats and best wishes for a healthy pregnancy!
Haha thank you so much for your comment!!! I think God made each one of us different for a reason… if we were all the same, what a boring world this would be!! 🙂 And you are so right, He does know exactly what we can handle and what we need! 🙂
Congrats on your 7th! We just had our 6th. I am humbled and amazed by an amazing God who chose us t bring 6 souls into this world. May we be faithful to Him as we raise these children He has blessed us with for His glory!
Awhhh, congrats to you on your precious one (and ones)!!! They are such a blessing! Parenting is the hardest most rewarding job ever! 🙂
I have a friend who has 8 kids ranging from about 30 to 12. She and her husband love to boast these “eight kids” whenever we go out, but over the years, i see that the older ones have raised the younger. I feel that is entirely wrong and NOT what God intended. You, as the parent, have been given the job of “raising a child up”, not your older children. You (meaning the parent) decided to have these children, not them.
I pray you are not following in their way. This makes me so sad for the children, who end up being “parents” and not children as they should be. Just my thoughts. May the Lord bless you greatly.
I agree with you… and it’s not hard to get into that routine. We have even been convicted about that in the past. It is OUR job to be our kids parents but I also believe it is our job to raise our kids to be good parents. I think teaching our kiddos how to love, nurture, and be able to take care of their siblings is good life lessons but keeping a balance so that they are not exhausted by the time they are adults. We WANT them to WANT kids. I want grandbabies one day, haha! We try to make it important to have quality time with each one. My husband will take each girl out by herself on a “daddy daughter” date. And I try to also take one with me alone if I go shopping, etc., so they know that they are not just lumped all together but they have that parent time and still feel like a kid, if that makes sense. It’s easier to do this with the older ones and I think it’s the older ones that really need that. 🙂 I am really glad you posted this!! Thank you!
Sarah, I love your post! After raising my 5 kids plus my 3 nephews, I’ve heard all those questions. And I love your.answers!
You and Jarod have grown up to be so amazing and I love watching as your family grows. Y’all are such an amazing couple and I think there can never be too many Criddles! ! Please send your mom my love!
Hugs
Awh, hugs, thank you Merrie!! We are blessed! I will definitely tell mom for you! 🙂
My daughter was an only child. I realized very early that one child was enough for me. My daughter, on the other hand, has blessed me with 4 beautiful grandchildren. She has 3 boys and 1 girl. She asked me one day did I ever think that she would have so many children? I knew she would have children, just not that many. I love each one of my babies and I am so proud of my daughter for the great mom she is. I admire and respect any couple who decides to have many children. In the middle of all the chaos, there is love beyond measure. There is a lot of juggling going one but somehow she always makes it work. Blessing on your beautiful family.
This is awesome! Thank you for sharing with me!! 🙂
It’s such a sad comment on our times that you even felt compelled to justify your choice to raise a large family. I AM Catholic, and the number of stereotypically large Catholic families that we see at Mass on Sundays is pretty small. I’m 51 now and have been blessed with two children, now 18 and 24. Both were born naturally with a midwife and both homeschooled for some or most of their education, so we have that in common :-). When my husband and I think of things that we would have done differently we wish that a) I had stayed home from the beginning with the kids, b) that we had homeschooled both of them from the start, and c) that we had had a lot more kids. Well, live and learn. Blessings to you and your growing family. Thanks for posting all of the great THM recipes. I wish you a safe delivery for you and your baby in February.
Thank you so much for sharing! I hope I didn’t come off as arrogant or anything… I really do know people have questions about why we have “so many kids”… especially family so I just wanted to do a half joking half serious and straight from my heart post! 🙂 Bless you!!
I found your blog through the THM searches as I just started following the THM plan last week. Your site is so helpful! Thank you!
I clicked on this post and was so blessed. Ours is a (Catholic) home educating family with 7 children 18-3). It is such a treat to discover kindred spirits online. God Bless you and yours! 🙂
Awhhh hugs, thank you for responding to this post… it definitely shares my heart! 🙂
Great to hear, I have 5, raised7, Gigi to 16, praise God and blessings to your family
Awh, what a blessing! I have lots of grandkiddos to look forward too!
After reading this post I can see that we have a lot in common. I’m a homeschooling mother of 13, love homebirth for my babies, and yes, they are all ‘ours’! Haha!! I’m really enjoying your blog. 🙂