Apparently to some I have to many kids. The other night our family trekked into the local Wal-mart to pick up much needed ice cream sundae supplies for Family Home Evening. Chris and I had seperate carts because we were also doing some shopping so I was taking the 5 kiddos with me to choose the ice cream and he was picking up the practical items. Me and my five kiddos were traveling together to the back of the store when passed by a man and his wife/girlfriend and his eyes just kind of looked me over with the kids. I just smiled as I passed and didn't really think anything of it. Meanwhile Chris is trailing behind us and when the guy comes up past him he hears the guy complaining about the woman with "5 freaking kids" she has "5 freaking kids". Now if Chris had been smart he would have quipped to the guy, "NO, she actally has 7!"
Do I have to many kids? We have 7 wonderful children in our his, mine, and ours bucket. Would I change having all these beautiful people? Kenneth is almost 23 and works for costco and is extremely talented in art. Keith is 20 and has an AA and leaving for CWU in a few weeks to be an accountant. He has over $15,000 saved for school after working full time the last couple of years so he doesn't have to take student loans. Kyle is 16 and a junior this year in high school. He Eagle Scout board of review is next week and then he will be officially an eagle scout. Brett is 10 and enjoys cub scouts, science, and being a good helper with our new baby. Ruby is 4 and is as smart as can be, Alora will be 3 tomorrow and she is so beautiful when she smiles and her eyes sparkle, and then we have little Ross who is 2 months and is named after his Uncle Ross, who would have turned 44 today. Ross has an engaging smile and loves to talk (if you knew Ross you totally understand that one!)
When I look at these kids, I can't imagine life without them. I think of the good they are and will do in this world. We are not welfare parents, we are not overpopulating the earth and we are not horrible people. We are two parents who are invested in our family. We prove this by living modestly, we do not recieve welfare. We prove this by holding weekly Family Home Evenings and Family Councils. We prove this by consistently having daily family prayer and scripture study. We prove this by paying our own medical insurance. We prove this by giving our children chores and teaching them the value of work. We prove this by teaching them correct principles and how to stand by them.
YES, I HAVE 7 FREAKING CHILDREN!!!!! AND YOU SHOULD BE GLAD I DO.
