{photos by Abby – my awesome hubalicious}
{baby headband by Sassy Sweet Pea}
I took the girls out for lunch to a local diner last week.
You should’ve seen the looks on some people’s faces as one, two, three, four (and one baby) followed me to the table … “Are they all yours?” “Oh, you are in trouble in the teen years!” “You have your hands full!”
Lots of remarks. Some positive. Some just out of curiosity (“Trying for that boy?!”), others out of encouragement, some are negative.
Many moms, now grandmas or moms of older children, often come to me and sigh and say “I wish I had more children … ”
Sometimes I just smile. But sometimes I feel frustrated with the negative comments, only because they are usually said right in front of my children – definitely within earshot. Can you imagine, as a little child, always hearing people say to your parents “And so are you DONE now??!” or “You’re crazy! I don’t know how you do it!” …
I want my girls to hear positive words about them – blessings – instead of negative comments that we have chosen to have more children than the average family in North America. {And we only have five – there are more families with way more children!} I want my girls to remember my responses when we go out and someone says “Your poor husband!” …
“Actually, Abby wanted all these girls.”
“Yes, honestly, we do have hands full but our HEARTS are more full.” (Okay, cheesy? Yes, well it works. And it’s true.)
“And, no, I’m not (100%) scared of the teenage years with five girls – because God is control.”
“Yes, we’d LOVE more!”
And yes, I *AM* so blessed! These children are gifts from God and I am EVER SO grateful for each and every one of them. And I’d have 20 more if I could. (Maybe?!)
Big families have always fascinated me. How they work. How they handle the number of people in their family. How they manage a home. How they travel. How they function in society.
And now we have a big family. And I love it. I can’t wait to see where God takes our ‘little’ family as He weaves us together in His plan.
{Leia Hyacinth – 7 weeks old}
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It’s been a while since we’ve done a giveaway – I think it’s time again! A little while ago, The Hungry Hollow contacted me about giving away this GORGEOUS apron on the blog!
Hands up for those who makes messes while you are in the kitchen?!
*MEEEEEEE!*
Well, let me just say the days of apron-wearing are NOT over yet.
They may have been tucked in the closets during the 90s but today, ladies, today, is the day to DON an apron! (Seriously. I LOVE my aprons. I use them when I can, bake, cook… all messy kitchen related things.) Even if you only bake cookies once a month, this apron is worth wearing.
I had no model so sorry I had to model it. :S
One reader will *win* this apron – all you have to do is go to the Hungry Hollow facebook page, like them, come back and let me know in the comments!! They have a great website full of fantastic tips on raising your own food, gardens, chicken raising, baking, canning … all the works, my lady friends. I love this site!
At the end of the week, we’ll draw a winning name using Random.org.
And listen, once you win this apron, you will have NO excuse but to get baking! (Okay, unless there is a heat wave – wait for a rainy day and then bake up a storm!)
by Gigi
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